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:

• 

  POWER - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By Hunter - November 29 - 5:02 pm

  My Dodge Dakota is a very nice truck for off roading, burning out, and dragging lol. My Dakota has the 5.2l 318 Engine, and she has POWER! That thing can burn down the road if I get on it. Then again I have a K&N cold air intake, dual exhaust, brand new fuel injectors, brand new 2.5l fuel pump of the lower Dakota engine, and platnum tip spark plugs(VIPER SPARK PLUGS). And she maybe makes 300 horsepower. The 2.5l fuel pump cant really keep up with the rpms and some times starves the engine at high rpms. and my fuel mileage is maybe 20 mpg.

• 

  Sons First Car - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By CA - November 29 - 3:33 pm

  We got this off a neighbor for $200.00 and initially I thought I got a lemon. There was an electrical quirk, but my mechanic fixed it. Since it sat, it needed a few things, and the previous owner didnt have the right person work on it, so about $2500. later, the car runs great. Not too bad for a first car with NO CAR PAYMENT! I have a 1990 Daytona and I was never a sedan person, but I find myself loving this car. I was told that the 4 cyl. was very rare in this model. It has the exact same engine as my Daytona does. I told my son if he ever decides to get a new car, I want it back.

• 

  Ford,Chevy Watchout - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Mopar Guy - November 28 - 7:43 pm

  After numerous hours on the Internet the Descion was a No brainer. The Challenger SRT8 is hands down the Best car I have ever owned, the HP/TQ is Unbeatable all the way up to the redline, the ride was outstanding ,as is the the throw you back in your seat Torque. I am looking forward to long years of Enjoyment with this car......

• 

  Suprising Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By JH - November 28 - 7:39 pm

  My first car was a 1998 Dodge Stratus that I received over two years ago from my grandfather when I was 15. It had 110K miles on it and now has about 140K miles. Annual maintenance was not done on the car so we had to buy new brakes, tires, and the points and plugs were are now all new. Now the mechanic wants over $400 for a new oil pan. The transmission runs like new and its a fun car to drive so we decided to keep it until it completely falls apart without putting any more money into it. Overall, the Stratus was a nice easy car to learn how to drive in, but there are more reliable options out there. If price is an issue, the Stratus is always a good option.

• 

  Save your self !!!!! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By gunny519 - November 28 - 7:04 pm

  i own the 2.7 model of the intrepid and now i am having to get a new car because the engine is failing me. i really am trying to save you by telling you to not to buy the intrepid with the 2.7 engine, if it has the other engines you should be just fine. i absolutly loves my car until things started going wrong. the biggest thing right now is the oil consumption, i go through a quart of oil about every 200 miles and there is no leak it is all burnt, there is so much burnt oil coming out of the exhaust that it bothers people behind me. the blower motor also just had to be replaced and there are other things that need fixed but since i am getting a new vehicle im not going to waste my money.

• 

  Unhappy With Grand Caravan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jake - Twin Cities - November 28 - 5:53 pm

  We purchased our Grand Caravan new in 2004. It functions the way we hoped it would, towing a small camper, long road trips and day to day. It has been in the shop for 5 sets of tie rod ends and 5 sets of sway bar links. through in the occassional failed water pump, heater, AC, power locks and windows, and having the motor replaced in both sliding doors. Chrysller arbitration and our local dealer have been little help. We are giving up on Dodge.

• 

  2/24/2011 - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bs2257 - November 28 - 1:34 pm

  I wanted to buy American. Have always had a Toyota. Bought this van from the Dodge Dealership used with 58k miles. Since Ive had it, (1 1/2 yrs) new brakes, AC hose leaked. Recalls: AC, radiator cap leak, front wheel bearings, door latch could cause fire, Air bags could disengage. Now the transmission needs to be replaced with 64K miles. Cost 4,500-5,500 to replace. Was told by the dealership the transmission has not been a problem on other 2008 vans. Really! No Thanks! Trading it in on a Toyota as soon as possible! I really expected more from Dodge.

• 

  Buy It - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By DRD - November 28 - 12:50 pm

  I was very skeptical about buying this vehicle after reading the review from this website.I am very impressed with the quality of build,exterior looks and comfort of this crossover.I would recommend it to anyone looking for a inexpensive good looking crossover with many premium standard features at a more than competitive price.I have purchased many new cars in my 60yrs and few have made me as happy as this one.

• 

  Grand Caravan: Latin for Money Pit - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dotweasl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought I was the only person who called it a money pit. I bought it from my SISTER who had maintained the car flawlessly for 6 years. After 2 weeks the AC went out. 4 weeks later it wouldnt go into reverse. A week later it wouldnt shift out of gear at 30mph. Then the AC went out again and now its not shifting gears. RUN AWAY! RUN FAST! DONT LOOK BACK! Did I mention the strangulation sound it makes when the automatic door locks engage? Explain that when youre driving a client to lunch. Thats easy: ITS A MONEY PIT! RUN FAST! My transmission guy said if it werent for the Caravans, he wouldnt have any business. RUN AWAY!

• 

  excellent - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By lili12345 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  my husband was one of those"mini vans are for women" until one day he was hunting and his truck got stuck up on the logging trail. not only was i able to pick him up, i was able to take him further. it went over huge rocks with ease and never damaged the van. he now loves the van...also it is able to keep up with a bmw z-3! love, love my van...lots of room too