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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  What problems? - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By AliciaMNC - November 30 - 1:07 pm

  I was weary about buying a Dodge due to rumors of tranny issues. But when I went looking I found mine, well within my price range and with only 36k miles on it. And I have to say - this car has been a God-send! Its now at just under 100k miles and in all this time, I have had one issue - at 80,500 miles, the transmission controller module went out. Cost nearly $1000 to fix (it was 500 miles outside the part warranty), but considering the many years without literally any issue, this was the best vehicular purchase Ive ever made. I am a Dodge lover now!

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  Generally Satisfied Owner - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Peterbilt03 - November 30 - 3:54 am

  My Dakota was a good purchase, the truck has been very reliable and far exceeds the quality of my previous Blazer ZR2, the truck has required maintainence and repairs, as any vehicle will, nothing major or out of the ordinary, trucks power with the 318 is very good, turning radius is exceptional which makes for easy parking, the interior build quality is very good and pleasing to the eye, far better than any GM product(my opinoin, not a fact) the transfer case engauges flawlessly and instantly everytime as compaired to electric shift systems, mileage is good in my opinion, if you want awesome mileage you shouldnt be looking for a truck, i will surely buy a Dodge for my next vehicle.

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  2003 Neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By ufarab - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Mileage could be better (26.5 on highway). Add power windows to rear. Exterior road noise too load. Otherwise, I like the car.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By romman - November 25 - 11:27 pm

  Bought this car over the weekend and love it! In fact I would say that this is the best car Ive owned. I have owned quite a few cars and trucks over the years including Mustangs, Thunderbirds, Trans- Am, Dodge RAM pickup and most recently a Durango. I have been very pleased on how the car handles and absolutely love the sunroof since I live in CA. The seats are comfortable and Dodge finally did something with the 07 cruise control handle problem. I rented an 07 charger for about 10 days and that lever drove me nuts! Sirius radio is a nice touch and the rear air is nice for the kids! Everything about the car feels solid and the handling is superb. I wanted the myGig system but maybe next time

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  Supercar performance, poor mans price! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By iturbosrt4 - November 24 - 10:09 am

  If youre looking for something fast, rare and eye-catching for a cheap price, youre reading the review for the perfect car. Everytime I get into my car Im afraid Im going to get a speeding ticket. You dont even realize how fast youre going sometimes. Some say the interior is cheap but I say its perfect for me. If I wanted a luxury car, I wouldve brought one. The 6 CD stereo system is crystal clear, the bucket seats are comfortable and all the controls are placed in arms reach. Thats all I need!

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  Me and my RT - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By WackyWayno - November 20 - 9:53 pm

  Got my blue RT with the road and track option almost a year ago. It has been a great car for me. Ive only had to take it back for oil changes. Im real picky and usually have to have the dealer fix a few little things on my new cars. Not this one. Glad I ordered mine with road and track option. The better seats are great and the other extras were worth it. Fun to drive. I car pool and after a couple of days not driving it I miss it. Just starting it is exciting. Ive always bought new cars, and this has been the best. Not happy with fuel economy. Ive owned V-8s before that did better. Ride and handling are very good for this size car. If you drive it, you will like it.

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  Great - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By speeking9 - November 19 - 11:43 pm

  I love the Caravan, my second one. Handles great and rides like a Cadilac. Great heater for Alaska winters at 40 below and starts very easy cold temps. The Caravan is the best auto I have ever had by far and I have had a lot cars of all brands and not one has ever met the reliability the Caravan has.

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  love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By johnlclark - November 17 - 6:53 pm

  Plenty of power to merge or pass and very comfortable seats.

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  Great vehicle and fun to drive - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By jaeggergs - November 17 - 11:23 am

  Bought this vehicle as a demo with 5200 miles on it. It has been one of the best reliable, dependable vehicles Ive ever owned. Love the performance of the vehicle. Hugs corners with Pirellis. I have 187,000 miles on the vehicle. Replaced the engine, rebuilt the tranny & it still runs like a dream. Front end now goes about every 2 years. About $800. to repair. Having a hard time letting this vehicle go. Prefer driving it in bad weather over my SUV. Dont like the black "paper" between front & back doors as it peels off. Thats the worst I can say about this vehicle. Only stuck once and thats when the engine went with no warning. This vehicle owes me nothing. Would recommend to anyone

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  Magnum, one fun soccer mom vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike - November 16 - 7:20 pm

  This car has it all....power, convenience, style, and fuel economy of a V6. We get a lot of looks and comments on this car. The one word I love is HEMI= raw power and fun!