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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  "BAD" Dodge - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Robert Benson - July 30 - 4:46 pm

  The V6 Charger is an excellent car to have. Performance is more than sufficient, gas mileage is terrific, and the comfort and looks just cant be beat. The SE baseline is no base car. Beautifully done cloths seat with trememdous comfort in seating, contrasting interior color combinations makes it very attractive - more so than the leather versions. The dash is uncomplicated and refreshing to see. Fun to drive, even spiritedly ! Definitely an eye catcher for sure. Go the next step with a performance chip (to use regular gas) and a free flowing intake and exhaust and youll unleash a muscle car proportion capability.. Great fun, with no lose in mileage. Just a great car, bar none. Thanks Dodge!

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  Outstanding! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By jmoser - July 29 - 11:38 pm

  I have had no problems with mine. I get 32 MPG highway and 24 MPG city! I love it! I have owned/driven 8 different cars in the last 6 years, and this one rises above all of them! The 2.7 is a little sluggish when the weather is warm. In the cold temperatures it is quick and powerful! Great car to own!

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  Great Size and Value - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JB - July 28 - 10:53 pm

  I was very surprised by the overall quality of the van, from the ride quality, to the features, to the fit and finish. A quick look at expert reviews shows Toyota and Honda all by themselves. But for my family, we appreciated the value of the Dodge without paying near luxury-car prices. Seems more spacious than the Kia we drove, and while Id like a little more HP, the price makes it worthwhile. Incredibly well designed interior.

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  No lack of power - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By fla cruser - July 28 - 8:23 pm

  Good looking truck, handles very well, its quick, no major problems fuel mileage could be better

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  Great Truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Steve C. - July 28 - 5:12 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Club Cab about 19 months ago. I currently have 31,800 miles on it. Few complaints or problems. I love the large center arm rest. Very comfortable driving position. The 3.7 liter v-6 is adequate, but could use a little more power. My only complaint is that when you hit a bump, the front suspension rattles & sounds loose. Also, the blind spots are rather large which makes it difficult when pulling out of certain types of intersections. I like the styling and the interior is basic but it works well, after all it is a truck. I would recommend a Dakota to anyone who needs a truck. Its a great compromise between the smaller compact trucks & the full size gas guzzlers.

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  Why I keep buying Chrysler - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By robert gill - July 28 - 2:00 am

  As near perfect as one can want in driving behavior comfort appearance and performance. I prefer it to my BMW 5 series on both long and short journeys. This is the third model I have owned and purchsed new. I found the much vaunted Toyota Sienna to be a copy without the solid feel or the acceleration of the Chrysler product.

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  Enjoyable - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Phred24 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Caravan and they just seem to keep getting better and better. Easy to drive. Easy to get in and out of. Easy to maintain. Seems as though the engineers work hard and take heed to the consumer on what we look for.

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  Great Van - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Lcainesjr - July 28 - 2:00 am

  If you have kids a minivan is a must. I choose this van because I think other mini vans are made for small people. I am 65 and the van fits me great. Kids love it and even when I have my seat adjusted my son has plenty of room.

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  QUIET AND COMFORTABLE - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By dwhite5123 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THE ORIGINAL STATUS IN 1985, NOW 8 YEARS LATER IT HAS EVOLVED INTO A VERY STYLISH, QUITE ROOMY VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND SHE LOVES THE STYLE OF THIS 2004 OVER THE 2003, THE CHANGE IN THE FRONT END HAS REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS BASICALLY THE SAME. I WOULD RECOMMEND THE CAR FOR ANY BUYER, NOT ONE JUST IN THIS PRICE RANGE

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  Yeah, its got a HEMI! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By zeroshampton - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 2 Chevy Tahoes and a Trailblazer in the past, but none of them can come close to the comfort, handling, performance, or price of my new Durango. I noticed that Edmunds website doesnt list the HEMI engine as an avilable option, but believe me, it makes all the difference in the world when it comes to performance.