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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  Not for the faint of heart - 2008 Dodge Viper
  By Jason - February 17 - 9:53 pm

  This is probably the most extreme car I have ever owned. The acceleration of this car is unbelievable, and the attention it receives rivals that of any other exotic car I have seen. The fuel economy average I have seen is about 13mpg, and getting into and out of the car is not very easy, but other than that, I dont see why this car could not be a daily driver. I will definitely have at least 12,000 miles a year on this car.

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  Love my Mopar - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Love MOPAR - February 15 - 2:08 pm

  We bought this with 23,000 miles and now it has 96,000, and I must say I love my Mopar. Its true gas mileage needs a lot of work. But hey... it holds all 5 kids and the wife. It pulls the boat like there isnt anything behind it. Had the sterio replaced along with the speakers, and now we rock out, driving down the road. This truck has never left us stranded. There was never a time I would wonder if shed start. Very reliable, 318 power plant cant be beat. Gone across country 3 times on a whims notice, never once had any issue. Set the cruise control to 85 and eased down the road, though we stopped several times for gasoline. I will drive her til she cant go anymore.

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  Comfort and Power - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Great Ride - February 13 - 12:20 pm

  I bought the 00 Dakota Quad cab with its 5.9L V8 in November of 2000, brandnew with 140 miles on the ODO. Ive since put 60000m on the truck without any major issues. Heated sideview mirrors were replaced under warranty. Right side passanger widow regulator died and had to be replaced. Recent leak in the cooling system fixed with a hose replacement. Otherwise this truck has performed wonderfully for the past 8 years. Ive pulled a boat, 5 people and the bed filled with camping gears over the pass with no problems. Ive hauled 50 foot of fencing material, tons of gravel, you name it. This is the family truck to own. Its also stylish enough that wife and I drive it to the opera and ballet.

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  Love this SUV - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Charger2 - February 13 - 1:38 am

  I bought this car for its space. I have 3 kids so it works great. gas mileage isnt to great but it does what I need it to do. Although for buying with 120,000 miles, Id say it was perfect. I would definitely buy again, preferably newer next time.

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  My review - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By dodge intrepid - February 12 - 11:50 am

  This car drives really good. Most of the miles are highway miles. I enjoy driving this car all the time.

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  Great car - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By PaulV - February 8 - 10:05 pm

  I wanted a sporty, powerful, low CG car, able to pull a small trailer, and haul lots of stuff. This was the only one under $50K. I recently completed a 4000 mi roadtrip and it was great.... very comfortable (Im 64"), and it didnt even downshift going up mountain passes. The lifetime powertrain warranty & multidisplacement engine were big pluses. The high intensity headlights are great turn night into day. I think the interior is ugly 5 different colors... bad try at a retro look, but Im getting over it. The visibility isnt good, and made worse by heavy window tinting. The trailer package didnt come with a hitch or wiring. The my gig system works well great sound.

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  Sporty yet Classy - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Generichandle - February 6 - 5:16 pm

  I just bought a used 2005 Dodge Stratus R/T Coupe 3.0L V6 automatic. It had only 25,500 miles on it when I bought it. I bought it used for only $12,000 - it was pretty loaded for that price minus leather seats and electronic seat adjustment. Other than those two additions, the car is an awesome car and it drives great and is fast and sporty - I dont like Mitsubishi Eclipses so this was a good happy medium for me. When I got it insured, the insurance agent looked at it and couldnt believe it was a Stratus - obviously, he had only seen the sedans and not the R/T Coupe!

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  Dodge Interepid-2000 - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By L. Gebo - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my 2000 Intrepid. The problem I have had with it thus far includes the front bumper hitting high driveways which has caused paint damage. Paint defects in other areas as well. This takes away from the quality, look and appeal of the vehicle. I wish I would have been informed of this problem at the dealership. The trunk leaks as well. I am not sure if this is a manufacturers problem or something happened to it in transport.

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  Im happy!! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bern - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Handles well. Peppy and really holds the road.(AWD) Gas mileage is 23-24 highway and 20 around town. I do not have a lead foot nor am I a rabbit starter.Love the electric doors and tailgate. I have carried 3 4x8 plywood with the tailgate closed!! The seats come out fairly easily for me (65 and slightly arthritic). I sold a fully loaded Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer to buy this.It was not even a year old and I took quite a beating on the trade. I couldnt take the 12-14 mpg I was getting. Not sorry a year later. Easy entry too. The only thing I dont like is the very short throw of regular beams at night. The car is lower than any of the trucks I owned previously.

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  solid van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Peggy - February 6 - 10:00 am

  We owned an original 1984 minivan, and this Gr. Caravan EX model is light years improved. Lots of thoughtful features.