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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  Goodbye Old Friend - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By EKnigmah - October 8 - 4:14 pm

  I bought my Spirit new in June of 1994. I was desperate for a dependable car and could not afford one of the higher rated imports. My Spirit was exactly what I needed. It has been a great car. It has carried my family of 5 snuggly but comfortably. I have driven it 310,000 miles in 12 years. During that time, Ive had the transmission repaired twice. The first time was my fault (poor maintenance). The second time was because the first shop did a lousy job. Now, sadly, the engine is finally going out. It has developed a coolant leak and the repair is too costly for its age and number of miles. I just hope the replacement is at least half the car my Spirit is. Goodbye old friend. Ill miss you.

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  Moms little hot rod - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By janet thomas - October 7 - 10:07 pm

  The first time I saw a Dodge Magnun, Ithought I was in love.I was so happy when I finally was able to purchase my dream car. My first long ride in my blue beauty was a trip from Rockford,Ill to Waterloo, Ia, to see my mother. Through the hills and curves it was so smooth.It was like riding on a cloud. There were a couple of times I had to pass some semis and I had the power to do so. I do not have the Hemi engine in it . For me, It is the finest riding machine on the earth. There is so much room for me to haul the thing I need. My kids like to call it,"Moms little hot rod". Yes, I am one very happy lady with the prettest blue magnum in the world. Thank you,Dodge for my car.

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  Dart - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Ricardo Lara - October 6 - 8:28 pm

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  2006 Dodge SRT8 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By John Metcalf - October 5 - 8:06 pm

  This is one of the finest cars I have ever purchased. It has a great ride and great feel to the road. The fuel consumption is actually pretty good considering the horsepower this car develops. Ive taken it on one trip and got an average of 21.7 mpg. Please note that 98% was freeway driving at 68 to 72 mph. This car is a great value for its price.

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  Very satisfied overall - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BNSF616 - October 5 - 7:33 am

  Bought used from a friend (off lease) with 36K mi. Owned for almost 7 yrs. Other than expected and reasonable maintenance/replacement items (brakes, batteries, tires, belts, tune-up) had no major mechanical or electrical problems, and it never left us stranded. Finally traded off at 135K mi, but only because we were getting a little nervous about frequent road-trips to remote rural areas for family obligations.

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  "Claravan" - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By lojajujo - September 30 - 10:11 pm

  I bought my Caravan new in Nov 1998. It has been very reliable. It is roomy enough to haul around my own kids and their friends. She even developed her own persona, "Claravan", over the years. My only beef with Dodge is in the quality of materials used. In the first year, my hood was permanently indented from my oldest son leaning up against it. Also, the air conditioner had to be replaced within two years. For the most part, though, this has been an economical and dependable mode of transportation. I average 20-22 mpg even now in my eighth year of ownership

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  Mine, Mine, Mine - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Sunbeam - September 30 - 8:46 pm

  I love this car! We have two kids and we drive everywhere comfortably. I went to the hardware store and the guys laughed at me, told me I wouldnt fit everything into my "little" car. Well I showed them, they were amazed! Their next comment was " This should be a commercial for this car" Go Get One!!!

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  Fun for the money - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By diancarr - September 28 - 3:23 pm

  I have a 96 Jeep Cherokee with 262k miles and was looking for a RAV4 when I stumbled upon the 2.0 Caliber SXT. For the money, I couldnt ask for more. It rides very well, plenty of leg room in front and back. With 2 grown boys I needed head and leg room. I do wish the console/armrest was a little higher and cushy. I thought the chill zone was a cool idea, but should be colder. I am loving my new car!

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  Good Van For The Money - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Billy D - September 27 - 1:33 pm

  I bought a 1992 Plymouth Voyager and put 137,000 miles on it and only had one problem, the head gasket needed replacement at 32,000. So in 2003 I decided to retire that great baby to the purple heart and buy a used Dodge. Price was very good. After getting the shift solenoid seal fixed under warranty and pan gasket (within 1 month of buying so repair was free) have had no problems. Ride is smooth and corners well with HD suspension. Has great power. Mileage is better than advertised, with cruise and sensible driving can get 28 mpg on hwy. Great room and flexible too. Is very easy on tires and brakes. I have the 3.3 L which is a plus. Paint and exterior are very durable. Paid $11K in 2003 w/26000 on.

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  First Month - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Robert - September 26 - 10:00 pm

  Have owned a Grand Caravan in the past. Like the looks and the size of the standard. SXT model came equipped with all of the desired options. Appreciate the comfortable mid-row bucket seats. Keeps the kids seperated and happy (and that makes me happy). Looking forward to many family trips.