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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  Great Family Van, or "Travelwagon". - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By s_matthews05 - April 19 - 10:21 am

  We bought our 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE used in 2011 with 90,000 miles on the odometer for our trip to Nauvoo. That van was the best vehicle for driving to Nauvoo! We were able to fit all of our luggage, etc. in the van with absolutely no problem (one seat removed). In 2012, we drove to Yellowstone National Park and the van performed very well. Some reviewers say that the 3.3L V6 is somewhat underpowered, but it performed well for us. We have had some issues, though. We did have to replace the brakes, and the power steering reservoir. Overall, we enjoyed the van until it was totaled in an accident. Its since been replaced with an 07 T&C LX Stow n Go that is even better! Highly recommended

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  My second Gen 3 Dakota...for a reason - 2007 Dodge Dakota
  By tms1521 - April 19 - 7:28 am

  This is my second Gen 3 Dakota. I previously had a 06 ST Club Cab. But it was time for an upgrade...and I made the right choice. I have the V8 so with gas prices the way they are, it is not favorable. But it is a great truck. It is rugged, comfortable and has plenty of power. I highly recommend this truck!

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  not to bad - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By marc_usmc - April 18 - 7:51 pm

  I had to have this car as soon as I saw it. It does tend to have a lot of belt and O2 sensor problems but after 160k and lots of racing and double clutching my tranny is in perfect condition you get out of it what you put into on if you take care of It you dont have too many problems. The most expensive thing I did to it was replace a control arm. But it is very hard to find custom parts for it I had to fabricate some stuff my self. And it gets horrible gas mileage. The turbocharged es has some serious balls though

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  Turning against me - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By genxp - April 18 - 11:41 am

  I bought this new, paid off and still driving it, has about 200,000 clicks to it. Most trouble Ive had with it are emergency brake locking my rear wheel, once. Brakes locking on cylinder when parked for extended period, a week, while on vacations. Recently replace power steering hose and sway bar. Most trouble is with brakes. Replaced timing belt, power steering, tires, and still enjoy owning it. First time new also recall having trouble with rain pooling on the rear passenger floor. Trouble was

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  my new caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By dee - April 17 - 11:06 pm

  I like my caliber very much. Lots of room in the front, back has as much room as larger cars. Firm secure ride-- takes bumps well, seats are comfortable, and sit high. great gas mileage, good pick-up. Would buy this car again-no problem.

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  Yeah its got a Hemi.. - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Hemis-Rock - April 17 - 1:04 am

  I searched high and low for a car that met all my expectations for 7 months, when finally the Daytona Spec charger made eyes with me. It was love at first drive. Performance is blistering on the straights. The car needs wider wheels/tires at least at the back because the torque when gunned is overwhelming for the stock set up. Interior materials are average American at best, but this is not why I purchased the car. The mighty 5.7 V8 Hemi is a heart stopper, the feeling of unequal ecstasy and exhilaration when this bad boy is revving high is what legends are made of. Go out and buy one now!

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  Face-lift for the American Auto Industry - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By ABauer03 - April 16 - 3:12 am

  The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the sexiest new models on the market right now. It had an immediate impact from the time it was unveiled as a concept car in 2006 and continues to be one of the most anticipated cars of the year. Dodge needs to capitalize on the endless opportunities with this model and set the pace for reinventing the modern American muscle car. Dodge should play off two versions of this car. Have one "Big Baller" V8 model with an MSRP of just under $40,000 and a more affordable "Economized" version with a V6 at around $25,000. Dodge can capitalize on the SRT8 if they realize the popular demand for this car...

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  Most amazing car for the Money I spent - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By ACR SRT-4 - April 13 - 11:36 pm

  I must say I was recently in the market for a new car. I could not decide what I wanted I went back and forth between cars I was looking at the Subaru sti and the evo MR until I had spoken to a friend and he advised me to look at an SRT-4. I didnt even know what they were at the time. I did some research and found out a lot about them. So needless to say last fall in sept of 07 I purchased my srt- 4. I got it used but I must say it was taken care of very well I bought the 2005 ACR SRT-4 with the acr seats and wider tires and to this day I must say this is probably one of the best cars you can buy for you money. amazing performance and everything else.

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  great car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By H Harris - April 13 - 7:56 pm

  Love the car as a daily driver with the performance of a sports car! Almost as much fun to drive as my Mustang GT convertible. The gas mileage is good on a trip..

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  will never ever buy again! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By middletown n.y. - April 12 - 6:36 pm

  After 36,000 miles transmission went. Dealer fixed, went again, dealer fixed, went again dealer replaced. 6 months later transmission hose is leaking, EGR went, engine light on. Front suspension bushings gone no offroading so it squeaks all the way home, oh 1 more thing drivers side window just stopped working. Very bad investment!