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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  Disappointed in Quality - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By vfornelli - November 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Intrepid after looking at the Volkswagon Passat. The Intrepid was roomier, it cost less, and had a better sound system and climate control. However, after just 37,000 miles, I had to replace the front bearing, rotors and pads under normal driving conditions at a cost of nearly $800. At 61,000 miles, I had to do the same for the rear. I also experienced transmission problems at 61,000 miles. I have enjoyed the room, comfort and gas mileage (23mpg city, 32mpg highway), but I am very disappointed in the mechanical quality of the vehicle.

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  Pleasure to own.......... - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By MSF_Snake - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought the suv on lease purchase plan and decided to keep it based on vehicle performance. Intake gasket replacement is the only issue that we have had and has over 40,000 mile on vehicle. Dont care for the gas mileage, but it WILL pull a load. Inside in comfortable, with plenty of room. Been a good family vehicle.

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  Cant Beat Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge at Heart - November 11 - 3:44 pm

  I had to put a fuel pump in at 55,000 miles and then again at 140,000 miles. At 6 years 2 months I had to replace the orignal battery. At 172,350 miles I had to replace the water pump. At 195,000 miles I had to replace the transmission. It now has 200,350 miles on it and still going strong. The body and color are still in excellent (show room) condition. My sister had a Ford SUV and cant get more then 15,000 miles with out in haven to go in the shop for one thing or another. I am going to buy another one and give this one to my sister. It will be cheaper for her in the long run.

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  Fun Car, Great Price - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Silky - November 10 - 10:34 am

  Pros: the attractive looks, the power, and the value. I went from a 4 cyl 2001 Accord with lthr seats to this, and it was no step down. These cloth seats are the most comfortable Ive ever sat on in a car. This car is a great value with a heck of a lot of giddyup. The downside is the headroom is atrocious & with the curvature of the door/window I smack my head all the time when trying to check my blind spot. Next, the transmission is rough..stalls under hard braking occasionally and shifts very rough, especially down. Last, the gas mileage is terrible. Im lucky to get 20 mpg on my short daily drives. Overall, though, a great car to drive to its death since resale value stinks.

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  Great Car - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Happy in MT - November 9 - 8:30 pm

  Great van, nice room and have not had any problems since I purchased. Currently have 110,000 miles and have only done routine maintenance.

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  In love.... - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By HEMI WAGON - November 9 - 1:50 pm

  When many people choose form over function, Dodge has come out with a car that finally has both ideas in mind! What is better than having a grocery getter family car that can take on the other V8s and rice burners that tool around town. We are so happy with this car that everytime we see it, it makes us smile. Theres nothing like knowing that when you need the horsepower its there for you. As far as those people who are complaining about it being a gas guzzler, wake up! You have a HEMI so you knew the consequences!

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  Street Legal Race Car - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Jon:M - November 9 - 9:14 am

  While the SRT-10 isnt nearly as stunning as the earlier RT/10 or GTS models, it remains true to Bob Lutzs original concept: it is as close as you can get to a road-course race car for use on the street for less than six figures. And while it isnt designed for it, off-the-shelf quarter-mile times in the 11s isnt too shabby, either.

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  The good outweigh the bad - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By ghbatb - November 8 - 2:55 pm

  I purchased my Intrepid about 3 years ago with 65,000 miles and have been pretty satisfied. I now have 112,000 and have had to replace fuel pump and tie end rods but pretty much normal maintenance things. Lots of power and comfort, good ride. AC still works great and electric windows as well with no problems. The only thing I have not been happy with is the rubber around windows keep popping off, the paint on top (clear coat) is peeling and looks tacky, and the hood will not stay up.Also problems with headlight lenses condensating. Otherwise been happy with.Plan on purchasing a newer model, but still want to keep this one for husband.

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  HOT A/C - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jacob2010 - November 8 - 12:53 am

  We bought this Dodge G/C-2008 SXT about a week ago, and since then we have had the following problems (not corrected yet by dealer). Pass.side A/C blows HOT air when setting is cold. Drvr side front wheel/tire squeals(brake dust on tire), Horrible squeaky noise from windshield area. Pass.side sliding door will not close properly, keeps openings by itself. Remote missing for DVD unit. U-connect doesnt work. Vehicle pulls to the left. Chrysler/Dodge needs to start using automatic lights like Ford & GM. Annoying to turn on lights when driving at nite time.

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  More bark than bite - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By ruffles - November 6 - 12:26 am

  I purchased this R/T on Ebay almost one year ago. Replaced the idler pulley,v-belt, and water pump. Overall, the truck turns heads everywhere I go. Sounds excellent through factory single exhaust (not sure what genius put single exhaust on a performance truck). The truck is fun to drive. Fuel economy is about 14 in the city and 17 on the highway. Truck has a 5.9 v-8 and only produces 250hp. Most hondas with a couple of mods can beat me on any given day. Looks mean, sounds mean, feels mean. Stock with k&n filter runs high 14s in quarter mile.