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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  Good basic family hauler - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By Landric - April 21 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle used about six months ago. I discovered the day before my twin sons were born that I could not fit a car seat behind the drivers seat in my Toyota Matrix and still drive it comfortably. I couldnt afford a new van right then, but I needed something I could fit car seats in and still drive. I have the base SE with the 4-cylinder, AC, & CD Player. The only option it has are the side airbags. So far no break downs, though sometimes the transmission behaves strangely when the heater is on, shifting erratically. Its only happened a couple of times, but its disconcerting. I just bought a new 2009 Kia Sedona at a hefty discount, so the Caravan is now around town only.

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  Like a best friend - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Jutter - April 21 - 2:56 pm

  I cant speak enough about my Durango, its like an old worn shoe. Even though we have added a new car to our family, we hope to keep the Durango till it rots away. The fuel consumption is horrible but everything else makes up for it. we have been rear ended twice both times we drove away while the other cars were towed. Front breaks seem to need replacement every two years or so. But Im not joking when I say this truck has been a best friend, and easily the best car I have ever bought!

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  Nice, until you hit the "wall" - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By SpaceDude - April 21 - 1:40 pm

  I was pretty happy with my Intrepid - only minor issues for 10 years. Biggest item: Starter needed replacement after 7 years and AC gave in. After 10 years, crank sensors gave in (2 different ones), resulting in stalling engine (not funny!) and Starter had to be replaced, again. Engine started to burn oil rapidly, Fan only worked on MAX or not at all. Brake lines had to be replaced - lucky I wasnt in an accident. In the 11th year - BUMM - Power Control Module is giving up! Cost: 50% of what the cars worth. The Mechanic said, the location of the module is bad: too hot and too exposed = design issue. Next issue on the horizon: Oxygen Sensor for the Cat. Convrt. No sludge - not enough miles.

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  Do not bother buying this - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Bob - April 21 - 10:03 am

  I bought Dodge Grand Caravan 2005 in June 2005. It has not even completed 5 years. It has less than 50,000 miles on it. However, the problems that the van has is just mind boggling. My 1999 Corolla is more reliable and less costly in terms of repairs than Dodge Caravan. This is just a junk vehicle. I would never buy another Dodge product or recommend to anyone. Simply avoid it to save yourself lots of money, time, and aggravation.

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  Awesome car! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By FERNIE - April 21 - 7:25 am

  This car is one of the best cars I have ever driven during the past 35 years. Super smooth, sexy and always turns heads. would recommend.

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  Fabulous - if you can afford it. - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By So-So - April 20 - 10:51 pm

  My mother purchased this car for me at 130,000 miles and it ran perfect then. In the winter, this thing is a dream - blizzard? I dont care, 4WD - Im going to the mall! So-so MPG is worth it. In the summer? No, thank you. MPG plus AC? No. Plus, my AC stopped working at 150,000 miles! The heater is questionable too. It takes longer than usual to defrost the windows in the winter. Also, all of that 4WD use caused driving to become uncomfortably rocky late this winter, prompting a $899 bill to replace four ball joints, tire rod end, and a wheel alignment front end work common with this vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Love It - April 20 - 9:01 am

  Traded in my 2010 Mazda 5 for this beauty. Great ride lots of room. Very quite inside, no road noise. Great fuel economy. Definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  Best first car! - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Kyle - April 19 - 11:18 pm

  Ive had my neon for about a year now. I had it given to me from my parents at 98,000 miles and it now has 101,000 so you can guess that I am happy with it. I love the gas mileage and the dependability, I am not to fond of the power though. Getting on the freeway is not very fun. Overall I am just happy that I got a car that doesnt need to be in the shop every few months.

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  A Very Cool Nanas Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By sportynana - April 19 - 9:27 pm

  At age 63, I LOVE this car as it feels real sporty to drive - even at my age! Ive only owned it for 5 months - it has only 16,000 miles on it and so far, no troubles. It gets very good mileage - even around town. Its very easy to park the car (I had a van b/4 and had a very difficult time parking and backing up). Its just plain fun to drive and the gorgeous blue color and spoiler on the trunk is terrific!

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  Solidly Built and Reliable - 1991 Dodge Spirit
  By Dale - April 18 - 12:22 pm

  I bought this car because my 01 Stratus was totaled over the winter. It had 110,700 miles on it at purchase, and now has 113,000. This car handles freeway speeds of 75-80 mph with no problems, and I use the freeway 3 or more times a week traveling between 20 and 30 mile distances one way. The power seats are comfortable and all the controls are simple and within reach. Im 64 and the leg room is ample enough for comfort. I would recommend the Spirit to anybody needing affordable, reliable transportation.