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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  Versatile, With Retro Style! - 1990 Dodge Caravan
  By TrashTsar - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner of a 1990 Dodge Caravan with the 3.0 V6 engine. The car has 151,000 miles on it and has been reliable. The original 3.0 liter engines had bad valve stem seals that caused me to replace it with a factory rebuilt engine at 95,000 miles. The engine is far superior to the original and is a strong puller. Avoid the 4 speed transmission sold with the long wheelbase vans. I got the simple, 3 speed trans and it has given me no trouble. Starter, air conditioner, exhaust, and most other systems have had no repairs. With the seats out I haul lumber, furniture--you name it. With the seats in, I haul a soccer team or the family plus others.

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  96 Avenger Sport - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Wolvie MkM - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Worked great until it started braking... higher milage I4 owners watch out for rear main oil seal leaks, and oil ring leaks. My driveway looks lovely... Great while it lasted... Engine is too weak for weight of car... Handles great though..

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  EXCELLENT RIDE - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By BAMBY7L - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I ENJOY RIDING WITH MY FAMILY.

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  first owned dodge car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By ssgdtcas - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I really like the quiet, smooth ride the Intrepid SE offers. You press the gas pedal and the car responds well. So far the only draw back is the hood. Its a bit hard to judge where the front bumper is. The interior is comfortable, and since Im tall, I have plenty of head and leg room. Overall Im quite pleased, so far. Time will tell.

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  So far so good - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Sullivan - January 25 - 2:00 am

  At this point and with limited miles, I have only one complaint. The mileage has not imporved since the day I drove it off the lot. 12/13 mpg local and 14/15 highway. I do have the 5.9 V-8 in a 4X4 but I feel this is still quite low.

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  94 Dakota SLT V8 - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By BJCjr - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been extremely reliable since buying new. Chrysler repainted vehicle due to paint peeling after warranty expired, but had to work through dealer and regional rep to get it completed. Gas Gauge sending unit has been replaced 4 times, still doesnt work sometimes, A/C wont hold charge, Chrysler cant find problem. Radiator leaked less than 2 years after owning, finally replaced after 6 years.

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  Ready and Refined - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Dappers - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck is ideal if you just cant decide if you want a rough and ready off roader or a polite and refined comfort car. The Durango SLT Plus is extremely comfortable with many luxury features such as heated leather seats. Comfortably seats a family of seven. Off road its strong, agile, and easy to drive. If you lift it a few inches and add larger wheels, its a great rock climber. Its quiet, smooth, and easy on the freeway.

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  Just try to tear my wife away! - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By rickaroo - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I have read a number of very negative things about this vehicle but our experience has been pretty positive. In 60k miles of ownership (60k-120k) the only problem outside routine maintenance has been the air conditioner.

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  Been a good car for us. - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Udslash - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car after we returned home from overseas/ARMY. Paid 8K for it used with 33k miles. It has been a great reliable car! At about 50k miles the main rear seal/head gasket had to be replaced. It was under warranty though..so no big deal. While living in L.A. I replaced the brake pads 6 or 7 times from freeway driving plus I had to have my rotors respun twice & then replaced. HORRIBLE brakes obviously. You definately need to buy high performance/carbon metallic to keep pads on this car for any length of time. Car has been from Miami to L.A. & back. + towed a U-haul trailer from Dallas to Miami. 130,000 miles to date...still going!!!

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  dodgeintrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By parkway77 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Intrepid for Seven years. No real major problems with it at 79,0000 miles. Have had to replace the turn signal unit and a starter, besides that it has been regular maintenance. I would predcer the EX model as it has a little more power.