Overview & Reviews

One of America's most storied automotive brands, Dodge has been around since the early days of the auto industry. In the past couple of decades, it has revitalized itself to be a producer of aggressively styled and performance-oriented vehicles.

Two brothers, Horace and John Dodge, began the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company in 1914, after having worked as manufacturers of bicycles and automotive parts. Their first vehicle was a touring car that proved a fast favorite with car buyers; it was soon joined by a roadster and a four-door sedan. By 1917, the company's model line had grown to include trucks. Dodge cars and trucks were used as staff vehicles and ambulances in World War I.

Dodge was briefly owned by a banking firm and subsequently sold by its new owner to the Chrysler Corporation in 1928. From there, the brand slowly evolved into the division responsible for trucks and performance-oriented cars. Post WWII, Dodge introduced vehicles like the military-inspired Power Wagon truck, Hemi-powered Coronet and the Royal Lancer; in addition, the manufacturer began offering dealer-installed air-conditioning.

Vehicles like the Dodge Dart and the Coronet kept the manufacturer in American driveways throughout the 1960s. That decade also saw the launch of one of Dodge's most iconic vehicles, the Charger. Dodge's muscle car was based on the Coronet platform, and featured a fastback roof line, hidden headlamps and a full-width taillamp panel. Best of all, the Charger could pack one heck of a wallop under the hood. A 318-cubic-inch V8 was standard, but buyers seeking maximum brawn could upgrade to a 426-cubic-inch, 425-hp Hemi V8. The company also introduced a Mustang-fighting pony car, called the Challenger, in 1970.

As with other American auto manufacturers, Dodge's fortunes started to slip in the '70s due to changing tastes and increased competition. The company was saved from extinction in the early '80s thanks to government loans and the sales success of its Omni and Aries economy cars (the former an attempted copy of the VW Rabbit). But 1984 was when Dodge made its mark in the history books with the introduction of the wildly popular Caravan. Ideal for families and able to seat up to seven, the space-efficient Caravan started a whole new vehicle segment -- the minivan.

The early '90s saw the company wow the public with the V10-powered Viper roadster and an all-new Ram pickup that set a new standard for big-rig-like styling. A few years later, Dodge came to be part of DaimlerChrysler, a result of the merger of the German company Daimler (owner of Mercedes-Benz) and Chrysler.

The merger never really worked, however, and Daimler sold Chrysler and Dodge to a private equity firm in 2007. Soon after, America's economy slid into recession. Due to poor sales and debt, Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy. The federal government intervened and eventually Dodge came under control of Fiat, a European automaker known for its small cars, an area where Dodge's entries had been roundly criticized for mediocre build quality and unrefined performance.

More recent years have seen Dodge concentrate on the more practical vehicles in its lineup, making notable improvements to the performance and overall quality of its midsize Avenger sedan and Journey SUV entries. Dodge also spun off its truck line, making it a separate Ram brand. But make no mistake; Dodge is still considered Chrysler's performance division thanks to cars like the Challenger and Charger. Time will tell how successful Dodge's latest makeover is.

User Reviews:

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  Dakota is a great truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Scotar - March 7 - 1:27 am

  V8 is a necessity, a lot of power with it. Interior is very comfortable. Ride and handling are very good with new tires, just good with worn tires. This vehicle is terrible in 2 wheel drive on snow and rain for accler. Fuel economy is the worst for this size truck. I avg 13 mpg and nothing is wrong with the truck. Infinity stereo sounds pretty good as stock. After 30K miles I have not had a single problem. I have had 1700 lbs in the bed several times with no problem.

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  Lemon. - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By navywife06 - March 6 - 4:11 pm

  We purchased our Dodge Grand Caravan Crew on May 22 (the day before my husband left for Iraq). We have barely had it 2 months and for the last 7 days it has been in the shop (second time since we purchased it). *Check engine light came on at aprx 1500/2000 miles *Traction control light comes on for no reason, even when just starting the vehicle *The ignition gets "stuck" when you stop turning the key, it keeps trying to start *The gas pedal quit responding to me while driving with my 3 children on the interstate- very DANGEROUS *My son got stuck in the rear seat belt and it wouldnt unlock- had to cut him out *Not important but if you have kids (minivan usually = kids) interior color is bad

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  Decent, but unreliable - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Familyman - March 6 - 1:25 pm

  We purchased this car to provide room for our growing family. It was a good price and offered decent features. However, in one year, the car was in the shop three different times to fix problems with sensors and the transmission. It is unreliable and beware the time when your warranty runs out. Im afraid we will have to dig into our pockets too much before it is paid off. My suggestion, find a minivan that has proven reliability.

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  Great Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Nora - March 6 - 2:57 am

  I have had this car since 1998. I bought it with 18K miles on it and since then have put on loads of miles, in fact I just turned 100K this week. I have had no major problems with this car. Just the regular tune ups and repairs that would be normal for any car with miles (brakes, batteries etc) This is the only car I have ever had that I am not tired of after driving it for 4 years in fact I would seriously consider another Stratus when I need a new car.

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  Looks and Feels Great But Quality Sucks - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Schmutte - March 5 - 1:28 pm

  This truck starts falling apart at the seems after 50K miles. It drives great and is very comfortable, but poor quality. THANKS UAW!!!! The UAW has turned me off from ever buying another American car.

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  Best value in a used car - 1991 Dodge Spirit
  By ddair - March 5 - 1:11 am

  Bought used in 1999. Had only 54k miles when purchased. 4 cyl, auto, has performed well and has been driven 50 k in last 3 years. Repairs have been a new battery, brakes and tires. This car is underrated and can be purchased for half to one third the price of a Honda.

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  Spirit good value - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By ddair - March 5 - 12:59 am

  Bought two used Dodge Spirits in past 3 years. This one a V6, auto, basic model with 83k miles. Has been trouble free for 13000 miles and was a good value at $3000.00.

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  Great Car, but now Ive got a baby - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Kim - March 4 - 9:44 pm

  I loved this car, but just had a baby and got a 4-door sedan (NOT a mini-van). I knew I couldnt keep driving a sports car, but didnt want to become a soccer-mom just yet. I wish I could have kept the Avenger.

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  lot for the $ - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By roger c - March 4 - 7:29 pm

  We have a big family, so I needed a vehicle that would seat 6, but did not want a 2nd minivan or big boat. I wanted something with the room but still fun to drive. Quickly narrowed the search to the Impala, Bonneville and Intrepid. After long test drives, the Intrepid seemed the obvious choice. Great styling, good handling, fairly powerful engine. Its been dependable and for the price, you cant find a car that gives you more.

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  A good family car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By nthurber - March 4 - 3:44 pm

  The Intrepid so far seems to be a excellent buy, Handling and power are nice and the ride is excellent. Road noise from the tires at times can be a little loud but not a big deal. On sundays this car transports 4 adults and 1 child without a problem, there is plenty of room. Parking this car can be a trick sometimes though and backing up isnt always a treat, but with that aside it has proven to be a excellent buy. Just wish it had ABS standard