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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  I love this van - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By wking309 - January 4 - 2:18 am

  I never thought I would like a minivan, but once I got my hands on my Caravan, I fell in love. For a car with over 100,000 miles, it is very reliable, still has plenty of power, and is great to drive. This car is plenty powerful for getting me around town, and it doesnt kill me at the pump compared to my old truck. The only things I dont like about it are the slightly rough idle, and how heavy the back seats are. It kills my back having to move those by myself a lot of times.

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  Charger SXT - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Batista - January 3 - 1:41 pm

  The car is smooth, handles well, quiet and comfortable. The tires are lousy and will slip with too much throttle. It is much better car than the competition because of the RWD 53/46 weight distribution.

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  More than just a wagon - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By martin roberts - January 2 - 1:33 pm

  This is the affordable fun wagon I was waiting for! V6 engine is plenty, but the SRT8 would be a dream!

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  Been good to me - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Corsair - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I leased my Durango in Sept of 99. It was a dealer demo. I had a lot of problems with the dealer during/after the sale & they forgot to mention some details about buying a dealer demo vehicle. Overall I am very UNIMPRESSED with the original dealership & most Dodge dealerships in my area. Otherwise I love the truck. Yes, it gets poor gas mileage but I KNEW it would when I bought it! The only problem I have had was the drivers window regulator stopped working within the first few months. Otherwise I have had no problems. I must have gotten one of the good ones. The vehicle only has 28K miles on it and I baby it (maintenance, washes, etc).

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  2007 Charger 3.5 SE - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Andy - December 30 - 10:13 pm

  Coming from a 2004 V8 Nissan Titan, I have to say that Im impressed with the 3.5 V6 engine, and I can only imagine how the Hemi would feel. The gas saving is big, again coming from a full size truck, but is OK comparing to a regular sporty sedan. Lots of room inside, and very comfortable. The design could have been better, it looks "long", but its still nice looking! Maybe a 2 door like it should be? The rims on the lower packages need redesigning, I dont know why they still offer steel wheels with hubcaps. The wheels dont get better until you reach the R/T package, just not fear.

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  Little engine that could - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Redjaseak08 - December 30 - 1:41 pm

  I have enjoyed my Neon from day one, I bought it used when it had 43000 miles on it, I now have 80,300 miles on it. The only mechanical problem I have had with it has been the clutch, which was replaced for $700.00 and that was due to letting inexperienced friends drive my manual. I live in Alaska, and this car has done me well. I havent been stuck, it has great control and still drives likes its right off the lot. Its affordable in the following aspects, gas, inurance and general maitenance. I would reccomend this car to anyone who needs a commuter car or just an everyday ride.

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  EXCELLENT FOR THE PRICE - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By GH - December 29 - 9:41 pm

  the car is excellent for the price, no to mauch staff inside, but enought. Versatility and you can carry big famly, thing ,.,,..,.

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  Neon SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Scott - December 28 - 9:00 pm

  I drive this car everyday. It is solid, no squeaks or rattles. I have a 5spd rated 29city/36hwy. My mileage was averaging 32-33 in mixed driving. Once the engine was broken in around 5k miles it felt quite a bit stronger.The idle speed solenoid failed at around 18k miles. No other problems to date. This is the last year of the Neon. The 2nd generation Neons (2000- 2005) are a big improvement over the 1st generation in terms of quality. I also have a 2004 SRT-4 and that has been an excellent car as well.

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  Needs Subtle Changes - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Jim Farmer - December 28 - 10:33 am

  The SRT8 Magnum is a thrill to drive and brings back muscle car excitment! As your heartbeat increases and your palms get moist, you accelerate from a complete stop, the G-forces press you into the seat and you smile as the speedometer eclipses the century mark in under 13 seconds. The highly bolstered seat holds you comfortably in place as you execute corners like youre glued to the road. This automobile is also practical because you can take along three passengers and their luggage with ease. I would recommend you at least test drive a SRT8 vehicle before you buy anything else!

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  2006 Dodge Caravan SXT - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Lee - December 27 - 12:33 pm

  This is our #2 Dodge Caravan. My husband bought a 2000 Dodge Caravan and loved it so much he would not let me drive it. There was a fight every time I wanted to drive it. So, when we finally got it paid for, I bought one for myself. I love it! If this one performs as well as the 2000, I will be very happy.