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 It - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By T. Henry - February 21 - 11:23 am

  Weve had our Caliber for a couple of months and we love it. It does not have much "get up and go", but feels sturdy and safe. Theres a lot of steep grades in our area & it handles them beautifully. Comfy inside, but blind spots are hard to get used to, especially in reverse. Gas mileage is fantastic, we average about 30 miles/gal. Storage space is excellent. Love its look and overall feel. Well see how it handles in winter.

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  99 Intrepid Review - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim Katso - February 20 - 11:39 pm

  I bought an Intrepid ES with all options new in 1999 and have taken the car about 65,000 miles. While granted my annual mileage is low, I have kept a detailed log of repair expenses and have found the Intrepid to be very reliable to date. My transmission control module went at 35000 miles (warranty). Other repairs have been Keyless remote motor went ($200), Sway Link (warranty),passenger rear window motor ($150). So overall a very high quality level. The car is fun to drive, especially on long road trips. Handles well and has excellent acceleration for highway. I have found the performance in snow to be disappointing. Overall, when I see these cars listed for around $6K, its a value

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  Quality Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Gary85741 - February 19 - 11:10 am

  This was my first new car in eighteen years. I researched my desired factors and options on the internet and arrived at a Dodge Stratus. I rather like having a car in which you dont see yourself coming and going on the highway (eg., not half the people are driving one.)

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  Special Edition: A Very Nice Car - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dale - February 18 - 8:10 am

  I really like my 2005 Grand Caravan Special Edition. It is very comfortable on long trips and local short trips. Weve purchased the full mechanical system maintenance and havent used it at all even with four plus years of service. The things that I like about it are the stow-and- go since I filled the car several times with 4x8 sheets of plywood, and I didnt have to remove any seats; just stow them. The air conditioning, power, and quiet running are tops. The car came with manual cabin temp control which i dont like. I am still fond of the Grand Caravan but ready to sell after 46000 miles.

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  As good as the old cabs and cop cars - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Bob Herbert - February 15 - 6:26 pm

  Sure it may not be as stylish as some or as fast as others, but it is a nice ride comfortable on long trips. Average gas mileage, and reliable to a fault....83k and a set of plugs and wires, and a water pump....my wifes GMC Yukon has had over a grand of repairs in the same time....

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  10 YEARS & WONDERFUL - 1995 Dodge Spirit
  By marcia - February 15 - 3:02 pm

  Had this car brand new and 10 years going strong. Extremely reliable and great ride. Gone to trade in several times and could not justify because of its excellent performance and smooth ride. Built solid. Gonna drive it till it dies. Saving to give to son because of its features.

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  00 Dodge Dak 3.9L ext cab 2wd - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Matt - February 14 - 12:02 pm

  Have owned this truck from 00 to present. This has to be the best vehicle I have ever purchased. I have had this truck in the garage once for the check engine light. The problem was a faulty gas cap. Other than routine maitenance...I have not had one problem! (knock on wood). Nice ride for a truck. I am thouroughly displeased with the 05 design. Looks like the new Mitsubishi Raider is going to be my future purchase...same truck with better warranty.

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  I like it! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By B. OBrien - February 13 - 5:46 pm

  Purchased the vehicle used with 15k miles....have never had any problems of any kind. The engine has plenty of power and the power sliding doors and lift gate are great for our two kids. The interior could be a little more luxurious, but it is certainly adequate. Overall, it is very nice vehicle for families. The stock tires were pretty lousy, especially in the rain. We replaced them with Goodyear Assurance TripleTreds and it was a HUGE improvement. We also had to replace the front brakes at 27k miles.

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  Its a 68/69 Camaro on steroids - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By Doug - February 13 - 4:29 pm

  Ive wanted a 68 Z-28 since then. When the 08 Challenger body style appeared, I noticed. When the 12 body updates occurred, I had to get one. The wait was absolutely worth it. Simply gorgeous/brutal looks, active exhaust sounds killer, acceleration (375 hp) is something else. Huge moon roof. Six-speed stick feels great in the hand, and works fine. Gas mileage: forget it. Handling: forget it. Rear visibility: forget it. But a trunk (with fold-down rear seats) for the ages, even with the OPTIONAL ($300) spare tire. Dwarfs WRXs, BMWs; same size as a Cadillac CTS. At 4400 lbs, it aint lithe. If you want handling, buy an angular Camaro or a humdrum Mustang. If you want the ultimate evolution of the classic 60s muscle car, with a sound and straightline pull that will get your attention, buy a Challenger.

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  More room - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By vapamd3 - February 12 - 3:51 pm

  After spending 14 years in standard cab Rangers {2} and S-10s {2} i wanted more interior space.I chose the Dakota mainly because I couldnt find a Tacoma or Frontier at any dealer with the options i wanted. I found this SLT and could not be happier. Smooth, powerful, and comfortable. All controls within easy reach -no daytime running lights ,which I love -great sound and features. I needed the tow package and Dodges is one of the best out there.