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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  Big Guy for a small car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By BigCaliber - April 27 - 10:13 pm

  I have had the car over two years now, bought used. It had been a rental and well cared for. In the past I have always had bigger vehicles (still have a Ford full size van) because I am 6 4" and most smaller cars are impossible for me to drive. This car fits me very well, plenty of head and leg room, really like the height adjustable driver seat. I was looking for a smaller fuel efficient car for driving around town and this one has been all I was looking for. Yes it is not as well made as my bigger cars, but the price reflects that. New front tires at 40,000 miles, rear still have some life. So far no mechanical problems, transmission is doing fine, I have to say I am happy with it.

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  Good for road warriors - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By BillYBoy - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 96 intrepid as a program car I have driven it 30K+ mostly interstate miles each year and it hasnt let me down yet. I am still on orginal engine and transmission. A/C sucks breaks every 2 years like clockwork 500-800 to fix. 2 water pumps 1 set of brakes (@180K), and many various issues with Suspension about as often as A/C. If you need a cheap car that will go long distances its perfect.

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  Pretty Good Car - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By JayBo - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best car that I have ever owned. Thank you so much. I can bet money that I could beat any one that pools up next to me. This is an awesome car.

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  Been Perfect - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Greg Richter - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Was concerned about buying a Dodge had heard there were quality issues. However found a great dealer, Oursiman Dodge in Alexandra, VA. Have now bought my second Durango, first one was a 2000. Have not had one problem with either one. My only complaint is the head room with the rear air. But I see they fixed it in 2004, guess Ill have to buy a new one.

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  A Good Work-Horse - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By no_goats - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck used (97,000)- it was used by commercial plumber, and saw heavy use. I like the performance and gneral feel. However, there is water in the oil, and its so bad that the dipstick is rusting away - no joke. The engine is very noisy, and I had to replace the headliner when it fell down. Very solid body. Airbag Control causes radio AM to not work.

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  My 2nd Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By captken - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Second time around with Intrepid. Great road call. Too big for DC commuter traffic. My favorite chair is in this car. Looking over right shoulder to see traffice is a challange...view blocked. Never did get used to slooping front end. Have to memorize where your front bumper is.

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  Not as bad as they say - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ian - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car 6 months and I love it. The ride is brilliant and so far Im getting 21mpg with it. It had new brakes fitted when I bought it and after 6000 miles they were already 40% worn so this seems to be a worry. The van is comfortable and quiet and has swallowed loads with ease.The Stow and Go is fantastic. The 3.8 is good enough but I would have liked the 4.0. Coming from Europe the interior is not up to my usual standard but is OK. I bought this van 2 years old and it was $10,000 cheaper than an equivalent Honda Odyssey and for my money the van is a bargain.Maybe the problems have been sorted out by the previous owner, but I would wholeheartedly recommend this car.

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  Good People Carrying Van - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By David - April 23 - 8:10 am

  Weve just traded in our 97 Caravan for a smaller car, since gas prices has gone up the roof ! But it was a blast to drive. Power was not a problem on city or highway, and quite comfortable for all three rows of seats. Wished the headlights were brighter at night, but theyve already addressed this issue on later models. I liked the removable seats instead of fold-down ones, it helps with gas mileage if youre not using the 3rd row often, and the 3rd row bench can be slided to the middle, making it a 5-seater van with plenty of cargo space.

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  95,000 Mile Suprise - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Flying Barnster - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new and for 3 years was exceptionally pleased. The car was corporate maintained with regular service intervals. The transmission went out at 88k, $1,400 owwee. At 95k the radiator, water pump, fittings were replaced. Then the head gasket to failed, $2,700. 30k miles later the timing belt failed again damaging the valves. $2,400. More problems:battery, coolant,struts, brakes, front end fittings ...I could go on. I keep hoping I will recoup my repair investment, but I never do. Im finished now. Tomorrow I pick up a used Navigator.

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  Damnit - Chrysler - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By James Logue - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The MAJOR disspointment is the dealer could not alter the headlights so as to have daytime running light.