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 DURANGO - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By RONFORQUER - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND MY WHOLE FAMILY HAS ENJOYED IT. IT IS VERY COMFORTABLE INSIDE AND RELIABLE TO DRIVE IN DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE BIGGEST PROBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THE GAS MILEAGE ON HIGHWAY AND IN THE CITY AS WELL.

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  2001 Dodge Stratus ES, My 39000 View - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By BelvilleTJ - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The handling and performance reminds me of my 91 Maxima. A bit more power and better gas mileage. I was afraid of the Dodge reliability but no problems except a rattle that has developed in the last 500 miles, I think it is a heat shield. The auto-stick is fun, with a bit more torque from the motor everything would really work smoother, I was used tho the Buick 3.8 before this car. Bang for the buck and the looks of the Stratus pulled me to at least try the Dodge.

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  My 4X4 Dakota - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Dakotanator - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The Dakota has a powerful V8 and is roomy for a mid size truck.

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  2002 final edition - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By berry222 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Car purchased new 9-11-03 9 miles, currantly 550 miles. Brake noise is common with these cars, due to the high performance brake pads. Car should have come with cruse control option, Dodge did not offer this as a factory option. However this car is a modern classic and exceptional in style and performance.

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  Vary Nice - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By guy 1968 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  well i bought this van because of the family and well we all love it

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  best truck out there - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By loveeveryminofit - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After 36,000 mile i have on my truck still running smooth. my is a 5 speed i use my truck driving on highway and easy tour around my place. the V-6 is little weak like the chev s-10 and the ford ranger should use a little kick out of it of the v-6 gas mile not bad i getting anything 22-24 mile a gal. just cost alot money fill up the gas pump.

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  Great commuter car for price - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By krzkelly - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car that I have ever purchased. Needed a new reliable car for my 155 mile daily commute. Have had no major complaints with this car. The truck did get some water in it at one point, but the dealer fixed the problem. A sealing problem around the rear tail lights. I now have over 92k miles on the neon in just 2 and a half years and the only thing that has needed to be replaced was the tires. Has turned out to be a great car, and with proper oil and filter changes it has to last for about another 2 years. Should be no problem.

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  ok truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By allez - October 14 - 2:00 am

  id like the eng. 5.2 v8, but it fuel economy its horroble , also i had tho replace the water pump twice already, its a good, fun truck to have

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  My Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Alabama Bill - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this vehicle across the country, up mountains, through deserts, floods, wind and rain, and it has always responded with power and control.

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  so so dodge - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By john friddell - October 13 - 2:00 am

  this dodge was not what i thought it would be, resale or trade value is very bad even from the same dealer. a lot of minor problems that the dealer will not take care of