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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  Used to like it... - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Julie - May 22 - 10:30 pm

  I originally loved my bright orange Neon SXT, but the thing has had nothing but problems since we bought it. Right now we are trying to figure out why the engine keeps sputtering and cutting out which, upon further research, is common in Neons. The fabric interior shows every wet mark that ever hits it and the car, both inside and outside, scratches and damages very easily. I love the look and color of my car, but that it about all anymore. Im going to get rid of it the next chance I get.

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  2001 Caravan Sport - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By dt - May 22 - 4:57 pm

  Roomy, comfortable on trips, adequate performance, mostly trouble free. First vacuum leak (CEL code for large evap system leak) took it to a dealer and cost $1k. Second vacuum leak (same code) I did some online research, found the bad hose, and fixed it myself for $6.00. My sense is the dealer has overcharged for everything Ive had done there, they treat female customers like idiots, and I will not return. Power steering noise around 100k. Researched online and found the "full" line on the Power Steering tank is wrong - added a little fluid and its been fine for 30k+

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  Yankee Plumbers 1994 Dakota Truck - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By Yankee - May 22 - 4:27 pm

  We purchased used in 1996 with 45,000 on it. It has been dependable and easy for the Mrs. to drive. It handles well. It has in the last two years started to peal paint. The Mrs. feels safe in this vehicle. We both like the size of the vehicle. I am not a tall man and it was "just right" to get to my tools in the back. I like the fact that I can Lock up the more expensive tools in the cab and especially that the rain can not rust the tools while inside.

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  Made it faster! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hugh - May 21 - 8:23 am

  Cut of the restricters at rear end, and gained 35 more HP! Removed the Boston Premium sound system and replaced the entire system with Eclips. Fuel milage is fantastic, averaging 25 MPG as I drive from 1800 feet up to 5000 feet on Sunday and back down on Friday every week. Also doing approximatelly 1500 miles per month from Scottsdale Az to Sadona Az. Best car for the money I paid, and I have a BMW Z4, Porsche Turbo and 1976 TR6.

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  I love my Caravan - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By MikeyP - May 20 - 8:46 pm

  We purchased our Caravan Sport as a primary vehicle for our growing family. Over the past 4.5 years of owning it, it has never had a mechanical breakdown other than normal wear items (battery died in the 3rd year). We had one issue with the A/C system, which was caused by an improperly completed service on the climate controls. That was only a concern because Florida living requires 100% A/C reliability. The vehicle is strong, stable, and runs my 5 member family everywhere we need to go. We have even used it to tow a 2500 pound boat with no issues. Given the opportunity, I would buy another one without hesitation. It may be a soccer mobile, but it fits its job nicely.

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  Satisfied - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Dodger - May 20 - 12:35 pm

  I have owned my Durango for 18 months with no problems. I also own a grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7 2006. Both are excellent vehicles but if you are going on a long trip the Durango is the way to travel. People always comment on the mileage but I have yet to see a vehicle with the toughness and comfort and good looks these have that get good mileage. If you want safety and Peace of mind in a vehicle I suggest an SUV. Try putting 5 people and their luggage in a econobox, and see how you feel after a day of driving.

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  Average - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By JBARRI - May 19 - 3:46 pm

  Since purchase, Ive had no major problems but a few concerns. The 1-2 shift is harsh when cold, a slight whistle sound from the AC system and the glaring lack of a rear AC vent for a vehicle of this size annoys me. Gas mileage hovers at 21MPG but only when driven like a baby carriage. Everything else is fine and Im impressed considering the price I paid.

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  And It Keeps Going... - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By G V - May 17 - 10:49 pm

  My husband and I have had our Intrepid for 7 years now and we have enjoyed it thoroughly. It is a 3.2 L and we have not (thank the Lord) had an expensive maintenance record. It is the only car on the road that we have seen still on the road, besides the VW bug. The paint job isnt my favorite, but I love, love, love the trunk size and the room it provides me with four of us.

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  Love This Vehicle - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By PD - May 15 - 4:29 pm

  Never had a problem with my Durango, but did have to have a brake job at 30,000. Change the oil every 3,000 miles and keep it garaged. MPG is 12, wish it were better, but I still love my Durango. I feel safe in it. Had a bad front end crash with it a few years ago (other vehicle slid into my lane) and came out with no injuries. When the truck hit, it hid solid. Maybe I just got lucky.

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  inequity - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Harry - May 14 - 4:25 pm

  Bought my magnum last year for $27,500. Paid down loan to $22,500 today its worth $11,000