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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  Solid SUV - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge Fan - July 10 - 12:09 pm

  Just hit 75K miles and extremely pleased. Bought new in 2000. I read a few ugly reviews here and I wonder if thats because they dont have the 4.7 - solid engine. Or it could be that they drive hard (ie floor it regularly, take corners hard, etc). I also laugh at those who complain about gas mileage - Hello, this is a full- size SUV! Did they think you were buying a hybrid? Ive only had a few minor bugs. Ill keep driving the Durango hopefully for another 75K.

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  Nice features, but engine and tranny bad - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Brian - July 8 - 7:46 pm

  The visible parts of the car are great. The body is good, the interior fit and finish is good, the "Stow n Go" is great, the engine is plenty powerful. I like the car for its features. Mechanically, I am extremely disappointed. There is a constant rubbing sound coming out of the front- left upper strut mount over even little bumps, the engine uses about 3.5 quarts of oil between oil changes (3000 miles), the transmission clunks (and the car jumps) when down-shifting when you take your foot off the gas. I have reported these issues numerous times, but the "factory rep" keeps telling me that they are within design specs and wont fix it. Give me a break! No more Dodges for me!

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  Towing Machine - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Jeff - July 8 - 7:30 am

  It does have some rattles and pops but with 105,000 miles, not too bad. Great towing SUV. Pulls our camper with no problems with the 5.9, 360 engine. Have had to replace some motor components but nothing real costly.

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  Great Fun - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - July 1 - 9:48 pm

  This car gets looks wherever you go. Its powerful and sounds and looks like its got attitude. One of the funnest cars I have ever driven. Gas mileage is OK

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  Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Jay - July 1 - 4:25 pm

  This vehicle has performed outstanding service as a daily driver to/from work, a family hauler for me, wife and four children, and long distance road cruiser. We take use the Durango on three to five road trips per year of 500-900 miles one way. When pulling a 12 foot U-Haul trailer full of luggage, bikes, water sports gear over the Appalachians to Virginia the 5.9L V8 barely notices the load. The car is comfortable on highway even when loaded with 6 people. The safety and confidence associated with the full time 4WD with its full time four wheel torque split has proven itself in midwest thunder downpours, Appalachain rain/fog/sleet, and Wisconsin snow.

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  Rust badly! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By oh_mom - June 30 - 1:40 am

  Bought used in 2009 and started to rust badly around the wheel wells about a year later. It was still under warranty, so they repaired it, but it came back in the same place. They repaired it again and it came back yet again in the exact spot they "repaired." It is now out of warranty and the dealership wont return our calls. We contacted Chrysler and for the past 2 weeks, they have been "looking into it." The only other issue we have is that driver side passenger door sticks/jams upon opening. Overall, it seems to be mechanically solid. However, the rust issue is serious enough that we are looking at getting rid of it. And we will NEVER purchase a Chrysler product again.

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  Good Rig - 2002 Dodge Ram Wagon
  By virgil77 - June 28 - 3:20 pm

  Have an 02 Ram Van 1500, Regency Conversion, 3.9l V6, 3 speed automatic. Bought it because it was roomy and relatively cheap ($19k brand new in Aug 03). I really like the van but my wife has trouble getting in and out of it. Passengers really, really like the 2nd row captains chairs and 3rd row bench. I added a flip down TV and they really enjoy that. I thought the V6 would be underpowered but except for merging onto freeways I am satisfied. 4 speed auto might have helped. Fuel economy is acceptable, 15 mpg typical on the highway, 13 in town. Have gotten 17 mpg on the highway if I keep my speed down.

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  Great Bargain - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Michael - June 27 - 12:43 pm

  The Charger is a great looking muscle car like the Mustang, only is suitable for families. The Charger also has features the Mustang lacks at 30K such as heated seats, rear DVD, and a GPS. I purchased a Mango Daytona, and I love it. The only downside is the cheap doors, but I guess they have to do something to make money off of a 350hp car with a plethora of features.

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  Great looking truck with many problems. - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By jcaisse2007 - June 26 - 12:39 pm

  I purchased this truck at 106,500 miles and it now has a little over 126,000. At first I loved the smooth transition of the transmission switching gears, but at 123,675 the transmission started to slip and the 5.2 liter v8 started to knock, and for everyone that put this truck in the shop it wasnt worth it. I dont plan to spend anything on this truck unless it is gas or regular maintenance. These trucks are only worth 5,000 and if you put it in the shop you will spend a lot more than its worth.

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  The wifes car - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By RKister - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling, good acceleration. Poor A/C-cool but not cold-needs bigger fan. Seats very comfortable. Second row difficult and heavy to remove and needs fore & aft adjustments. Third row seat best left in place or have help to move. Has been very reliable. Took on cross country trip and was very please with storage and room for the kids. Excellent road car. Short turn radius, easy to park. I like Fords and rented a Ford Van but preferred the Dodge over- all.