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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  Kicks Butt! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By oOMocKerOo - November 14 - 2:00 am

  My experience with Neons didnt start off that great. I had a 1997 Plymouth Neon DOHC 150-hp engine. It was fun to drive and I frequently smoked Hondas and Focuses. The big problem I had was reliability. This doesnt seem to be a problem with my new 2003 R/T. Very sleek and great looking. I recommend it to all!

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  2001 Neon ACR - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By HazMatt24 - November 13 - 9:53 am

  Loud, rude, and crude. Just the way I like it. I have used this car for a daily driver and autocross/time trial car. The handling is great for a front driver and acceleration is great for only 150 HP. Adjustible struts realy make a difference when driving at the limits. No mechanical problems to speak of yet. Fun little car to play with.

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  Second time around - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Superdj - November 12 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased this truck from a co-worker who had it brand new from the dealer. I had a 1988 LE and loved it except for the lousy leg room. With the extended cab, I am comfortable and secure in it at all times. the V6 has all the power i need and then some!

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  Greatest Charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Sonny G. - November 10 - 10:09 am

  I have a 2006 Charger Daytona, It is the most exciting car Ive ever owned. This car will do anything you ask of it and leave pleanty on the table. As for gas mileage I get 17mpg in town, 27mpg highway. And this is the 7.5 hemi. To get this much car in any other brand you would have to buy a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes. This Charger layes out a challenge that is very dificult for other automakers to meet.

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  Great Value - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By guille - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The market for minivans is interesting. Honda is feeling the heat and was willing to discount an Odyssey EX, with leather and DVD, by $2,000. Almost bough a Sport nicely equipped for $26.2, but I decided to drive a hard bargain for the ES with package 29S. I had to leave twice before the dealer acquiesed to selling the vehicle for $26.6 after rebates.

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  Dodge stratus is the best car ever made - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By magics stratus - November 7 - 10:49 am

  I got my Stratus in 04 with 87000 miles. Now its 08 and it has 175000 miles. My Stratus has been hit by two semi trucks years apart. My insurance company fixed the body work both times, car still runs great. I have not spent more than 300 dollars getting my car fixed since I had it.

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  Dimples has been great to me so far - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By kldtoto - November 7 - 9:26 am

  I have the SRT body and it is the 5 speed trans. I love this car and have over 100,000 miles on it so far. I have had no problems beside annual maintenance. When it is warm out, sometimes I have to try a couple of times before the car starts, but it is not an every day occurance. I travel across country 2-3 times a year and commute 100 miles a day (total) for work. I would recommend this car to anyone. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

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  Hate to part with it - 1992 Dodge Dynasty
  By ELEGANT BEAUTY - November 6 - 10:57 pm

  The $17,519 [including tax & tags] 92 Dynasty has been a most reliable, comfortable, and beautiful car. Was repainted the original gray several years ago, making its appearance especially nice even today. Rare item are leather seats special ordered. Saw only 2 others in all the years Ive owned this Dynasty and one of them was at the Washington DC Car show. Also added the wire wheels. Unfortunately, the car has been neglected in recent years. Things are breaking and not getting repaired because, somehow, they dont interfere with the cars operation. Waxed it last week, & managing to lose an irreplaceable wheel cover soon thereafter. Transmissions were notoriously weak on Dynasty

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  Best truck ever made - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By BlAcK wIdOw - November 5 - 11:30 am

  My father bought this truck in 2002, my uncle got it after he died, and I recieved it almost 2 years ago. This truck has been put through its paces. It was an escort truck, hauling truck, towing people, wrecked twice (havent had the money to fix it yet), it has 200,000 on her and still going strong. The only things replaced is the regular maintanance. Other than the headlight which happens to be a tin can since that area is caved in. The most durable and reliable truck ever.

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  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Rocky - November 5 - 10:23 am

  This is a great and reliable car. I get awesome visibility from all angles. I like to maintain my own car and everything under the hood has easy access and comfort. I dont have to fight to fit my arm down tight spots. It has great handling and maneuverability. Its cheap to maintain and has great miles to the gallon in both city and highway. I only wish it had more space in the trunk and the back seats.