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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  An SUV only a mother could love. - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Chance D. - July 30 - 2:00 pm

  I recently aquired my mothers 15 year old, 233,000 mile black Dodge Durango. She has driven this car since I was 5 years old, and now she has passed it onto me. It seems Dodge really struck gold with the 4.7l V8 and 4A because it has been through Florida summers and North Carolina winters and still starts up everyday without an issue and shifts like silk. The engine and transmission have not been rebuilt or replaced, which astonishes my entire family because we frequently hear about the horror stories people have with transmissions in Dodge RAMs and others. Corporate must have visited the factory the day my mothers vehicle was built, especially being a FCA automobile, because it runs like a top. The only issues that I have found seem to be small electrical problems, a blown fuse every once in awhile for a drivers side taillight and the drivers door lock does not work (which I suspect is result of some maintainance from my mother and father. Other than that, all the windows still roll up and down, albeit slowly, the headlights and fog lights still work, and all the dials in the instrument cluster still work. Another downside is the appalling fuel economy, with only averaging 13mpg even at 70mph and 1750rpm on the freeway. But with the vehicle weighing almost 4700 lbs and having a 4.7l V8, it does make sense. All in all, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that needs a work horse and still needs it to start everyday.

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  One Year Review - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Debbie - July 30 - 4:14 am

  Coming up on a year with our Durango, this is a good time to share a few things. The brakes have an occassional squeal that we are told is normal. But the interior front seat design is very poorly done for anyone over 200 lbs. My husband is an ex-football guy and whew, his muscles and size just dont go with the seatbelt contraption that pops out at the bottom of the seat. It has broken twice now, with just normal wear and tear, and you can see we dont drive it much with low miles. But that is probably the only complaints we have thus far.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By John B - July 27 - 9:46 am

  I bought this van when it was a year old and had 47,000 miles on it. Its been an excellent van. Our Grand Caravan SE has the quad seat option, so its very comfortable for long-distance driving. The AC is very effective, even in high-90s heat, which we have a lot of in Tennessee. The rear air, if anything, is too effective, as we often hear complaints that its too cold in the back. Hauling capability is a big plus too, with the removable rear seats. A 4x8 sheet of plywood will lie down in the back, not to mention smaller items. Ive tried to keep up with regular maintenance in accordance with the owners manual. I think its paid off.

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  Black Hemi R/T - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Susan - July 27 - 2:03 am

  This car has been so much fun to drive I dont want to get out of it. It handles well and is very comfortable. This Hemi has tons of power and then some. But it is also nice to cruise. The 4 disc braking is really great! I love it!

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  Great Truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Ronnie Edwards - July 27 - 12:08 am

  I love my Dakota. I purchased a Colorado in 05 and soon after saw the new Dakota and wanted one. I finally made that choice about a month ago and I am glad I did so. Of course the gas mileage isnt as great but the difference isnt that drastic. Other things such as ride comfort, looks and standard features make up for it.

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  Decent Large Car - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By DK - July 26 - 9:12 am

  Fun to drive, responsive and powerful full size sedan. Handles well for its size. Plenty of room for passengers. Powerful and reliable engine

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  GReat truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotasport1 - July 25 - 5:06 pm

  ive had the truck for about 5 months and I love it.. I never owned a Dodge before. Had a Geo Tracker, but I hauled 2 cars to the salvage yard and a Bronco to the mechanics shop. The v6 has the snoot I want and the power I need. I havent gotten it stuck in mud yet, but I have pulled other people out of the mud trying to follow me. It does stink on gas mileage though. I get maybe 16mpg in the city, but I dont care. Its fun to drive the hog. If someone wants a nice powerful small pickup, I would say grab life by the horns and get a Dodge.

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  Dodge Dakota 1999 ext. cab sport - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By broncos4zak - July 25 - 5:09 am

  Basically I bought this truck knowing I drive about an hour each way to work and needing something comfortable, reliable, and decent on gas. All of that has happened. I made some mods in order to get 20mpg from this V-6, throttle body spacer, cold air intake, and Flowmaster exhaust. Issues have been tranny rebuilt at 63,000, cat at 110,000, front hubs at 130,000, and 2 outboard speed sensors. I bought this truck with 59,000 and currently have 145,000+ on it. Overall a good truck, could have better gas mileage, better tranny (more reliable and better shift points), and more ponies. Love the handling, traction is pretty good for 2wd, interior layout is good.

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  Nice car that isnt that expensive! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Sandy - July 23 - 2:13 am

  Ive owned a Neon before and let me say that they are much improved over the years. I love the newer body style. I love the stereo. Actually I put a 8 inch Rockford Fosgate bass tube in the trunk...and wow is it loud...really turns heads! I love the color...I got the red...so pretty. Really a nice car for only around $15,000.00!

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  Purple Penelope - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Lauren - July 22 - 8:28 pm

  The Neon was my first car. It was a terrific first car. It was easy to drive, handled well, spacious, great on gas, and cute. It only had minor problems like loose cables (easy to fix). At over 118,000 miles, it drove like new. I cant complain.