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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  great car - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By dikkie - December 27 - 2:00 am

  for me this has been and continues to be an excellent vehicle. The interior room is great, and it has performed with only minimal maintenance. It would recommend it without reservation

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  My 2004 Dodge Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By SMO - December 27 - 2:00 am

  A FAMILY SEDAN DISGUISED AS A SPORTS CAR. IT IS LOW TO THE GROUND--YOU SIT DOWN LOW WHEN YOU ENTER-BUT YOU WOULDNT KNOW IT BY LOOKING AT THE EXTERIOR. HANDLES VERY WELL--ITS A BIG CAR BUT DOESNT FEEL THAT WAY-ALL IN ALL, ITS FUN TO DRIVE AND IT LOOKS REALLY SHARP!!!!!!!

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  My Kind of SUV - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By sdsunkel - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my Durango. When I went to go look for an SUV I was really wanting the Ford Expedition,but the room and style of the Durango won me over.

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  My Caravan - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By 0522 - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to ride and very comforable and a good family vehicle.

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  Worth every penny! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By DA X 6 - December 23 - 8:23 pm

  Easily the best car Ive ever owned, and IMO the best car for the money. Nothing else combines the power, acceleration, and handling of the Charger with the convenience of 4 doors and 5-passenger seating.

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  not so happy anymore - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By sabrina1234 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car looks and rides nice, had first payments deferred before even my first payment car was high idle and stalling. rpms high found out 2 senors went out oil leaks around transmission dealer ship fixed. also window motor went out total for dealer to fix car ($800) and two months later feeling like driving on pins and needles whats next car has stalled twice and now check engine light is on all the time, i dont know what to do. dealer wants money again just to look. cant afford to have it looked at.

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  Good Car but screams 80 yr old lady - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By aalprice - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for almost 3 years and it has only had 2 repairs and for a 10 yr old car thats pretty good. Very roomy but the outside look it really bad. I am a young person and it is more of a boat then I would really like but it has great power with the V6. Hugh Trunk!

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  Middle of the Road - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By supaguy80 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The Intrepid I own is a pretty fun car to drive. Have no major issues with it. I would reccomend it to someone who is looking for a good commuter car, but not if youre looking for something sporty.

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  I LOVE MY DURANGO!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By betsman - December 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I ordered our Durango and took delivery on new years eve 1998. I have never ever regretted that day! I absolutely would recommend this vehicle to anyone and everyone. I think they screwed up when they redesigned it for 2004! I have no plans to trade or sell my durango. I love it! No mechanical problems, albeit the normal wear and tear (brakes, tires, etc.)

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  Great Minivan - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mike Hovey - December 19 - 12:50 am

  Third and best Dodge minivan weve owned. This is an SE/Sport (not AWD) with 3.3L, 17" wheels, and HD towing pkg. Just went over 151000 miles. Replaced transmission at about 100,000, but otherwise no major problems. Great for road trips and more than competent as a commuter. Will absolutely buy a fourth.