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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  Belt chewer - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mr.Griz - January 22 - 1:10 pm

  Nice minivan, we purchased used making us 2nd owners, cant complain as far as comfort, cargo capacity and fuel economy. We averaged 19 mpg city and 25 highway. The biggest gripe we have is the fact that for some reason Dodges serpentine belt pulley design is flawed and chews up belts. Ill say this though, I was warned but decided to take a chance on Dodge but after having replaced belts 3 times in 9 months were trading her in.

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  Dodge the dart! - 2016 Dodge Dart
  By Jason Driver - January 21 - 12:06 pm

  This must be the most uncomfortable rental I have ever been handed the keys to! Had to have the wife drive couldnt get comfortable, bad back. Tried a pillow didnt help. Junk materials, headrest constantly pushes your head forward, isnt adjustable. Removed it and tossed it in the trunk. No wonder these POSs are just 16K. Gas millage is decent but it lacks any kind of wow. Youd be better off with a used make from a Japanese brand, which is killer to say because Im a Ford kind of guy! Haha, I wouldnt keep this if they gave it to me Id trade it in right away. If your renting and are over 55 150 pounds youll feel squashed ! Ask for another car or an upgrade because only short people would feel at home.

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  WE LOVE IT - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By SS - Nova Scotia - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 99 Voyeger (short version) to this 2001 GC. It is running well, quite comfortable ride. I purchased Chrysler extended warranty to have peace in mind. All ij our family (3 kids) love it.

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  New Hemi driver & lovin it! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By New Hemi driver - January 20 - 2:26 pm

  I was in the market for a new car. I had my sights set on a Corvette or Lexus.I test drove the Dodge Charger and immediately fell head over heels in love with it, I purchased it the next day. It has definitely put some more pizzaz into my life. I will always have fun driving it, and it is respected on the road. Lovin the Hemi..

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  500 $ every 6months in repair is routine - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By fannaba - January 19 - 9:36 am

  Performance is as expected from a minivan. frequent annoying problems are the major drawback. Breaks are soft, with below average stopping power. I love the space, the captain seats, and the dual air conditioning, with front, and back ducts.

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  I love this car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By daytonalover - January 16 - 12:20 am

  I just bought number 480 of 4000 top banana. I love this car. Had a Firebird that someone was kind enough to rear end and total. Best replacemant I could have gotten. The car is quick, comfortable, and a head turner. If I had the decision to make again, Id pick the same car.

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  SRT-4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Ryan Chorzempa - January 8 - 8:33 pm

  The raw amount of power this vehicle has in its small package is simply awesome. Never have I seen a stock torque curve in a car for around $20,000 like this one, and the upgrade options for the SRT-4 are also amazing. Consumers will love the fact that Mopar (Daimler-Chrysler parts division) produces factory upgrade kits for the vehicle. And in regards to the ever important fuel economy, you cannot beat a turbo I-4: Keep the vehicle out of boost when you are trying to conserve fuel and mash the throttle when you want to roast your tires. Simply put, this is the best car for its price.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By JON - January 8 - 12:00 am

  Went to the dealer for a hole in one sponsorship for a golf tourney, parts guy remembered that we had been there a year ago looking for a crossover, and asked if we had seen the journey. long story short, I saw it, loved it, called my wife to come down. She test drove it and told me that it was what she wanted. We had looked and driven many in the $26,000 and under range, and she only liked the Mazda Tribute, until the Journey that is. The journey drives great, and is comfortable. It is perfect for us. Controls are good, sound system is good, plenty of room and storage. After 1000 miles we average about 20.5 mi per gal. It is no speed demon, but as a family vehicle it is perfect for us.

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  first newer car - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By Robin Valencia - January 7 - 9:03 am

  I have had my car for 8 months now and love it. Except for the fact that apparently it doesnt like cold weather. I have to let it warm up for awhile when engine is cold or it stalls on me. It is a 2015 with 35000 on it.

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  Best vehicle weve ever had - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John - January 5 - 8:56 pm

  Sorry to read that some others dont share my opinion. We bought this Grand Caravan from a rental car company in May of 2000. It had 47,000 miles on it when we got it. It now has over 131,000, and has been nearly troublefree. From memory, the things weve had to fix: two speed sensors, one window regulator. Everything else has been normal wear and tear. Ive kept up with the factory maintenance schedule, and have changed the oil every 3K-4K miles. Just a week and a half ago we did a 900-mile round trip to attend an out-of-state wedding. Weve also made many trips to Florida, most recently this past summer. Its been a great van.