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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  Deal of a lifetime - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Gearhead - December 29 - 4:00 pm

  After doing research, I found that the design and engineering that went into this car was amazing. I dont see how Chrysler could make and sell a car like this but then Viper and Prowler come to mind. Simply put, this is a performance bargain! The car isnt for everyone. You must appreciate high performance and a taste for the daring because the ride is a bit on the harsh side. It is designed to be high performance and everything about the car from the stance, engine sounds, to the look, feel and ride remind you of what it is. This is not a car for first time drivers or people with bad backs. It can be driven daily with ease but it is truly at home being raced at a track.

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  Cute car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By crankyone - December 28 - 5:43 pm

  Its a cute car, its nice and fun to drive, but theres always something going wrong with it after 3 months. The engine/transmission light always comes on, even when it rains and nothing is wrong with the car whatsoever. Its frustrating taking it in thinking something is wrong with it, and then being told there isnt anything wrong with it, and still having the light on

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  King Of The Road - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By RAYROC - December 28 - 1:04 pm

  Runs well, although engine isnt as solid as id like it to be and the driver compartment is very noisy at higher speeds.

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  Dependable and Stylish - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bill - December 28 - 7:50 am

  I bought this former rental car off a dealers lot in 11/01 with 24,000 miles and now has over 135,000 miles on it. I commute 60 miles a day primarily freeway driving and consistently get 23- 25 MPG. Im 6"6" so I need a roomier car and this fits the bill and I get good mileage to boot. Good reliability as the car still is working off the original battery and I didnt replace first set of brakes until 80,000 miles. It has yet to start leaking any fluid and still has orginal transmission. Ive replaced a water pump that expectedly went bad at about 120,000 miles but thats about it so far. I may trade in 08 for something new-but will need to go long way to beat value this car provides.

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  Handles like its on rails! - 2013 Dodge Avenger
  By Edalb - December 24 - 5:16 pm

  Make sure your thermostats are working. Anyway this car handles awesome and the 4cyl is pretty quick too. The sound system is decent enough that Im not going to change it until I blow a speaker. The trunk space is big too. Your tires are 225 which is awesome for a little car.

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  So far so good - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By mags - December 24 - 4:51 am

  We just got this big guy and so far really like it. We went from an escape up to this. The interior is great. Comfortable, roomy, user friendly. I love the look of the exterior. We dont have the Hemi, but have great get up and go. The gas mileage could be better, but what can you expect with such a big truck. Smooth ride, very quiet, fits all of us, from short to tall! Hopefully we dont have the same issues the others are having. I never owned anything other than a Ford, great deal for the money!

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  Dependable SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By maeich1 - December 20 - 2:37 pm

  I have had my Durango for just about 4 years now and I am getting ready to trade it for a crossover. My Durango has been very dependable and gave us lots of room for the kids plus. My only complaint is the limited visability on the left side of the front windshield die to a bulky frame. As with all large SUVs, the Durango get terrible gas milage. I have always consistently averaged 13 mpg. But overall I have loved the truck. If you need the space of a large SUV its a great choice.

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  Nice car overall - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By vince - December 19 - 1:02 pm

  Ive enjoyed this car since the day I purchased it. After 11 months of ownership, I still catch myself looking over my shoulder at it, as I walk away. Fun car to drive. The 3.5 V6 is more than enough power for most driving. Expected a bit better gas milage.. the V8 guys get close to what I get. Now Dodge has snared me with a well designed/good quality car, I may have to look at the new Challenger. Good job Dodge.

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  Upping the ante - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mholle - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Value for the price defines the EX model. Equipped with most features that one wants in a family vehicle, you wont break the bank with this van. The 3.8L engine is smooth and gets up to speed quickly. Having owned 2 other Caravans, Ill wait to give judgement on the transmission. Fit and finish appear good. At times the electric doors are a little finicky about opening and closing. I dont know if it relates to operator or mechanical issues.

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  SXT (4dr Sedan 2.7-DOHC-V6 - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Adrian - December 17 - 9:55 pm

  I was impressed on how quiet the engine is with the amount of house power(200) ample for city driving and quick accleration to merge on any highway. Interior is good and instrument panel and gadgets user friendly and well laid out....I wish it would have standard feature such as power seats, fog lights and more leg room for rear passengers being 6, I find it little cramped. For a V-6, the gas milage is good (22mpg average city/highway). The styling is attracive with a sporty look. I previously owned a 2000 SE and it was very reliable with little maintenance required. I would recommend this car to anyone that wants good value and quality for thier money. You will not be dissapointed.