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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  A great ride, but not reliable - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jdryer - December 25 - 12:16 am

  I bought this van at a year old with only 29,000 miles on it. I can say this is one of the most comfortable autos Ive ever owned and there have been quite a few. But as for reliability, not so good an auto. When I bought the van it had a noise from the engine that sounded like a cricket. After many attempts the dealership replaced one of the pulleys and that fixed that. Ive had to replace steering gear, at total repair charge of $605, at 46,895 miles. Ive had an off and on oil leak. Now at 62,000 miles I seem to be having transmission "issues". Wish me luck on that one. Overall, would I buy another Dodge Caravan? Yes, but only if the dealership throws in an extended warranty.

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  Do not purchase!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bestmommy - November 28 - 3:46 am

  I was expecting our 4th child, so we need a van. By 38,000 miles we had put $2100 worth of work into our van. Some was "normal wear": brakes and 4 new tires. I have never had to put brakes and tires on a car before 50,000 miles. Usually closer to 75,000 for brakes. The front axle broke, the water pump cracked, the check engine light and the oil light repeatedly come on. It drinks oil like crazy. I have to replace about 3-4 quarts between oil changes (which we do every 3,000 miles). There are lots of "small" plastic items that have broken off inside of the van. I will not own a Dodge again.

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  They should have tested it more first! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitroglyceride - November 24 - 12:03 am

  No one can say that the Nitro isnt sharp as can be in the looks department. It is quite the head turner, but as another wrote.. thats where the good ends. I have had several new cars over the years, yet none in the model releases first year. The 2007 Nitro is a prime example of why homework is important. They have many issues with this vehicle that they cant or wont address. It rides very roughly, the transmission feels like its constantly searching for whatever gear its in, the headliner squeaks against the underside of the roof, it has electrical issues that cause operations to fail, and it is cramped feeling inside. I traded a PT Cruiser for it, so go figure? Please fix mine..

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  My $.02 - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Greg - November 12 - 4:10 pm

  This van has the potential to be awesome! It drives great, handles well, and hauls all the kidd-os with room to spare for all the extras. The integrated child seats are the best! Heres where my enthusiasm ends... The first transmission was replaced at 35K miles.Other failed items include the idler pulley on the serpentine fanbelt, front brake replacment at 45K, Front wheelbearing failure at 50K, Power steering pump failure at 50K, second transmission shifting hard into 1st on deceleration at 50K. Several recalls have been issued on this van. Dodge not covering much of anything on the extended warranty... So much for a certified used vehicle

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  Dont buy one - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By morticiahobbs - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It is in the shop every other month for something different. Loose wires, catalytic converter, ignition, name it and it goes wrong. I wont buy another one and as soon as I can I will trade this one in. I cant trust it to get me anywhere.

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  Poor Quality! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Caravan Lemon - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Transmission of my 2000 Grand Caravan broke down at 75K KM. 2K to fix it. Chrysler should be shame of its quality.

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  Stay Away - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By No Way dont do it - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Dont do it. Listen to me. I drove this van for 75,000 miles. I Will Not buy a Dodge again. Had the deductable warranty but it doesnt pay for loss time taking it to the dealer, towing, or looking stupid by asking for a lift to pick-up the van again. I went through a transmition every 12,000- 20,000 miles. They put a brand new one in every time. I could not take it out of town in fear I would get stuck. I bought this van brand new. Even ordered it with the 3.8l engine, trans cool and block heater. I never towed anything heaver than a bike carrier. Stay away, stay away!!

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  Bad choice... - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By RSTENN - October 12 - 6:40 pm

  This car is very comfortable, and has a nice feeling to drive, but it is extremely unsafe, the visibility on this thing is the worst of any car Ive ever driven.

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  Stay Away - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Disgruntled - October 6 - 7:40 am

  The worst vehicle I have ever owned. Been to the Dodge service department 18 times in the past 18 months. 40,000 miles and on 4th set of front brake rotors. Dealer cannot figure our why brakes wear out so quickly and told us that the brake parts are made softer so they dont squeal. Whatever! Have motorized side and rear doors. All motors have been replaced at least once. I purchased the largest extended warranty and already used it 3 times in 4000 miles. Cant wait to get rid of this one and will never purchase another Chrysler product again. I was hoping the merger with Mercedes would increase quality, but thats not the case. Dodge has great looking cars, but cant overcome poor build quality.

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  Brake Issue - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TMN - September 22 - 6:33 pm

  I bought this car because of our expanding family; I regret it! I have had the van in the shop 3 times going on 4 for pulsating brakes. The rotors on this vehicle are terrible in the front and rear! The fronts have been replaced and the rear ones cut down. I bought this vehicle for the dependability and safety. Its not dependable if it has been in the shop going on 4 times in 6 months. I would not buy another dodge caravan or reccomend it to family or friends if asked.