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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  Love my Dodge - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Dan S. - May 5 - 8:16 pm

  We purchased the Durango after looking around at many other models. I loved the looks and power. We tow a very large camper as well as a farm tractor, and use it for other work around the farm. Have had no problems until now. Transmission is starting to give trouble. Everything still works great and we have the SLT plus. Still use it when we need to carry 7 people. nNver been stuck yet, thanks to 4WD.

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  Good looking, performing w/"no-frills" - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Bradske - May 5 - 1:09 am

  Put a new water pump on at 65K that cost a bit. Other than that, I havent had a problem. I just started having water leakage into the passenger side floorboard -- that MAY turn into a big prob. Mechanically very reliable, efficient, fast, and good looking ride for the $10k I paid for it new. Good value.

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  Good Choice - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Craig Bannecke - May 3 - 5:21 pm

  Purchased this ES Intrepid as a lease turn in with 30.K miles. It now has 70.0K miles and has been a good reliable vehicle. Gas mileage around town is average but on the road it gets 27 mph. Wife drives the car daily and we take it on most of our road trips. Very enjoyable vehicle

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  Excellent - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dennis Wahrer - May 2 - 8:00 pm

  The car handles like a dream. I took it on a trip to Virginia in early Dec. I had absolutly no problems. I think I helped to sell at least one Hemi to a trucker and his wife at a truck stop. They saw the vehicle at the pump, came over to me and wanted to see the engine and the other things about the car. They said they could not find a HEMI at any dealers where they shopped. As they walked back to thier truck I overheard the wife say, "Well I guess we are going to trade our old station wagon." I hope I sold one for you.

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  Looks good, but beware of repairs - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Dan - May 2 - 3:28 pm

  I have had my avenger for 2 years now and I have put over $3,000 into it (not including routine maintance. Ive had 4 new struts, 2 control arms, 3 tires, 2 rims, front brakes, hole in exhaust, and new locks. Now the sunroof is broken, radio reception is terrible, leak near drivers door, and my interior lights and some warning lights (low gas) dont work. The tires and rims are very expensive to replace and a tune-up and timing belt will run $300 and $500. The turning radius is also terrible and the V6 engine sounds strained.

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  Reliable, Sharp, Fun - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By SNN - May 2 - 3:30 am

  I bought this as a used fleet car at 16,000 miles. Its the 2.0 CVT SXT. I have had no problems thus far. The tires have been changed eliminating any road noise. AC is cold at 30 degrees lower than outside temp, chillzone stays at 65 to 75 degrees with ac on and vent open. I replaced the stock speakers but left the stock radio. I get avg. 28 city/ 32 highway mpg. Plenty of spunk for stop lights and city traffic dodging. Handles well, and will spin tires. Doesnt haul butt, 0-30 in 3 seconds and 30-60 in another 9 seconds. But, it is a clean looking car thats fun to drive with acceptable mpg and features. The new 2008s have more standard features now, but Im glad to own an original.

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  Test Driving Potential Replacements for My Envoy - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Zoo Dawg - May 2 - 2:55 am

  The Durango would probably be at the top of my list if the EcoDiesel V-6 was an engine option. I need something that can pull a trailer. Right now Im leaning toward the Jeep Grand Cherokee for that reason. Wont decide for a few more months.

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  Pleased - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tall one - April 28 - 6:06 pm

  Bought mine new, use it on the highway in northern Canada. Great in ice and snow. Great family car, fits kids nice. Lots of passing power at highway speed. I am 65 and I find it to be a comfortable ride. It is a little bit of work to get in and out of though.

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  Very Reliable - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Matt - April 28 - 11:14 am

  176,000 Miles and still going strong. I still get about 25 miles per gallon ... not bad for being almost 10 years old. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for a reliable used car.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By turbosmagnum - April 28 - 10:00 am

  As others have said my 1st Dodge like the Hemi power handles very well a little choppy on rough roads But feels well built, very solid car !