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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  Chrysler could have done better - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Willie - October 2 - 3:31 pm

  The fuel economy is quite good. Vehicle came with a spoiler on the trunk lid that obstructed rear view and I ended up removing it and plugging the screw holes. At 38,000 miles the vehicle would not pass a state inspection because the lower control arm bushings seperated from their housing on both sides of the vehicle. Dealer says he has relaced these failed parts on many Dodge Neon vehicles and on PT Cruisers which have the same suspension. Had other Chrysler vehicles in the past and will certainly never buy another one.

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  lemon - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By lori454 - October 2 - 12:38 pm

  I bought this Stratus rt new in 02,Since then I have spent a small fortune keeping this thing on the road.I had a third radiator put in this summer.Went thru 5 batteries.Two starters,alternator.The brake rotors last about 7k miles and then warp.It uses a quart of oil a week.now the egr valve is shot.This car was the biggest mistake I ever made in my life.

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  Boutght used, running well - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By LARRYH - October 2 - 10:01 am

  Needed car for my daughter to drive for school and activities. Found this, with low miles (23,000 when we bought it). It has been a really enjoyable little car. My daughter loves to drive it, and, even with the 2.4 4 cylinder, it has decent pickup and driveability. Seats are comfortable, mileage is decent (average 25 mpg). Was not really expecting much based on reviews, but have been pleased. My daughter has driven in 12,000 miles since purchase, and it has been completely reliable so far.

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  No problems for us! - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By AlaFamily - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this van used for less than 20K with 20K miles (it was a Program vehicle). Now at 60K+ miles with absolutely no problems. My husband changes the oil regularly and it runs great. We have not experienced any of the wind noise nor transmission problems/oil leaks mentioned by others. But would like to see hideaway 3rd seat feature. VERY comfortable on road trips, though, and roominess is unbeatable. Would definitely buy another one.

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  2000dodgeintrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Francis H. Schott - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Very good car, reliable and comfortable.

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  An excellent car with good mileage - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Mike M - September 30 - 12:27 pm

  I had owned 5 Neons over the years before buying the Caliber. I am still disappointed about he termination of Neon, but I am extatic about this Dodge. Great mileage at 32-33 mpg..(I havent taken it on a trip yet). The ride is superb and handling is great. The power is more than adequate, even with the tiny engine. I am very happy with the Caliber overall. The lighted cup holders are a wonderful dafety feature in my opinion.

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  Amazing! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By cooz123 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Yes, its like a broken record, but I have to agree with 90 percent of the posts here, this car is all that and more. Everything about the SRT-4 brings a smile to my face. I used to drive an 87 Mustang GT and that car doesnt come close to the fun factor I experience in my SRT. Stage 2 and new wheels and tires are in my forecast. I hope this car will go down in history as one of, If not the best bang for buck cars ever sold.

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  Review - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rachel - September 29 - 11:59 pm

  I have had this car for 3 yrs. it has been a lot of fun to drive even got me into trouble a couple of times. I have had a lot of repair work done on it, but what can you expect from a 12 yr old car. The main issues I have had with the car have been major, such as the brakes jamming, fuel pump breaking, bad connection to the battery, and the tie rod. Other than having to fix all of these things on it, it is a good family car. I wouldnt recommend it for really long distance travel. but if you are a college student like me it at least gets you from point A to point B. I have no problem with the shop that I bought the car from. they do an amazing fix it job. The car has been Murphys law.

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  my minivan - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Jeanne - September 29 - 11:19 pm

  i love my minivan, i use it for both business and pleasure, fishing, camping and pulling my boat too , i love it.

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  Epitaph for a minivan - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 70dave - September 29 - 6:16 pm

  Bought this van for my wife to drive and as our family car. My wife has really enjoyed the van and I must admit it looks pretty good for a minivan with the rear spoiler and the alloy wheels. It even handles pretty good. We have three teenagers and the van has served the purpose well of transporting us with adequate leg room. I am 6,2" and it is not at all comfortable for the driver. There is nowhere to put your left leg due to the wheel hump. As of last week van had approx. 120,000 miles and was serviced regularly. I added transmission fluid all the time due to tranny leak so the fluid was always fresh. Same for power steering fluid and coolant. Crashed last week w/no air bags deployed. Bye van.