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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  My baby - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jaime E. Carball II - August 4 - 3:25 pm

  Overall fun car, I had it since college graduation. It has taken me everywhere no problem. It is a big car but it handles just fine. Add on a few aftermarket products to enhance mileage and performance and youll be set for quite a while. Its reliable, dependable and just plain fun. General maintenance upkeep, regular wash and wax and it to this day still looks brand new. I have the dark blue one and I still love driving it to this day. 8 years and still going strong, best vehicle ever made, best vehicle I ever owned.

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  Dependable Van many miles to come.... - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Family man - August 4 - 7:16 am

  We purchased this van for vacation & winded up loving it. I drive 2000+ miles a month with my job now and really enjoy the van. Have all the comfort features like leather,dvd, power everything as well. We come from sports cars but like luxury and this van has it all for us. Not the sports car feel but still has power to merge into traffic and get a jump at the stop light if need be w/out any problems. I would buy again & yes, Dodge treats us well. Weve owned 21 vehicles in 12 years and weve had this 1 the longest. Kids really enjoy it as well as they have lots of room. No real problems other then rack & pinion went out. Dealer took car of it. Best mpg 29.8 worst 18, Mobile 1 syn. oil helps.

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  Would not buy another one - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By T.E. Akins - August 3 - 4:36 pm

  First inspection it would not pass. The tie rod was bad on less than 21000 miles. Tires worn out at 30000 and the noise and clunks from the rear. Now the transmission decided to quit working and no one has a clue. Its either 325 for some part or 3500 for transmission at 70000 miles I put over 250000 on a Toyota pu. Im going back to Toyota.

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  All good but the engine. - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By vince - August 3 - 4:14 pm

  Bought the car new with 18 miles on it. Everything was great up until around 75000 miles and the water pump goes out and the water and antifreeze get mixed into the oil. Had it fixed for $1300. Then a few thousand miles later the oil light would come on at idle. Had to have the oil light indicator sensor replaced. And a bad rattle also developed and had to have the timing chain and guides replaced for $1500. Had them check the oil pump while they were at it, said it was okay. Oil coming on at idle again. Maybe Ill run it till she dies. Sure do love to drive it!!

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  Its Still Early - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Mike - August 3 - 12:14 pm

  I told my wife I wanted a 4-door 300+mph car. I had that in my R/T. Then I test drove the SRT8. I then told my wife I wanted a 4 door 400+mph car. This is an awesome car. This car cradles the driver and because Im still breaking her in, Ive only gone 120mph. I got to that speed with no effort. I love the power. Just starting the car lets you know this car aint no joke. The rumble sounds so nice that Im thinking about leaving the exhaust alone. Any louder and the neighbors will complain. I bought this car knowing the gas mileage wasnt that great but after driving it I stopped caring.

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  100K, little upkeep and running strong - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Dan - August 3 - 2:02 am

  After 100,000 miles this car is running strong and has never needed more than the usual upkeep [oil, brakes, tires, etc]. Car is noisier than original condition but is to be expected after 100k. Car has never overheated. Air conditioner, heater, electronics, power, control - everything is working in great condition. I have to say for the value, this car is well worth it.

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  Forget Dodge - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ctogie - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This was the very first Dodge I have owned. I thought the Van would be a good choice for my family, boy was I wrong. Nothing but Problems, the transmission out at 24k and then 90k. The air conditioner out at 55k and electrical problems at 45k. The valves made a bad clicking nosie since first week. The service dept says it would go away, never did. after out of warranty they watned to fix it for 3k. I told them where to go. Never,Never,Never again will I buy a dodge, dont you either.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By A Person - August 2 - 11:32 pm

  This was my first dodge. I bought it off a guy who put 130,000 miles on it. He drove on the highway to get to work every day, and he dropped the fluids religiously. The only issue Ive had with this beast is that I had to replace the water pump (expected for mileage). Since Ive got it, Ive abused and pushed it past its limit, and it doesnt stutter. You tell it to do something, itll go. Handles like a car.

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  Great old truck! - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Connie - August 2 - 11:07 pm

  Ive had this truck a long time...and its been great! Fun to drive ...dependable, strong engine, lots of power. I have over 240,000 miles on the original engine and aside from blowing a little smoke from worn rings...it hasnt missed a beat. The paint has always been a problem ...it looks a little rough....but Id never get rid of it, it runs waaaaay to good! It could be better on gas mileage, but with the standard shift....its not too bad. Id recommend one to anyone lucky enough to find one.

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  2009 Avenger - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By fields - August 2 - 8:35 pm

  We bought this 2009 avenger new it had 103 miles on it. It has a 2.7v-6 SXT. We love the outside, the inside and it rides and drives great. Hope I still like it when it has 103,000. :)