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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  Great looking car, but poor quality - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By ilcrosscountry - March 26 - 10:14 am

  I love the look and the power of my Dodge Charger if only I can keep it out of the dealership every month. So far its been in for transmission problems twice, carpet quality issues, leaking fluids, and several other small problems. If only DCX fixes the quality of their cars.

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  Vacation rental - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TEMuse - March 25 - 10:28 am

  Rented from Enterprice Burleson. Was very surprised no GPS. Fortunately I had a spare. No back up camera which for the length this vehicle could really use. Great on gas for size vehicle. Not easy exit from last row seat. Road smooth. Good luggage space for our 6 persons.

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  Outstanding Value - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By JR - March 25 - 12:27 am

  My Neon was purchased brand new with 38 test drive miles. I loved it in 2001 and I love it now. Value for the money and low maintance costs and upkeep is awesome. With 58000 miles I have put roughly $3500 worth of upkeep into. That includes tool purchase and tires.

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  The Machine - 1990 Dodge Shadow
  By Mo-Jo - March 24 - 11:33 pm

  Bought car with 64,000 miles for $2,700 and drove it to 240,000 miles before it died. I only wish I could find another work car like this.

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  Best value for the money, stylish, and unique - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By RT in NJ - March 24 - 6:40 pm

  The car will provide you the best value for your dollars. The car is so stylish and head turner. People will ask if its really a Dodge. A lot of power and fun to drive, either. This car is awesome!

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  Great All Around - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Aquena - March 24 - 5:44 pm

  No complaints. We haul a large camper, and it handles and performs wonderfully. Solid and dependable.

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  Roll of the Dice - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Pauly - March 23 - 9:28 pm

  I bought this car used in Spring 2006 and wish I would have checked on Edmunds first before buying my Intrepid. I didnt realize that the 2.7L engine was a lemon. The A/C didnt work either. It started to leak oil last month so I traded it in for a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 3800 series engine and now I sleep a lot better at night. I really liked the design of the Intrepid but didnt want to roll the dice for when the engine would go. Interior also was nicer than my Grand Prix. If you are going to buy a used Intrepid be sure it has the 3.2L or 3.5L engine in it. DaimlerChrysler has known for quite a while that the 2.7L engine had problems with oil sludge build up but did nothing.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By truckmiser - March 21 - 6:24 pm

  This car has been a lot of fun. Flaws: trunk rubs on the corners, gps went out, update gps isnt as good and now the cd player doesnt work, 100+mph in the heat a whistle comes by the front windshield ( during hotter days) Tires have been a major issue, can anyone agree if the Goodyears wear on the inside walls quickly, at $300 each tire man Id like to see as much wear as possible, they lasted to 30k though. Other than that I really love the car. I hate the gps locator why in the world would it prompt you with locations 1000 miles away when you know a place of business that your looking for is within 10 miles. I highly recommend to purchase this car its been a real joy overall!

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  the crew is fantastic - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By beddannarz - March 19 - 8:18 pm

  I just bought a 2012 Crew in Black, It has so many features and great details, how awesome is the sliding door windows rolling down like a car. Satellite radio free for a year cool. all power including the 2 rear doors. and my wife swore she would never drive a van I bought this for her and she willingly traded in her suv.

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  come back of the America muscle car - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By EWjr - March 19 - 2:31 am

  Is a great car, fast and furious...for sure...just love it...Thank you Off lease-Orlando...Thank you S. Hackett, Vince and Shany...you are a great team...