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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  No repairs in 145,000 - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By erics intrepid - May 24 - 5:25 am

  I just had my first repair besides normal items for an oil leak and the cost was $75.00. Almost traded it in for $800.00 before a second opinion and had it fixed for $75.00. Keeping it and giving to my daughter. Had the car fully evaluated when the repair was done and found nothing wrong at all! Needs front brakes thats it! Great car, never been back to the dealer sine I bought it! 8 years body and mechanical perfect shape, no rust at all. Rides and handles like day one upper 20s on mpg on all highway miles! Two minor items still remain, rear door seal fell off a few years ago and I took it off. Drivers side electric door lock sticking. Looks great, runs great. Another 145,000? Hope so!

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  1999 Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By James Smith - May 24 - 3:13 am

  Excellent vehicle. Runs well with minimal problems. Good pick up and great for long drives. Lots of trunk space and interior space.

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  I love this car - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Al - May 23 - 8:14 am

  1st off they dont have the right engine listed. I have the SXT Sport 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine. And I like the zip it has. I picked this up on May 17th after a week search to find the right color and options. I have the Sunburst Orange with matching colored seat inserts and dash. Also have a sunroof. I have a bad back and the front seats are great, very comfortable. Lots of room in front and back. Just as much cargo space as my Jeep Liberty had. I really love this car even thought I have taken some abuse by co-workers for getting the orange color. HAHA

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  I love this car! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Felicia - May 21 - 2:14 pm

  This car is all I expected and more. Not only is it a good looking muscle car, we can fit the whole family plus groceries without feeling cramped. I love the look of the car and the Inferno Red (just like the picture) is such a nice color. It drives great, has good pick up and gets better than decent gas mileage. What more can you ask for!

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  Thanks MOPAR - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Jim - May 21 - 2:05 pm

  Our r/t has the road and track option which is the Daytona without graphics, 350 hp, seats heated and same as Daytona with embosed r/t in seat back, very comfortable and secure, sunroof, 20" wheels and tires, front and rear spoilers, trip and info computer, adjustable peddles, Im 6,2" so this makes the car custom fit the wife 5,7" and me to a tee. Steering wheel moves up and down and in and out as well. Controls well placed. The wife is getting 20 mpg to and from work, at 70 on highway on Cruise about 24 mpg. Not bad for a bullet when wanted. It will tease a heavy foot. Mds is seamless. Low tire warning. Auto stick shift when wanted. All with life time warranty drive train. A+ mopar

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  2nd Grand Caravan and Even Better - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gianca - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd Grand Caravan. It has been virtually maintenance free the 50,000 miles we have had it (48,000 - 100,000). The leather cleans easy. Even the AC ducting is wide enough to easily clean. The sliding back rear bench is great. Both side sliding doors are great and operate flawlessly. Drink holders for everyone, and well incorporated or hidden into the trim. Never had a vehicle this reliable before.

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  Love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By LOVE IT!!! - May 21 - 6:48 am

  I love this vehicle! Plenty of head and leg room! My kids can stand up in the back without touching their heads to the ceiling! Lots of room! This vehicle handles really well around corners and into small parking spots. Cargo room, you can get lots of stuff back there. We bought a liner for in the back. If there would be any spills then it stays on the liner and not in the Nitro! The radio/satellite/CD have great sound and are centrally located and easy to reach. Comfortable seats. The exterior is very impressive! You get lots of looks at it and people asking what kind of vehicle is that??? LOVE IT!

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  Best U turn I made! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Toolman - May 21 - 1:00 am

  I love the Journey, found by accident while turning around in Dodge dealership. Had a hard time finding Green, Was not able to get features I wanted, still ironing that out with dealership. Almost bought Pontiac Torrent but found it a waste of space. Journey is loaded with space. Only had two weeks and there is a creaking noise when I hit bump from drivers side rear. Excellent handling with 19" tires

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  If this is a Neon, I want 2 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By CampJub65 - May 20 - 10:06 am

  I was just in for a oil change and saw the Caliber in the showroom. My wife and I did a test drive and turned in both our cars for a trade in. It drives smooth for a 4 cyl and the exterior and interior are nicely done. You know what? My wife wont pass the keys now. We really like the IPOD feature and you think kids are the only one to use this extra feature. Fun car and a keeper!

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  Nice size truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Gerard - May 20 - 9:29 am

  Did some research on this truck and the ratings I read are true. My mpg on highway at 71 mph at 65 degrees, little wind, is around 19 mpg the truck had 65 miles on it. The V8 has some good power. Got the Laramie package with the trailer tow package. Truck pulls 3000 lbs real good. Love the black metal flake paint with the chrome front end looks like a Harley truck. Truck gets a lot of looks, Dodge did a good job on redesigning the front clip. Ride is pretty good for a pickup truck.