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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  fun - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By marylola - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my dodge grandcaravan se. My only regret is that i didnt buy it sooner. I think dodge did a great job and i got what i wanted.

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  Sharpies SRT 4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Mommie Dearest - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My SRT 4 has lived up to my expectations. Ordinary driving I am getting about 24 MPG. However, zoomy driving it drops to under 20 rather quickly. I have had more people look at and comment about this car than any car I have ever owned (both young and old). I am 51 years old and I think it is fanastic! Its very compfortable, stylish, fast, feels safe and is just plain fun! No more worries about getting onto the interstate fron an onramp! Believe me!

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  Poor Gas Milage - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Mike Garren - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was rated at about 26 miles per gallon, I have not been able to get above 20 MPG and that was when I never let it go above 2500 RPM.. so very slow starts..and then it only hit 20MPG, avg since I have had it is about 17 MPG. Very poor for small car with 4 cyl engine. I get 25 with my V-6 Chevy S-10 Pick-up 1993 model.

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  Dakota Quad cab 4x4 slt plus W/4.7 mag 8 - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Scarecrow - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck! I opted for the 4.7 magnum V8. It has plenty of power. But I whish it got a little better gas mileage. Maybe if it didnt have all wheele drive it would do a little better. Although I havent had it for a winter yet. I think I will be glad I got the all Wheel drive.

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  Never Again - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Amber - July 22 - 2:46 am

  I purchased a dodge caliber used with only 19,000 miles in Feb. 2008. In June 2008 i noticed my car makeing a knocking noise when accelerateing or slowing down at this time the car only had 33,000 miles on it so it was still covered under warranty. So I took it to a dodge dealer here in this area and they checked it out and told me there was nothing wrong with it. I didnt agree so i took it to another dodge dealer the next week and they said nothing was wrong with it. So i gave up and of course the warranty went out and it is still making that noise well i took it to another mechnic and he told me that it was the transmission. And Im a single mother and i cant afford $2500 to fix it!

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  What a piece of junk!!! - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Unhappy owner - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My model is the Sport. In the 4 yrs that Ive had this vehicle, Ive had to replace the brakes (at 25,000 mi), replace battery TWO times, replace defective (Michelin)(tires caused steering wheel to shake & vibrate)-I was told by dealer there was a recall and to take them to a Michelin dealer who told me that theyd replace the tires but I had to pay a good amount for the replacement tires, van has developed oil leak that will cost $1,000 to repair, transmission needed repairing-- these are only a few of the problems Ive had with it -- NEVER AGAIN!!!! No more Chrysler products for me.

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  Love this truck - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By menohavaname - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Durango. I have a 99 SLT w/ the 5.9 . The ride is smooth and comfortable. The power always seems to be on tap, especially when your crusing around 55mph. The only problem Ive had was an oil leak problem with it at 25k miles (which has been fixed), but havent had any other problems beyond that.

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  Dreamy Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By vtzeta - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Durango because of its body styling, power, and roominess. It offers tons of room for 5 adults and 1 car seat when the optional 3rd row is in position. Me and 6 of my friends took a road trip from VA to FL. It drove like a dream through mountainous terrain, rain, and snow for approx 2k miles. The only thing I dislike about the Durango is the "half" bench on the 3rd row of seats. Its not the most comfortable seat for 2k miles but for short distances it fills its purpose. With a full sized 3rd row, this would be the absolute best vehicle anyone could buy This is the best vehicle! Bravo Dodge!

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  Great truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By DerrickH - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I just smashed my dakota, I hit a person in the wrong at 45 mph. I walked away. I had a regular cab 4.7 v8 5spd with 3.92 and anti-spin. Cheap insurance and a truck that ran 14.8 in a quater mile stock! I will get another one since this one was totaled. No problems ever.;

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  My 1st compact truck in a decade! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Porsche4U - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My Dakota has the 4.7 engine and this "fuels" my only complaint. POOR gas mileage. Its even worse than my 2500HD Chevy truck with a 6 liter engine. We currently own a Mercedes 320, BMW M3, Porsche C4S and the Chevy mentioned above. My Dakota is as good as anything Ive got and lots of fun to drive. I will update this information as I accumulate miles and work on the gas mileage with less restrictive intake and exaust. For now I would definitely recommend this truck! PS: I had to rate "reliability" to be able to submit this review, but havent had it long enough to make true comments about this.