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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  So Disappointed... - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CivicSi2k - August 11 - 6:33 am

  For few years I asked myself when was Dodge going to change the minivan style 01-07, finally did in 08. So disappointed by Dodge by the design, power response, and gas mileage. As owner of 97 Grand Caravan Sport, I can say my 97 handles and get better gas mileage than the 08 model. The Stow-N- Go a plus. Having a handicap child with a wheel chair lots of room is a must. The 08 models lacks space. With my 97, I can place the wheelchair standing up without a problem. With the 08, I had to take it apart.

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  Love our van - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodge owner - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our van since new. Mostly reliable, and very comfortable. We have the 3.8 engine-had to have the block replaced at 6000 miles, dealer claims certain oil passages were not bored through on original. No problems since with the engine. Only minor problems since. Front wipers turn on for no reason sometimes. Difficult to converse on freeways because of interior noise. Luggage rack on roof contributes to this problem. But we love the space inside, hauls our kids and gear comfortably. My wife drives it in downtown Detroit, very rough roads, and no interior shakes,rattles, etc. Would buy another. Exterior paint still looks great after 5.5 years.

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  All of us - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By ArkAngel7376 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV,lots of room for my large family,comfortable to drive and looks good!

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  An Excellent Decision - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jerry Cahill - August 10 - 8:36 pm

  Second Dodge vehicle Ive purchased. I love the new Dodge Grand Caravan! The entertainment system is unsurpassed, with the MyGig System and the rear dual overhead DVD screens. The exterior styling is more masculine than the competition. 2nd and 3rd rows both still fold underneath, a great feature. Limited lifetime warranty on the powertrain for the original owner is priceless. Was about $3,000 to $4,000 less expensive than the Odyssey and Sienna for a comparably equipped vehicle, but those two cant touch the entertainment system. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive it. Thus far, we love the Caravan!

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  The Man Van - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By talib - August 9 - 2:20 pm

  Good attention grabber. Lots of power. Spacious interior cabin. Feels luxourious at cheaper price than the 300. Electronics are starting to act up at 4000 miles. Otherwise, no complaints besides gas mileage.

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  Good in crash - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Jessi - August 7 - 7:00 pm

  This car was great to drive, comfortable and affordable. No one wanted to test the crash test rating, but we did. We were rear-ended on the freeway going very fast. I think the car did a great job absorbing the impact and the fact that my husband, my dog and myself are still around is the testimony.

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  Love our Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jonnie - August 5 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, but we both love to drive it! We havent had it very long yet, but we are still having that "new car" experience. The handling is amazing for a relatively heavy rear-drive car. Steering is quick and very little effort is required. We especially like the features such as lumbar support for both front seats, power adjustable brake and gas pedals, and a very versatile rear loading configuration. The electronic stability program gives the rear drive a much better feeling of control on slippery surfaces. Braking is outstanding. The drive is smooth and solid, thanks to the 120" wheelbase. We havent yet assessed the gas mileage, but it seems to be as advertised.

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  DONT BUY!!!!!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By AAWWWW - August 4 - 8:00 pm

  Please take my word for it, DO NOT BUY A DODGE CARAVAN, OR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN! We had nothing but trouble since day one. Electrical, transmission, motor, and steering linkage problems!!! Thank God for warranties. The transmission started shifting extremely hard, the motor started running very rough (the dealership even had trouble figuring out what the problem was), electric windows stopped working, electric door locks stopped working, and they had to replace the steering linkage. It only had 35,000 miles on it, and it was a 2005. We sold this junk, and bought a Chevy Suburban. Ill gladly pay a little extra for gas, and have something reliable for a change.!!!

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  My New Journey Is In !!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rockfsh32 - August 4 - 10:16 am

  My loaded R/T finally arrived on 02Mar09!!! - beautiful. After thinking I wanted an SXT, my wife convinced me to move up to the R/T, its great! Much nicer interior, and the subtle chrome is a nice touch. This car drives/rides like a dream. Eats up the bumps and road noise. The leather seats are surprisingly comfortable. Love the satellite radio, dont know how I lived without it if for all these years. I havent noticed any of the problems people have been complaining about on other feedback sites. Im getting used to the stereo location. I think it would have been more distracting if it were up higher (thats why I didnt get GPS). Well so far so good. Ill report more as I log more miles.

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  I love this car. - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By 06 RT - August 3 - 10:20 am

  This car makes owning a four door fun. It is comfortable and roomy, but fast and is a blast to drive. Its a real head turner. I have received nothing but compliments from people about it. I have always loved the classic Chargers and when Dodge brought out the new one with four doors I was honestly a bit disapointed. After driving one my disapointment turned into anticipation to pick one up... I bought it that day.