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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  Family & Fun Without the Oversize SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Icee - July 16 - 3:36 am

  The Dodge Magnum is in a class all by it self. The drive is quiet and comfortable and the gas mileage I get is good. The kids love the look and the comfort of the ride as well as the 6 CD changer MP3 and the sounds the speakers give, as well the satellite radio for everyone. Speaking of comfort, the leather seats, and the dual heated seated in the front are great. This car feels and drives better than the best SUV on the market.

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  What an Upgrade! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By STLsparks - July 16 - 1:56 am

  Previously drove a 2004 Grand Caravan and this car blows its doors off. Terrific improvements in almost every aspect and I cant say enough how much Ive enjoyed this car in the first few weeks of ownership. Tons of compliments from everyone who sees it and we had the choice between the 2008 Grand caravan and the 2007 Odyssey LX (for about the same price) and to us it was no contest. 4.0 engine is a nice upgrade and they made the ride much more car-like (and quieter) compared to our prior Caravan.

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  Regret - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By swade - July 16 - 12:13 am

  I had my car for a year and started having issues with it. It gets terrible gas milage. Had to have new break and rotors, new water pump, now the heater is being fixed. Not to mention all the "little" issues. Worste car I have ever purchased. The gas milage is terrible. Nothing like the sticker in the window when I bought it. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Chris - July 13 - 5:16 am

  I have been looking for a new midsize car for the last few months and have been to every dealer we have in town here. This is the only care that stirred any emotional response from me and it did that very well. I drove the SXT and the R/T, the R/T is defiantly the way to go if you like spirited driving. I have only had the car a few weeks but I havenÂ’t found any thing to regret this buy. I really recommend this car for anyone shopping in the midsize market that wants to stand out and have fun doing so.

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  Easy on a daily commute - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By ricoy - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought an SXT 2003. Great to drive on a daily basis. Mileage could be better. Gas tank should be bigger! I have not been able to put more than 9 gallons of gas.(or maybe it is my Neon only). Great sund system.

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  Regrets and Concerns - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MDShea - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the van used with 54,000 documented well cared for and maintained miles. Transmission was replaced at 44,000 miles - I thought ok, I have a van with the bugs worked out. Within two weeks it cost me $900 for a computer and auto stick handle! This van scares the bucks out of my wallet. Now I have a metalic sound when the van idles that concerns me. Beautiful van FOR SALE!

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  Very Disappointed.......... - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jcarndt - July 11 - 5:52 am

  Purchased new in July of 2012. . I owned a 99 Caravan Sport and it was great. This one is not. When I test drove this one it seemed pretty good. Smooth ride, very quiet, lots of power. 60 days after purchase, the front brakes started squealing. Fixed by dealer. 60 days later, I noticed a clattering/rubbing sound from engine compartment at low speed. Frequency of the noise increased and decreased in time with RPMs. Dealer service manager said it was "normal" for that model year, and they have no idea what it is. So Im screwed. Clunking/rattling from rear end, one of the heater controls has stopped working. Less than 5000 miles, and it sounds and feels like an old truck...... never again

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  Best care ever! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By kellymedley@gmail.com - July 9 - 7:19 pm

  I have driven Mercades, BMW, and Lexus, even though this isnt a luxury car it drives and handles just as well. It is very sturdy and quality. I love this car!

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  We Got Stranded! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By branaska - July 9 - 3:56 pm

  While returning to our home from an out-of-town gathering we stopped about 50 miles from home for refreshments. When we got back in the car the headlights failed to work. Using the flashers only we managed to find a motel for the night. The next day we returned home to find a dealer that did absolutely nothing to help us out. Im very disappointed in both the vehicle and the dealership. By the way, the vehicle has less than 5000 miles on it.

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  Too much hype - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Ethan - July 6 - 9:50 pm

  Overall Im not very happy with my Nitro. My biggest complaint is the road noise. With my work I have driven most every new vehicle on the market, and the Nitro has far and above the most road noise. Not a lot more plastic than other SUVs, but definitly feels and looks cheaper. It gives it almost a hard feel. Mechanicly no complaints, enough power, etc. Fuel economy isnt great, but then thats not why I drive an SUV.