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:

• 

  04 Dakota Quad Sport Auto - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By DakotaBoy - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Nice overall truck if you dont mind it sitting at the dealership while it gets fixed. Great size, somewhat comfortable. 1200 miles total AC not working rear factory tint bubbling/peeling Ball Joints are bad

• 

  Good, Reliable Vehicle - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By jilliebean - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We have had few problems with our Intrepid in the five years weve owned it. However, it does seem to chew through brakes. Maybe because its such a big, heavy vehicle? Weve seated six passengers comfortably in this vehicle. It handles like a smaller car but is roomy and very comfortable. Highly recommend it. Well likely trade it in for a newer Intrepid.

• 

  Perfect Size and performance - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By aggiedude - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Been a Nissan driver for over 10yrs then decided I wanted something bigger. Bought a 2003 Silverado and just felt like I was in a tank so decided to give a Dodge Dakota (never owned a Dodge before) a shot. Drove it, loved it, bought it, and could NOT be happier with it.Best truck I ever bought and service from the dealer is beyond 100%. Plenty of room for 4 full size adults and could fit 5 w/o too much hassle. Also love the "regular" rear doors versus the Chevys extended cab doors. I highly recommend this truck but go with the V8 for better performance and resale value in the future.

• 

  my intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By WhiteIntrepid02 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Intrepid last year at 27,000 miles. Now at 42,000 engine check light comes on once a while and just turns off, even computer diganosis couldnt figure out where the plm is coming from. My car has a spoiler and tinted window. It is very sporty looking same time a family car. Its like a small airplane on a highway. However, the radio should be better and u cannot even see the front part of the car when u are parking. MPG should improve thou...

• 

  Just keeps on rolling - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By jrpurcel - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this van for the past two years and it just keeps on rolling. The transmission is as smooth as new and the engine cranks everytime. The air blows cold and it is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. I bought it with 113000 miles on it and at 140000 it is just ticking along. I said I was going to drive it until the wheels fell off. They may never do that.

• 

  Not bad for the price - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By josh - May 7 - 2:00 am

  A very reliable car that you can take the family to the park or take it out for a race. As for the car , you get what you pay for. Your not going to expect luxury and comfort as if you do in a BMW for example but it still is a very enjoyable/fun car .

• 

  03 4x4 V8 Extended Cab - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By x98evens - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fast for a truck this size, great size/price combination for a truck. Enjoyable to drive the 5 speed w/ limited slip rear end. Hard to find a good service shop for the tougher jobs (required frequent axle flushes), but you cant blaim that on the truck.

• 

  Dakota was great - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By S - May 6 - 2:00 am

  My Dakota was always a good truck

• 

  Good Truck - Would probably buy another - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By jmitch0765 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had this truck since it was new - regular maintenance schedule and oil changes - 2 transmission problems (Total approx. $1000) in its lifespan.

• 

  Excellent car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By mcmusic - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. The 200 horsepower and 205 ft-lbs of torque make it particularly fun to drive. Nice thing about the engine and transmission is that you dont have to wait for the power to kick in like other vehicles.