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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  B B B Bad to the Bone - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Big J - July 24 - 11:21 am

  I love this car, fun to drive, I get a lot of looks dont know if its me or the car. Ive had it for one month and this by far is the best car Ive driven.

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  Tough. Period. - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By theRock - July 22 - 9:12 pm

  This is a 2wd 4.7 v8 auto w/3.55 rear SLT. No problems, at 29k replaced w/17" plus size rims and tires from Laramie Ram 1500. Much better ride quality after that as well as slight increase of apx. 3/4 mpg. This is very basic engineered as a truck should be, although front end design is far superior to previous trucks. It is tough, muscle like in design. I have made a few mods such as duel exh., chip, intake, all very subtle changes. Great to park vs. full size, huge towing capability. Engine is happy to scream at times. Quick for 4000 lb. truck. Excellent room inside (two huge kids fit great back there).

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  Reliable Transportation - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Alexis - July 20 - 7:42 am

  Ive had my car for five years and have had very few problems. It does great on the highway. The only problem I have with it is when the air conditioning is on the acceleration is decreased, but I think this is due to a less powerful engine. Ive gotten into a couple of accidents in this car and was pleasantly surprised that there was barely a scratch on my car. I would reccomend this car to anyone who needs affordable a to b transportation.

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  Useful SUV with a few shortcomings - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By tf77 - July 19 - 12:24 am

  Weve had this car for almost 3 years. It has been very reliable and functional. We cross-shopped it against full-size GMs, and have been reasonably happy with our choice, although weve regretted it at times as well. Not as smooth as a Tahoe, and not nearly as roomy (the Durango is very narrow for an SUV), but much cheaper and has all the capability of a full-size (can tow as much and haul as many people). While we havent loved it, and at times have wished we spent extra on a full-size GM, our Durango has served its purpose very well.

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  Sad Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Pam - July 18 - 8:11 pm

  My 2005 Magnum has numerous serious problems including several electical problems, and now although I have only had it 2 years the A/C no longer works. All parts have to be purchased from Dodge making all repairs very costly. Car sits very low to the ground and suffers from body damage due to this. Woulndt buy another one although I love the look. Gas mileage is average.

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  Good car some repairs - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By mark - July 18 - 8:37 am

  When I bought the car it had a burnt valve, and because of that it would idle in reverse or drive. The head gasket is a problem, but the engine is hard to hurt. It can pull a 1,000 pound trailer with 500 pounds of equipment. When you work the problems out due to age. Its a nice car.

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  What a pleasant surprise ! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dale - July 14 - 1:06 am

  This van looks great and it has the engine to back up its beauty. I dont feel like Im drivng a minivan when I put the pedal to the medal on hills. Its really too bad the bench seat at the back only has two shoulder belts. Hopefully Damler has addressed this Dodge oversight.

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  Lots of car up front! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Anne Walsh - July 13 - 2:03 am

  This car is great on dry roads, but I am extremely unhappy with the tires. I had to replace all after 17000 miles, and do not think they are good winter snow tires like I am used to from my previously owned Subaru. Maybe this problem will be corrected with a demand for a better all-season tire. I hit a deer with the center front. We had over 2000 in damages, but my 87 year old aunt in the passenger seat wasnt even jarred! Really dislike the hatch system and how you have to readjust the dash lights every time you start the car.

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  Great buy - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Tom - July 10 - 9:00 pm

  We bought this used from a private owner to replace our 1988 Dakota last November. The 88 got to where it would just die on the road. Weve been very pleased with it and it hasnt given us any trouble at all, and it never gave the previous owner any trouble. It rides smooth as silk, seat is very comfortable, drives well, great truck. Plenty of space, though back seat is terrible to ride in. All in all, great buy.

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  My Green Machine - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By sharonda - July 10 - 8:09 pm

  The Neon was my first car. Its a terrific first car. It was easy to drive, handled well, spacious, great on gas, and cute. It is also very fun to drive considering its a manual. It only had minor problems like turn signal doesnt turn off and door squeaks a little. At only 65,000 miles, it drove like new. I cant complain but only wish it was more powered: power windows, locks and steering. Also I would love a CD player over the cassette any day.