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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  Decent family transportation - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By Pete_S4 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I had this car from 1996 to 2000 and put about 65,000 miles on it in that time. The motor and transmission were trouble free for the entire time I owned the car. The steering rack was replaced under warranty along with the tie rod ends. I also had to have the interior control module replaced under warranty due to a failed dome light. This car was basically fun to drive, but I do wish I had bought the VR6 GTI I had also been looking at.

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  easy to love - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Anthony_Neo1 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  No problems at all as of yet. Very easy to maintain. Decent size for me and the boys.

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  My Dynasty - 1991 Dodge Dynasty
  By sreischman - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have the LE 3.3 liter and its been a real pleasure to drive. I had to replace the transmission at 230,000 miles. Other than that, no problems at all. Its also extremely comfortable, but not if you are a very tall person. i would recommend it and am sorry its no longer made. I currently have 168,000 miles on it.

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  2008 grand caravan 3.3l flex fuel - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By wagner1975 - June 8 - 11:47 pm

  Been a pretty good van so far. it has had its little problems but nothing major. Got in jan 09 as a dealer demo with 6000 miles on it. it now has 92,000 miles on it. avg about 19 highway and city combined. have replaced left front caliper and wheel bearing, front rotors, three sets of frt brakes and 2 sets of rears. had a radiator and a/c drain recall. we go all over with this van and its been great. we have 4 kids and we pack this thing full all the time. this is our second caravan the first was a 1997 ex all wheel drive and that had 206,000 miles on it when the tranny went. love these vans! I change motor oil every 7 or 8000 mile and change transmission filter and oil once a year.

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  Wet Floor Boards - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By willh - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, fun to drive good gas mileage. Unfortunately passenger floor board keeps getting standing water, sometimes so much you cant see the carpeted floor. Dealer thinks its A/C hasnt been able to fix the problem yet. Anyone else have this problem?

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  Major Repairs - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Rich - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this van used and did not own it a year when the tipim Module went bad. (thats the electrical box that controls the car), just made a year and now both evaporators rear and front do not work. $2600 to repair at the Dodge dealer. Dodge corp. will assist with 25% of repair. i cannot afford another major repair. (DO NOT BUY THIS VAN) what to do?

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  Like all but Electrical Problems - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By tanksfull - June 5 - 2:00 am

  No rattles after 40000 miles and handles beautifully but the electrical system is quirky.

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  Had to have a Neon R/T - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By Larry Hofmeister - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Loved the look of these R/Ts when they came out and had been very pleased with my 4 door Neons purchased in 1995 and 1998. Its sharp, comfortable and responsive. Good road manners even on a long drive. 5 speed is a joy to shift. My only disappointment I dont think this car is as quick as it should be, although Im not one to pound on equipment either.

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  2007 Dodge Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By pcushion - June 3 - 4:56 am

  To date, there have been no problems with this car. It drives absolutely great and gets great gas mileage (30 mpg). I am seriously considering getting another one soon.

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  No Problems - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By soFarSoGood - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought by 98 Durango used in 2000 with 46,000 miles. Its now at 90,000 and I have had no problems with it at all (besides getting it stolen, then returned). Nothing has fallen off, nothing is loose, and I keep it looking like new. The only thing negative I can say is that the gas mileage is starting to hurt. But, who knew 4 years ago that gas would be so expensive. I must say, though, Ive not had the terrible gas mileage Im reading about on here. Ive been able to get 19 mpg on the highway with 92 octane, and about 15 in the city. Must be different driving habits. Oh, and change your air filter and keep your plugs clean... it works wonders.