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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  First Imperssions Can Be Missleading - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By ham_viper - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The transmission in this thing is terrible. I have the 6 cylinder with an automatic. The car jumps when you pull up to a stop sign. Also if you sprint to 45 and completly let of the gas, the transmission gives you a nerve racking "THUNK" as it shifts. I had to have the Transmission hoses replaced at 26000. Since then the dealership keeps adding trany fluid but tells me its ok. The battery whent completly out at 38000, no longer under warranty (Bat said 5 year 60000 dealer wouldnt warranty). Left me stranded at a stop light in town in lunch hour traffic. Now the Cig/ACC outlet has stopped working. What is next!!

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  Bad Luck - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By kraker - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Had grand caravan for 2 yrs now. I should have learned from last caravan. At dealership for transmission problems twice, front end constantly pulls to left, numerous times airbag light illuminates intermittent, while turning steering system makes surging sound and steering wheel vibrates (thats after recall fix), Due to alignment problem had to purchase new tires after one year. Dealership insists there is no problem with front end. In process of getting rid of and buying foreign, no more Chrysler products for me.

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  NOT BAD LOOK FOR BETTER 2005 - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BRO - July 3 - 10:00 am

  FIRST SUV IVE OWNED. SO FAR SO GOOD. I HAVE THE HEMI AND LOVE THE POWER. RECENT VACATION TRIP 1200MILES ROUND TRIP WITH LUGGAGE ON TOP AND PERFORMED BEAUTIFULLY! CANT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FUEL ECONOMY. BOUGHT MAINLY TO TOW MY WIFES CRV SO GOT THE TOWING PACKAGE. WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE HOW THIS WORKS OUT. ALL IN ALL NOT A BAD SUV, BUT LOOK FOR BETTER IN 2005

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  My Rango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Heather L - June 30 - 2:00 am

  We have been very happy with our Durango until just recently. With less than 70k miles, we have had numerous problems with the vehicle. We have been in to the shop FOUR times to get the brakes worked on, but still have problems with them. The ball joints are so worn they need to be replaced. (I have recently discovered that this is a common problem with Durangos & Dakotas). We need our inner tie rods replaced (and Dodge is on backorder for tie rods, were looking to wait at least a couple of weeks). I love the vehicle, its spacious and comfortable, but I wouldnt recommend it to anyone looking to buy a vehicle. Just my opinion, though!

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  Ok but not great - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By RLMSr - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Have 51600 miles, mostly highway. Had it to do over, I might not buy it again. Gas mileage for 4.7 V8 terrible in mixed driving - 14.6 mpg avg last 3 tanks - most of my daily trips are 75% highway. Steering failed (shafts separated) at 48575 mi - lucky for us I was at 25 mph on and empty street not 45 mins before on the interstate. Dodge did fix for free despite being out of warranty, but I had to borrow a car for two days. Very comfortable inerior. Floor tray doesnt allow for middle passengers feet. Rear seats very comfortable, as roomy as our Impala. Bed length is same w/gate down as my Ranger was w/gate down, but it could be longer. Turning rad

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  2013 dodge dart ralley - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Storm thayer - June 29 - 3:00 am

  I purchased a 2013 dodge dart ralley, brand new in November of 2013. I love the style of the car and how it handles,however I have had quite a few problems with it, my first problem was with the fans,drought it to the dealership and they replaced the fan motor, then my low traction light would always turn on do to a bad sensor which I got replaced.now my e brake dose not work do to a rear callaper which is covered so it well only cost me $100 to fix, my air bag light is on and the dealship said it is because if my passenger blatter silicone thing is leaking and they want over $800 to fix! I have had the car for 2 and a half years it has 45000 miles.. And I have to put $900 worth of work Into it just to pass another inspection. Needless to say I and trading it in and never buying another dodge!!

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  Looks great,! but cant sell - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By gcooley - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Everyone turns their head while looking, but no one wants to pay anything for it. My 93 is slowly starting to fade, and problems are coming up everywhere. But has treated me great up until now.

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  Time for change. - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Seahunt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Dakota and fourth dodge pickup. I ran the 2001 Dakota (4V8) 74,000 miles in 3 years and a side from oil changes every 4K the only other service was turn rotors at 46k (pads @75%+) and replace tires at 60k. Issues w/this truck over the other Dakota is the absence of an ash/garage tray, cup holders are useless, doors lock automatically, no power @12v outlet unless key is on, bucket seats do not fully recline, full size spare is not on an aluminum rim and can not be put into rotation. Due to these issues this will likely be my last Dodge.

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  Greaaat Car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By BigRickK - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car goes fast, gets good mileage and is fun to drive. No major problems, just do the maintenance. Goes thru brake pads quickly though.

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  Be Aware of 2.7 engine - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TamiinIndiana - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy this car! Theres a defect in the 2.7 engine and Dodge wont acknowledge. After 62,000 miles my timing chain needs replaced, but I cant find a mechanic in my area that will do it. They will only replace the engine and it would cost me overe $6,000 and a 6-8 week wait to find a motor because of the high demand. I had been very pleased with my car up to this point. But now Im without a vehicle and still owe $8,000 on it.