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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  Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bob - November 5 - 12:33 am

  A very versatile, comfortable to drive car. My second car is a BMW 330i. We use the Van far more. More comfortable to drive, more convenient. Reliability has been good through 38,000 miles, but I guess we will see. For a person with a family, this is a nice vehicle. Plenty of power, quiet ands smooth, good visibility, controls well placed. The stow and go seating is great and the electric doors as well.

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  Never Again - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By carnegiemom - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Dodge has replaced the main computer module three times and now it is the wiring harness. We have never had mechanical problems; all electrical. It just dies on the road with no warning. Not reliable for a soccer mom!

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  so-so - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By ssb - November 1 - 2:00 am

  transmissions (2) a/C (2) axel (1) other moderate repairs also needs new gaskets and seals 138,000

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  I liked it so much I sold the Benz - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By ustbond - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My CLK 430 was in for service and the dealer gave me an 04 Durango loaner. As a car snob was I mad I could not get a Benz, but after about 10 minutes I really liked it, and it didnt even have a Hemi! After having it all weekend, I found it to be one of the best cars/SUVs I have ever driven. Two weeks later, I traded the Benz in on an 04 Limited (I did have to get the Hemi), and have loved it ever since. Before I bought it, I did test drive all the others, and they could not even come close to this car. The Hemi is a must, but dont test drive a Hemi with plans of getting the smaller engine, because you wont. Ride is great, POWER is the best and comfort could not be better.

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  Unreliability overshadows looks - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CR - October 28 - 2:20 pm

  I bought this minivan new because it was the best looking of all the minivans at the time. It had an unusually (for a minivan) sporty look plus it has a great ride, handled well, was very comfortable on long trips, a luxurious interior and quietness, and offers great peformance with plenty of torque from the 3.8 V6. However, it turned out to be more than a lemon, a real headache. It has had over $5,750 in repairs since 1 week of ownership until now. To list just a few problems: New rear hatch motor, sliding door motor,window motor,new transmission,3 AC,condensor, 2sets rotors, ignition barrel, pwr doorlock, pwr steering ,etc..all before 50,000 miles.

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  Careful on Dodge Neons - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Sarah423 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Dodge Neon EXCEPT for the back brake design. They squeal when it rains or snows when you come to a stop. It is SO NERVE wrecking! The car is good otherwise although I think I am headed for transmission problems since there seems to be a hesitation and they are noted for transmission problems. Overall, I feel lucky with mine, after reading others problems with them. Would I buy one again....NO

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  Great little car! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By aurinia - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in Jan 2004 when my 94 Jimmy died. Had never driven one before or heard much about them but I got a great deal on it and figured w/ the inline 4cyl it would be good for my 70+ mile roundtrip daily commute. 9 months later, and I honestly love this car! Still doesnt have nearly as much power as my bfs WRX STi (what does? LOL) but its a great car! Ive put over 20K miles on it in 9 months (has 80K on it now)and so far the only things that have been replaced are the tires and the RF wheel bearing. Very, very reliable, looks great and very uncomplicated. Love it!

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  99 intrepid es mechanical problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By altagent - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I was driving to Lake Tahoe on a Saturday and the engine just started spazzing out for no reason. It felt like the timing belt jumped or I lost fuel but I let it sit for 10 minutes and it ran fine. 20 minutes down the road the same thing. 10 minutes later it ran fine. I drove another 100 miles to Tahoe and parked it. I started it up 2 days later and the wipers were spazzing out now. I drove it 120 miles and half way home it Spazzed out again. Idiot light was on and I brought it to the shop. Code was misfire. Light promptly went off and I drive it daily now. These cars are so heavily computerized that I think there is a hot wire somewhere to the trans thats causing this.Disappointe

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  2 Dr SLT Extended Cab Standard bed - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By notnamedjess - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I just sold my Dakota after 6 years. Over all I really liked my truck and was proud of it. It was fun to drive and anyone that drove it liked it. It was comfortable with plenty of room in the front seat for passengers but the back seat was not comfortable for adults. The bed was a good size for anything I needed. I got an average of 18mpg, up to 23 and as low as 9mpg when pulling my boat.

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  Fair and Balanced - "Knight Report" - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By KnightStream - October 23 - 8:50 pm

  Excellent vehicle overall. The ride is firmer, but with very good acceleration above 4k RPM. Adjusting the steering wheel more vertically "hides" the top 3/4 of the speedometer which is inconvenient. Tends to shift/downshift somewhat hard in lower gears below 2k RPM. Trunk lid opens heavy, but is fairly roomy for a mid-width "sporty" car. Leather trimmed seats will stretch where you sit and eventually crack in the "non" leather seat material (if not treated). Maintains 21-24 MPG with shared city/highway driving. Headrests VERY uncomfortable as they angle toward the occupant with no tilt-adjustment - forcing driver to nod, making longer journeys hard on the middle back (unless you lean WAY back)