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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  Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By rhjones6 - November 27 - 2:16 pm

  First of all POOR service by local dealers. The car has had numerous small problems. Wheel bearings, cog&chain in the tranny, power window closers, electrical harness,third brake light and the car still has a shake in the front end at highway speeds with a rumble noise. All tires and balance have been chaged and rechecked several times. Dealer says they know its there dont know how to fix it. Oh what a feeling!!!! I think a Toyota is in the future.

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  Not a bad little sedan - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Paul - November 27 - 1:15 am

  Bought my 2000 ES V6 in 2000 while I was shopping for used Audi A-4s. This is 3/4 the car for about 1/2 the price. Only complaints are that the Left side speaker quite working at about 60k and the Premium sound just isnt the same with one side only. Plenty of get up and go with that V-6 and the interior has held together well. No major problems, but it does go through brakes and tires a little faster than you would expect - of course, one tends to take the turns & twisties pretty fast in this thing.

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  Good car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By good car - November 25 - 2:41 pm

  I really do like this car. The only thing is that I dont like the ride quality at a stop. It shakes too much but it makes up for that in the banging system you get for such a cheap price. This car also has a sporty feel to it

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  I love my Dango!!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Moms Dango - November 24 - 9:49 pm

  First, let me tell you that I have test driven over 10 different vehicles within 2 yrs time and our Durango was hands down the best! When you have a family you need a vehicle that offers versatility- speed, comfort, handling and safety.That is what the Durango gives you, I have the Hemi(of course)and its the Ltd. We also own a 99 Mercedes CLK430, so we know plush and you can definitely see where Mercedes have their input on making a Dodge. There is plenty of leg room, we have the DVD system and my kids love that, all of the controls are easy to use. Let me put it this way-If youre lucky enough to own a Durango then youre lucky enough!! If you get one, you wont be dissapointed.

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  Love it - but major repairs - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By prospering - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Threw a rod at 47,000 miles and adjuster stated it was due to a faulty gasket that caused the oil to burn up, however neither Chrysler nor our extended warranty would cover it. Had to replace the engine at a cost of over $4,000. Weve had to take the vehicle in a few times to repair the electric windows and door locks. The back rear AC makes loud clacking noises in hot weather.

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  Winter HEMI - 2017 Dodge Durango
  By John silano - November 23 - 6:42 pm

  Just bought it have a challenger r/t love the Durango for winter fun!!!

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  Horrific Brakes / Cheap Interior - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Steveman - November 19 - 3:52 pm

  The truck has been back to the dealer 5 times for the brakes. They have replaced the front rotors twice, but re-surfaced (worthless) them the other 3 times. Every time they treat me like Ive been abusing the brakes, and theyre doing me a favor by fixing them again. Ive called DCs 800 number, and theyre worthless, referring me back to the dealer. For the record, Ive never even made a panic stop with the truck. I try to "baby" the brakes at all times. For the record, Im a Kenworth owner/operator, pulling very heavy loads daily, and know more than the average driver about "saving brakes". Ill never own another Chrysler product. This is the 2nd time Ive been burned by them.

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  Stratus V6 sedan - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By chuck diggs - November 17 - 4:24 pm

  Have some brake issues such as warped rotors and a little shakey on stops. Other than that the car has been a good car with no other problems.

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  Best little truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Leonard McCarty - November 16 - 12:20 am

  I got my Dakota when it had 27,000 miles. It now has 127,000 miles and, except for a few minor replacements, has run great. It handles smooth and corners solid. The doors still close with a "thud" and the ashtray light still comes on when you drop it down! Ive always admired people who drove a Dakota, and now I know why. I have the 5 speed manual transmission and the clutch is still tight after all these miles. My friend has a Ranger, same year, and hes replaced his clutch twice now!

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  Dont believe your dealer - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By jlharley - November 12 - 10:01 pm

  I really like the truck with the exception for the rear end vibration when you use the brakes. I asked the dealer before i bought the truck if there were any items of concern and was told no. I returnrd 3 days later to the service department to check out the vibration I felt. The service look at my truck and said oh yea you have the model that has a SRB out about vibration. We have 6 or 7 trucks waiting to get fixed.