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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  Nice Truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By TJ Thompson - June 8 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this truck used with 10k on it. Ive had it for 10 years and its gotten me everywhere Ive needed to go. It averages about 22MPG with the 2.5L 4 cyl and 5-speed tranny. It gets me back and forth 20 miles to work and handles what little cargo I do haul easily. It has the original clutch even after a couple of years in San Diego dealing with rush hour traffic. I had to replace the catalytic convertor at 50k, the AC compressor around 70k and the head gasket around 100k. The radio quit just recently and it needs a new headliner. Overall though its been an efficient, reliable daily driver.

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  Kens Viper Review - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Ken - June 6 - 5:07 pm

  This is my second Viper. I had a 2002, the older body style convertible RT/10. Although I loved the 2002, the new Viper SRT/10 has some significant improvements, particularly in the exterior design and the interior. Performance, as with the 2002, is spine tingling.

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  So far so good - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By froggerSJC - June 5 - 2:31 am

  Grabbed this car due to an amazing deal I got. It does handle pretty well for such a large car. I lowered my reliability rating because of Chryslers apparent lack of responsibility as far as the 2.7L engine goes. So far all is well, though I keep Mobile1 running through her. If my engine does fail, DC better be ready for a stink!

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  gps - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By bob - June 3 - 3:33 pm

  Nice fun to drive, how ever the gps need work. $2200. For the mygig is a little high, I have a 250.00 handheld garmin that dose more and is easier to use, plue it lock out some of the functions when your moving.

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  Family rocket - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By John Ramsey - June 2 - 2:26 pm

  Its hard to believe that only a few short years ago Chrysler did not even offer a V8 in a car, much less a rear drive one. Theyve more than made up for it. With a wife and two kids, this is a perfect choice for a family mans muscle car. Not only is it the cheapest of the SRT8s, it is also the coolest looking, with its hood scoop and rear spoiler. The Magnum and 300C SRT8s look too much like the regular Hemis to me.

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  180,000 miles and still running strong - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Natedogg - June 2 - 1:34 pm

  I bought the car with 145000 miles on it, and all I had to replace was the head gasket. I bought some performance struts and lowering springs. The car carves corners like nothing. With only 132 hp, the car is pretty quick. I havent had any problems with this car and I plan to own it all the way to 200,000 miles! My only complaints are that it leaks oil, and the brakes stink, but upgrade them and it shouldnt be that big of deal. I love my Neon!

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  Grand Caravan Sport - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By RayJ - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Practical and fun family vehicle. Only manufacturer who provides quality built in child safety seats. Sport package provides very good handling and performance for extended family road trips. Good gas mileage on road (20-22 mpg) loaded with family and luggage. No mechanical or body problems, just normal maintenance.

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  NOT USER FRIENDLY - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Jim and Bonnie Baird - May 30 - 5:50 pm

  Have had constant trouble with both sets of brakes. Suspension leaves alot to be desired. Tranny lasted over 100,000 miles. Had it rebuilt. Cruise control problem early on. Tried to change sparkplugs at 100,000 miles. Couldnt get to the one in the rear on pass. side. Dont have a creeper or a lift and am not a contor- tionist. Had to pay an independent $23 to do it! Old models had fuel filter under the pass. door panel. On my 99 you must drop the fuel tank to reach it. Another $50 for labor! Looked at the new base models. Cheaper interiors, lack of features. Have had a Chrysler mini-van since their first model year. Bye-bye Dodge Caravan, Hello Toyota Sienna!

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  Great car - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tom - May 29 - 3:06 pm

  Our prior Dodge Grand Caravan ran 170,000 miles without any problems so it was time to trade it in for a new minivan. The new Grand Caravan is so much nicer then the prior model. May not be pretty to watch from the outside, but really nice inside.

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  Charger R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By rsstopper - May 27 - 4:46 am

  Ive never owned a Dodge in my life. I think I was missing the boat. Its a tight, quiet, comfortable 4 door Tank. With the 5.7L Hemi the gas mileage is low but the 4/6/8 cylinder shut down system works pretty well. On the highway the mileage quickly is 24mpg with an added plus of using regular gas. Overall, a great car with a happy owner.