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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  Better than a Ranger and a Ram - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Spinners2021 - January 3 - 11:59 pm

  In have a 99 Dodge dakota V8 5.2L 4WD Ext. Cab. It runs good and has alot of power. I live on a dirt road so it burns out real easily, even when i just tap the gas. It has an ok tunring radius and good acceleration. I wax and polish it about once a month and try my best to keep the inside clean. It is between the size of a ranger and a ram. It is a good looking and driving truck. I have 74K on it now.

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  Fingers Crossed - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By DMG - January 3 - 11:36 pm

  We just puschase a Dodge Caravan STX so far had a small problem with the overhead storage area but dealer handled. Have had alot of road noise was back a dealer today they informed me this was not road noise but a rear wheel bearing. Part ordered today. Im six foot tall and cant seem to find a comfortable position but wife has only let me drive it 4 or 5 times. Wondering if we should have kept our 2000 Intrepid. I Think everything will workout? only time will tell.

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  Gotta Love Your Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Big Don - January 3 - 7:16 pm

  Bought the Nitro last week and Its really fun to drive. The only real issue I have with the car so far is the gas mileage. Other than that I think I made a good choice. Get lots of looks and compliments. It reminds me of a cross between a Land Rover and an H3.

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  Satisifed - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By T - December 31 - 2:18 pm

  I have had my 99 Durango for 6 years now. I am satisfied with it although not ecstatic about it. I would recommend getting an extended warranty after the manufacturers runs out. I bought one for $1300 that covers everything with no deductible for 4 years and I have used about $1200 in warranty so far after 2 years. Not a lot of problems, however, SUVs are not as reliable as cars, and have more expensive repairs. I have never had another SUV to compare. The serpentine belt is definitely an issue with mine. I have 67k miles and need to replace the belt for a second time. 4WD light was broke twice. Rear ended a car from behind doing about 5MPH and not a scratch on my vehicle.

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  Great - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By neile - December 24 - 2:17 pm

  I have had this 02 Durango since Mar 03, and have put an average of 40000 miles a year on it. I currently have 100000 miles on it. I had one electrical problem with it, no other. It tows great, I am comfortable, but it is a little tight for my big frame. Overall, I love it. I get 17 mpg on avg, but only 9 when towing, which it does a great job of. I put a heavier duty susspension on the rear, which now it rides quite rough (rear hop), but it wasnt bad before I made the change

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  2000 Dodge Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By ealflyer - December 20 - 4:07 pm

  Wanted a crew cab style truck. Looked at all of them and settled on the Dodge Dakota. It came with all the bells & whistles that I wanted. Ive been very happy with its versitility. I can lig just about anything. The vehicle runs great with that big 4.7 V8 in it. Fuel economy could be better as Im getting about 16 mpg other wise Im happy

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  Charger a good choice for car fun - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By michael fortner - December 19 - 4:10 am

  Wow what a car! I cant drive more than a mile or two without someone slowing down or turning a head to look at this pure muscle car. The cockpit is perfect, and the power is so cool! Gas mileage is more on the bottom range of 15 city and 20 hwy, but who buys a muscle car for the gas economy?

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  Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Greg - December 18 - 3:22 pm

  The 2001 Stratus 4Dr. SE Sedan (4cyl) is a fine car. Although it a little louder than Id prefer Its still a nice vehicle. The interior is laid out good. The controls are easy to read and access. The front seats are comfortable. The 4 cylinder has decent power and acceleration.

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  Still Avengin - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Still_Avengin - December 17 - 11:47 pm

  My high school graduation present has never let me down. I fell in love with the car the first time I saw it and had to have it. It has over 150,000 miles now and it is still running strong. Never any major problems, only typical wear and tear. Almost traded it in 3 times, but decided to keep it last minute. Took a chance with an American car and got lucky!

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  Dakota 4-Door 2 Wheel Drive. - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By R Hooge - December 17 - 12:58 pm

  I love the looks and its fun to drive if the roads are dry. Great engine, the V8 is free-revving. The expected gas mileage of 17 city & 22 highway is way too optimistic. I do not drive this vehicle hard & the estiamtes are 15% to 20% too high. Very poor traction & handling on wet roads, the Goodyear Eagles seem to have very poor traction, and I have had lots of flat tires. Corners very well on smooth dry surfaces. Really bounces around on bumpy corners, almost out of control.