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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  SRT-4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lovealot - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Me and my boyfriend decided on this car because he wanted a turbo and i didnt want to have to spend a whole lot. The exterior of the car could be a lot better. Neons in the past look like crap cars and this just has that look. Its quick and fun to drive, the look is just not for me.

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  great except the gas - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Monti-man - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The 5.9 V-8 is awesome! All the power you need and then some. But remember, each time the pedal hits the floor, thatll cost you a few bucks on gas for that split second. 3rd row seat is easy to fold and for adults under 6 feet tall, not THAT bad.

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  NOT FOR A FAMILY OF MORE THAN 3 - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By atashibill - May 31 - 2:00 am

  EXCEPTIONAL CAR LOVE THE STEREO SYSTEM THE TURNING THE PICKUP AND THE GREAT PAINT JOB. BOUGHT LEATHER INTERIOR AND IT HOLDS UP WELL CONSIDERING I HAVE 3 CHILDREN. DEFINATLY NOT A FAMILY CAR. WISH WE HAD THOUGHT ABOUT IT MORE BEFORE BUYING IT WHILE KIDS STILL IVING AT HOME. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT THOUGHT. HAD O2 SENSOR GO BAD AT 36K MILES WAY TO EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. $256 JUST FOR THE PART OUCH.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Jaydawg - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with about 38,000 miles and have not had many problems so far. The car handles and accelerates well and is easy to find performance and aftermarket accessories for it. Mileage is good and so is the sound. I have noticed that sometimes my sunroof will not open and my rearview mirror rattles when i turn up my subs which is something that I need to fix. Overall I am very satisfied with this car.

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  dodge stratus 2001 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jbreach - May 30 - 10:00 am

  competent performer for its tier - main complaint is poor rear visibility and uncomfortable front seats even with power seats - not a car to take on the road for a long trip

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  Its Not Good - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By big kev - May 30 - 10:00 am

  We love the way the van drives and handles - like a car. Very convenient features but no power doors. The biggest problem has been the transmission - two trans gasket replacements so far at 35k. Power steering problems too.

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  Katy Rocket - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Katy80DMS - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best little car Ive driven and Ive had Escorts, Cavaliers,and Subarus. Handles with crisp precision, with a little understeer. Excellent acceleration for engine of this size, generally no problem at all merging with Houston freeway traffic.

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  If its hot where you live dont buy one - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By A/C Doesnt work! - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 SLT Plus with 4.7L. I havent had any major problems mechanically, but the A/C doesnt even begin to cool the car. If you run it on high all the time (You have too) then you develop a mildew smell. The dealer actually said, "dont run it on high then" They actually admit a design flaw - but no fix. Im selling my $33,00 two year old durango now and Edmunds says its worth about $16K - wonderful!

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  good value - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jim - May 29 - 2:00 am

  139k only a few repairs, 2 sets brake pads, tow 1500 lb trailer/catamaran, excellent interior volume can get 26 mpg highway not towing, leather seats could be more comfy, turn signal release l failed, drivers power window, new exhaust, rattly front end, mechanic states nothing there needs replaced, also own 01 gc, same front end, both are sloppy when compared to Odyssey

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  nice vehicle - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By confused - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe that so many people seem to have problems with this vehicle. My wife typically drives it but the family uses it quite a bit too. Absolutely no problems with the quality, ride, comfort, reliability. Not as refined as the Honda; not as expensive either. TPMS is junk though.