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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  99 Stratus - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By al_bundys_dodge_dart - March 17 - 9:04 pm

  90k miles. Reliable car. Replaced brakes often, 3 times so far. Right rear power window failed. Dodge logo hood ornament either stolen or fell off... I suspect stolen.

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  Lemon - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kelly - March 17 - 4:26 pm

  As soon as I got it, the transmission started to slip. I had to replace that once it just wouldnt go anymore. Then, there was a consistent problem with tie rods and wheel bearings. Ive replaced them three times. Its unreal. They are bad again, and now theres a fuel leak, but Im just going to drive it until I cant anymore. That cars almost ready to be put to rest though, it has around 150,000 miles now. The transmission is also starting to slip again. At times I just hated this car, but then again, I loved it. Its very nice and roomy, and for the most part, reliable. It always started fine, my only problems were transmission, and those stupid tie rods.

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  2000 Dodge Caravan - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Kevin - March 17 - 2:12 pm

  We purchased the Caravan, used, for the style, comfort, and price. After about our second year of owning the van we started having problems. The transmission started leaking, I cannot remember the name of the part, but it cost $445.00 to replace. The key would not turn when placed in the ignition and after calling the dealership we were told to put the key in the ignition and tap it with a hammer, which worked. The van has good power and the basic equipment is all we needed, power, two sliding doors, keyless entry, etc... I know when youre buying used you may be buying someone elses problems but I will buy new next time and it will be foreign.

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  Quality Is - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Lv2mix - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car in July and god it looks incredible! Have had it 4 months and put 12,000 miles on it already. It is so much darn fun to drive! Even with the 4 cylinder, with the 5 speed, it just screams drive me fast! Love the dash configuration, but some items not thought out very well, i.e. head rests, cup holders (front and back), you know, minor stuff, but still an incredible car!

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  Great Old Truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By FourDakotas - March 14 - 8:24 pm

  I purchased it with 165K miles two years ago. Truck had been neglected and vandalized prior, but has never failed us in 14K miles. 3.9 L still uses no oil, drives fine, just a great, dependable truck. It has lived a hard life before I bought it, and has some rust. But here in Michigan, most of the 93 S-10s and Rangers are rusted away, and the 93 Japanese pickups were rusted away and worn out years ago. Where does JD Power get these "2 of 5" mechanical ratings? These trucks are bulletproof--at least all four of mine have been. One more reason to Buy American--or at least try something other than GM junk before you send your hard earned GDP to Asia.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Fun to drive - March 13 - 8:57 pm

  I just bought a 2003 R/T and its really fun to drive. Good performance from the engine, although it could use a little more power. Many aftermarket parts are available to increase horsepower if you want that though. This is a great car to drive that feels like a sports car, and at a low cost compared to others of the same type. An especially good value if you buy it used like I did, only 24,000 miles and a fraction of the original cost.

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  A must have for big family w/ big boat! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By JBIII - March 11 - 9:57 pm

  Traded my 2001 Durango for 2006 limited w/ Hemi engine. I have a family of 5 that needs to tow almost 9000 pounds. This is the vehicle to do that. It also has the best fold flat third row seat of any mid size SUV. So simple, seats 3 in the rear bench with 3 headrests and 3 shoulder harnesses. Can be folded or raised from outside the vehicle. Ride quality is so much improved over the old style. Very safe SUV for the family and the rear DVD/CD player is awesome for the kids. They can switch between a DVD,CD,Sat Radio,AM/FM, or MP3 discs. Power liftgate is great! CONS: Needs rear view camera system like Nissan Armada,no dual zone climate control, legs hit running board upon exit/entry.

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  Joy To Drive - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Barry Poppey - March 10 - 8:13 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle originally for its superior comfort. My wife has a very bad back. After the purchase we found that the handling and per formance were far superior to other makes and models of equal size. We love the overall feel and ride.

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  Love My Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By ann - March 9 - 12:16 am

  Im 52" and sit high in the seat and dont feel like Im sitting on the ground. I dont have a problem seeing out of the car. Ive always preferred small cars (Ford-pinto/escort & Hyundai-excel). I wanted a larger car but not a large car. This has a lot of room but drives like a smaller car. My Dad who is 62" thought it had a lot of room in the back seat. My mom who drives a large SUV thought I had more cargo room that she does. My children are grown but I think it would make a great family car. I think it would be great for anyone even teens because of the safety features and visibility.

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  Not too bad, but not too good either - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stekicar - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 96164 miles on it. Except for intermitent wipers I didnt have a sinle problm until I reached around 120000 miles. First, my engine started to leak oil, every 300- 500 miles I have to add 1 quarter. My AC compressor died (dont know whats wrong with it, maybe its just bearing), power windows electric motor on passenger side burned out, . Dont have problem with transmission.