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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  1997 Dodge Gr. Caravan - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By thehurd - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We have driven Dodge/Plymouth vans like this for years, and this was our third, used with 78,000 mi when we got it. Though older models had transmission troubles, we had none. Now I am selling as family is downsizing with 2 college students. Carried cargo, kids and mixes of both.

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  Durango, Go, Go... - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Tony Diaz - May 22 - 7:04 am

  I just changed my 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG (349 HP) for a 2006 Durango Limited with the HEMI Magnum engine. To be honest, I feel better now than before. Performance or comfort are just as good, except when cornering. The Alpine sound system in then Durango sounds better, to me than the BOSE system in the MB. The controls on the steering wheel are better than in the MB. The seats are just as nice, but the Hemi, WOW! I could not imagine its power until now. Jumping on the gas pedal, although fatal to your budget, is beneficial to the heart--feeling those 325 horse exploding out through them rear tires, just makes your heart pump all that fat out of your arteries.

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  The Right Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Jake - May 20 - 9:40 am

  This is a great truck. It is the right size and power level. The interior is well thought out and is welcoming without detracting from the "truck- ness." The 2005s have a better warranty and are identical mechanically and almost identical visually. I have only had this truck for 1600 miles (about 2 1/2 months) and aside from a catalytic convertor problem that was promptly addressed it has been a strong runner. I was wanting a full-size but the gas on those is horrible and for all practical purposes, this truck can tow and haul the same as them (unless you have a massive boat or something at which point you would probably get a deisel) and isnt underpowered like the other midsize trucks.

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  mostly positive - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By dimples052000 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 sxt 4 door in october. I havent had any problems with the car. The gas mileage really needs to be worked on. I have a friend who drives a 1995 neon and she gets better gas mileage than me. Even the chevy cavys got better gas mileage. The car handles curves and turns like a dream.

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  My Dodge Dakota - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Mark - May 17 - 2:26 pm

  This truck has it all in one versatile package. I can haul 4 adults, a load in the bed and tow a large boat at the same time comfortably. I get decent fuel economy, 18 to 19 mpg in mixed driving but I stick to posted speeds mostly. My kids love the DVD system and the stereo is kicking.

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  High Caliber Hatchback - 2011 Dodge Caliber
  By Kevin V - May 14 - 8:48 am

  We do a lot of hunting, fishing and outdoor activities and were looking for a vehicle that could get our gear too and from the woods and then take me too and from work during the week, while still getting decent gas mileage. The Caliber fit the bill!!! It averages around 24mpg and has hauled hunting gear to Utah, Colorado and Missouri without any issue. It handles well, fits my 6 frame and is still comfy for my 51" wife. The transmission and gearing work great in the snow and weve been more than happy with it after 52k miles, and look forward to another 100k!

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  FLAME - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By deaconwise1 - May 14 - 8:01 am

  I brought this car for $300.00. It was sitting in a yard. I was told the the engine caught on fire a year earlier. It was sitting since that time. Three of the six spark plug wires were burnt off. But when I try to start it, It turn over on the first crank. But I turn it off quickly. I brought new plugs and wires. Start it again, she purr. Drove it home. Got it tune, oil change, air filter and put new tires on it. I have done little to it. Needed valve cover gaskets. The car runs great. No other problems with it. I drive it to work and all over town. It still turns heads. Body is in good shape. Next a paint job. by the way it eat any 4cyl. car out there. Great on gas!!

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  Intrepid 97 - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By azurleigh - May 13 - 7:48 pm

  I find the seats uncomfortable and the split seat where the arm rest is to be quite annoying. Items places on the seat in that area always slide through to the back of the car. The front door is quite difficult to close forcing the driver to grab the pocket to pull the door closed. Headlights are also not as bright as I would like.

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  Solid Car with Alpha DNA - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By Russ Furchner - May 8 - 4:38 pm

  In the sea of compact sedans, the Dart GT stands out. Its very nice to look at, definitely not your cookie-cutter import. I honestly dont understand the criticism of the car in general. The car never feels under powered, the shifts are crisp and positive. The handling and brakes are very good for a front wheel drive car. My only complaint was the OEM tires which were overly harsh and really a poor match for this chassis. Once replaced, you now have a firm riding, quite and comfortable car, but not harsh or jarring. What you have is a quick, sharp and fun drive that is inexpensive to own and operate. Good value for money. Update at 34k miles - Aside from Interior rattles, which are quite annoying, still a solid workhorse and fun to drive package. Perhaps the firm suspension contributes to the rattles, but they are quite annoying when the cabin is gold. Still happy with the car, just annoyed at that aspect.

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  Wish I could afford to drive - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By brokefromgasprices - May 8 - 3:33 pm

  I love my Durango it has every feature including the sickest aftermarket sunroof Ive ever seen. This SUV is the most beautiful on the market in my opinion. But I just cant afford to drive it ever. I havent been out of town since owning it! This SUV is so plush and comfortable, with a tight turning radius and a ride like a Cadillac, like youre driving around sitting on your couch. Infinity speakers stink though. I blew out the side ones within a week. My Durango reminds me of something seen in a classic car collection. It should be looked at and admired for its beauty and quality but never ever driven. Ill miss it when its gone but I love to drive too much to keep it.