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:

• 

  Good Van - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 2rd dodge - February 5 - 8:30 pm

  Overall it was a descent van with OK features. Seats were more comfortable then the new Dodge stow and go ones. Good amount of storage when 3rd row seat is moved forward.

• 

  Neon SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By George Russo - February 5 - 3:46 pm

  Its a great car for commuting. Comfortable with the pep that you need. I would definitely recomend this for a first car or for someone that drives a good distance for work. I like the 6 disk changer in the dash and the sound system, even though it could go a little louder.

• 

  Were there already? - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By shipo - February 5 - 3:03 pm

  The driving dynamics of this van are very similar to the ones I wrote about for our 1998. The only real differences are the more powerful engine at higher RPMs, the slightly better gas mileage and the higher seating position for the driver (not a good thing). This van is pretty much a fully optioned van with DVD video system, Infiniti audio, leather, adjustable pedals, power doors and other goodies. With the DVD system, our kids often ask "Are we there already?" after one of our frequent 5 hour trips to the NYC area. Geez, what a pleasure.

• 

  Awesome on gas - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By chosenone - February 5 - 1:20 pm

  This car is awesome on gas. I drive a total of 90 miles round trip. I leave home on a full tank and return on a full tank. My last car I was putting gas in 3 times a week. Now I only have to put gas in once. My Caliber also rides so good its like a mini luxury car. I love the hands free. I could go on but take a test drive for yourself .

• 

  Neons rock! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Lis - February 4 - 11:23 pm

  Im one of those who must own a car every three years. All but one have been Neons, and the latest is definitely the best. Noise level is drastically reduced. Gas mileage is excellent. Its wide wheel base hugs curves beautifully. Its pep makes it so much fun to drive! You think its small engine cant do much, but hit the interstate and take it to 70mph, and youll see it really get up and go. Theres still some road noise, but the awesome stereo takes care of that. The recent exterior redesign makes it look sharper than ever, and I love my cars electric blue color. Its a great car for a low price!

• 

  Still own it, but will not buy another - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Doug - February 4 - 3:20 pm

  Many, many, many problems with brakes over the years. Filed a complaint in the early years, but Chrysler/Dodge did not seem to care and did very little. Probably will not buy another Chrysler/Dodge just due to their lack of care and fair reliability

• 

  Greatest Minivan! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Cindy123 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the minivan for everyone. I did alot of research, and comparing (13 Dealerships!) The van is far better than any other on the market right now. And with the rebates...Wow! Bergeys Dodge (The dealership I bought at) and the sales person Tom Frack, was very helpful. Grand Caravan 100% Dealership 100% Salesperson 100%

• 

  Great car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By bestfr - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car that I have bought. Gas mileage is great. I have more comments on great the exterior looks. Glad I purchase this terrific car

• 

  Great Reliable Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By JSandPC - February 3 - 7:23 pm

  Im usually not a "small" car guy, but the Dodge Caliber gives me everything I was looking for. Fuel mileage is a plus, and I still feel like Im in an SUV. I buy a new car every couple of years. This is the first new car I have purchased that I have not had any mechanical complaints with. Usually, when I buy a new car, there are noises or just something that stands out that concerns me about future reliability. This car just does what I want it to do...start every time and drive without little glitches.

• 

  Happy Caliber owner - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By VeroWing - February 2 - 3:33 am

  After seeing ads on TV for new Dodge Calibers, we (wife and I) decided to go check them out. They offered good fuel mileage(we routinely get high 20s), plenty of cargo space, and good looks. We have just passed 45,000 miles on our Caliber, and we are very happy with our purchase. First set of tires (Firestone) were just replaced with better riding (General Altimax HP), although I could have gotten a few thousand more miles from the originals. Other than new tires and occasional oil/filter changes(5,000 miles), car has not had any problems at all. Still looks good,and performs like new. Very reliable car. Only complaint is that armrests are hard and uncortable. Overall,very happy!