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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  Reliable and efficient commuter vehicle - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By BrianH - February 3 - 12:55 pm

  Bought 5/1/2006 with 25k miles (yes, 25k). Had to get A/C compressor replaced (normal for age) and replaced a malfunctioning EGR valve. I was aware of the issues before purchase. I bought the car for $4,300 and I considered it a decent deal despite the fact that its a Neon. Ive put on 14k miles since purchase without issue. The oil is relatively clean after 3k miles (mixed hwy/city). The shifter isnt the most confidence-inspiring one around, but Ive driven much worse. I averaged 28-32 mpg between May and November, but once the weather got colder my mpg dropped to 25-28 (also let my car heat up for 10 mins in mornings). Significant interior noise and rattling.

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  2004 Hemi Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By John Dillman - February 2 - 11:44 pm

  We have driven from Indiana to the Florida Keys 3 times and to Texas twice. The highway ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage can be as expected, but the power on the highway is really nice! The only problem we ever had was an oxygen sensor, but that was replaced under warranty. We now have just over 53,000 miles on the Durango. Runs so quiet at idle I have to check rpm to know it is actually running. We change oil every 3000 miles and rotate tires every 6000 miles along with any other services shown in the service handbook.

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  Great car, bad tranny. - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Tim - January 31 - 6:11 am

  After 5 years and over 100,000 miles this has proven to be a surprisingly comfortable and reliable car in general, and it has even aged very well. Ive replaced niggling stuff like the wiper arms and washer nozzle, but everything else has held up. Its very easy on brakes and tires (each replaced only once in 100,000 miles), and the engine has always been smooth and quiet and required no unscheduled maintenance at all. The scary part is the most expensive part of the car. The transmission has been the leakiest Ive ever seen in my life! It has leaked from day one and after replacing $1000 worth of hydrolic hoses and modules it has a bad leak again!

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  No problems so far--but 2nd row? OUCH - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Minivan Mom - January 31 - 3:56 am

  We are one week into our new Caravan-- fourth weve owned since 1996. So far so good. My only real complaint is that the "new" seats are scratchy and uncomfortable, especially in the 2nd row. Theres a bar that hits right at an adults shoulder blades--OUCH. We have two teens and its not so great for them. Younger kids would be no problem. Love the dual channel DVD & myGig radio. The backup camera seems to work nicely also. Last one owned was a 2006 and Dodge has cut corners on this new one compared to old-- plastic spoiler on back end, plastic bumper guard, etc. But best improvement--2nd row windows go 2/3 down. Much appreciated change! Great deals out there--go get one!!!

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  2000 Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Neon #2 - January 30 - 5:03 pm

  I purchased this car last year. It only has 31,000 on it and was in excellent condition. I was originally looking for a newer car but this car was in our budget. I was vert leary at first having owned a 1996 model that fell apart at 70,000 miles. This difference in the models is great. The only problem we had with this car is an oil pan because a previous mechanic overtightened the drainbolt. We added a CD player and added BFGoodrich Traction TAs and it is great car. It gets over 30mpg. If you have owned a first generation model you will really be superised.

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  Nice when new - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By hertze - January 30 - 10:56 am

  Wife wanted a minivan and we settled on a Caravan SXT. It was fine when it was new but many little issues have cropped up. One power door lock doesnt work, annoying whine from the power steering, clunky sounds from the rear suspension started with only about 38Km miles on it. One side of the windshield washer will not spray fluid, left blinker will not cancel itself etc. Brought to dealer with several of these issues when still under warranty and they supposedly could not find any issues. Poor service. I have also owned a Dodge truck and a Jeep Grand Cherokee and had no issues with either of them. Seemed to be better built. May be a good used buy due to poor resale.

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  My Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MY CALIBER - January 26 - 11:23 pm

  Dodge did a good job with this car. It seems to be very reliable and gets great gas mileage. I am a large man and I find it comfortable on long drives. Theres plenty of storage for little things. I have received a lot of compliments on the looks of this vehicle. My only dislike of this car is the sliding arm rest. It would be better if it locked in.

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  2005 SRT-4 w/ ACR Package - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Brad - January 26 - 9:42 pm

  This car is not for everybody. Its loud and frisky. Kids crowd around you when you park it. Its lousy in snow, and rides like an old Jeep. Its not refined. Understanding what this vehicle is not is vitally important. The scarce ACR package makes this outstanding handler even more amazing, with cornering approaching .91Gs. My Mopar Stage 1 upgrade brings 1/4 times into the mid 13s, with smooth turbo response across usable range. Braking is outstanding. What it doesnt beat, it embarasses. If you love performance, dont mind the tuner crowd, and can live with stiff-bolstered seats that make your middle-aged spread apparant, grab one of these cars and hang on to it.

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  Love car, love price - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By mt2 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is designed for me, willow springs, street fun, rallies. Best car up to $35K!! I love the race seats - esp on high speed continuous turns. I love the brakes, stops absolutely straight. I love the power to weight (the "real" power to weight ratio). I love the looks, and the attention from everyone. I love the four door race car!!

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  Stratus RT Coupe 2003 - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Karlie - January 22 - 5:43 pm

  I liked the features that came with this car from day one. I have had it just over a year now and have never had it into the mechanic shop for anything more than routine maintainance.