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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  AWSOME!! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jay11 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought our Grand Caravan in 1999 as a 2000 model. It is a Jet Black Grand Caravan Sport, with suck options as the 3.8L engine, Infinity Sound system, Power everything except seat (which i miss:( ), computer, rear air etc.,$35,900CDN NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RUNS BEAUTIFULLY!!!!!!! LOOKS SEXY FOR A MINIVAN!!! Best looking minivan out there. We are trading it in this year for a Town and Country with the DVD option.

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  Gr Caravan ES - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Montess - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This Van has it all when loaded up with available options. Looks and rides great.

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  1999 Dodge Avenger ES Coupe - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Paul Davis - August 19 - 4:54 pm

  Probably one of the best used car buys I have ever had. 113,000 miles on it, great shape, had timing belt replaced, tuned, brakes, and I get 20 MPG in town and 29+ on the interstate. Really comfortable, seats have great lower back support, good sound system. Super buy.

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  Saying Goodbye To My Dakota - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By John - August 19 - 3:45 pm

  I recently sold my 2002 Dodge Dakota. And I miss it already! I purchased it right off the truck in October 2001 and I fell in love with it right away. 7 years, 125,000 miles and very few repairs! The redesign and the low quality materials Mopar currently is using do not do my all-time favorite vehicle justice. I went everywhere in this truck. I got my moneys worth out of it. Goodbye Dakota! (Yes, I know Im a dork but still...)

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  Big Guy/Little Car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Thomas - August 19 - 1:41 am

  Bought this one after getting a 96 strictly for fuel economy. I am 64" the wife is 61" and we can travel without having our knees in our chest. Good response to throttle, handling great, and again fuel economy, all in a little car that so far has been VERY reliable. The stereo is great for a car that retailed for only $16,000, especially when you see luxury cars with stereos that arent much better. Will definitely buy another to "play" with and keep this one for peace of mind on trips. By the way, standing 1/4 mile is 80 MPH, not bad for a economy car.

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  Charger R/T - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Willcomm - August 17 - 11:10 pm

  Great car..I am very happy with the performance and fuel mileage. I am getting 14-21 and I am using mid grade with NO ethanol. I do not use it and wont till I am forced to. The car performs very well under hard accel and handles like a dream. I am looking to trade it for the SRT8 as I want to go to 425 HP . I was going to go with Challenger but refuse to fork over 20K extra for availability markup. The R/T will quench most driver wanting high end performance as well as daily driving. I wasnt thrilled about 4 doors but I drive it, not sit in the back. GREAT car for 24K and I think most will be happy. I also purchased a Base SE model I traded it off with 758 miles on it.No guts!

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  Use to be a Ford Man - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Michael - August 15 - 11:29 pm

  Several months ago I purchased my first Dodge vehicle (2002 Intrepid R/T) Man...I must have been living under a rock! This car is awesome! Im 65 and have a traveling job. This car has it all style, performance, comfort, safety & reliability. If you can find one of these cars, I recommend that you buy it.

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  monster muscle - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By schase - August 15 - 5:56 pm

  This car offers an exciting drive. Interior looks like a more modern car but has space similar to the old models.

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  Great vheicle - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Rich1 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Rides great, no problems

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  2001 Durango 4x4 SLT+ - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By 2001 Durango - August 14 - 4:32 pm

  This vehicle has been a great family car, plenty of power, comfortable, and very fun to drive. My work car was a Durango which convinced us to buy one for the family. Have taken it on long trips and to the snow where the 4x4 came in handy. Have routinely serviced which Im sure is why we have never had a break down or any serious mechanical problems.