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 Value, Great Family Car - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mrjustin24 - May 7 - 3:00 am

  I purchased it used as a 1 owner car. It took me a while to come around to being a man in a van. However, hauling the kids or lumber from Lowes this thing did it all. I was thoroughly impressed the cargo space and the versatility and ease of the folding seats. I never once had a reliability issue with it. The vehicle worked flawlessly the entire time I owned it. I easily got 27mpg on the highway despite the 25mpg rating. The only reason I dont still drive it is because my wifes Ford Taurus X was falling apart to the tune of $2K with only 70K miles on it. We had to trade in my Caravan with her car to make up the amount we were upside down in the Taurus X.

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  satisfied - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By tom - May 6 - 11:03 pm

  My transmision died the day crysler declared bankrupsy. 100,000ml/7 year warranty was still in force. Today I picked up my van with a new transmision, 3 yr, 100,000 mile warranty. I am satisfied crysler did me right when I bought it and is still doing me right! This van has been great. Only bad thing is I can not aford another, the grand caravan is too much for us working people.

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  People are Attracted to my Baby! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By YG - May 6 - 5:43 pm

  My baby is a real monster. My supervisor once told me it was too manly for me.. Manly? LOL! Im a girl and I love this thing. I have had it for a year and a half and I have had no problems with it... Its a keeper. It attracts peoples attention. I know they say that Dodge is not very good with its cars... I hope that this statement is wrong and I hope not to have any problems with it.

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  Ever Lasting - 1990 Dodge Dakota
  By Mentalmike1981 - May 6 - 1:34 am

  My dad bought the 90 dakota back in 1998. Just recently in 09 did the truck become undrivable due to a electrical fire under the hood. Up until then the entire family used this truck. It always was ready to go. The paint did fade and peel requiring a new paint job. Other than that the truck was very durable. It oulasted alot of other vehicles the family has had over the years. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  My Smooth Dakota - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Nigel Key - May 5 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had my 2004 Dodge Dakota for 13 years havent gave me any trouble handle against other trucks. good with towing capacity is wonderful when I move. this truck has Powerful speed for a magnum 3.7 v6 Im not going to sale or get rid of mine it Dont burn that much gas Ive Recently got it painted Back to The same Color.

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  Awesome, except... - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Seely - May 5 - 3:14 pm

  ... for the predictably dismal fuel economy. If you get one, USE PREMIUM GAS! Interior is clean, but a little cheap looking. I love the exterior styling, and the engine noise is addicting when revving, yet quiet when crusing at low engine speeds. The only notable problem weve had is a malfunctioning transmission speed sensor. The AWD is a lifesaver in Iowan winters, and, with its ride height, has proven a useful vehicle when hunting. Lots of cargo room! And a fair tow rating (approx 5,000 lbs) increases versatility. And despite weighing 3 tons, doesnt feel too ponderous.

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  Not bad - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By mikoyagi - May 5 - 10:13 am

  Now Im a fussy car guy and this is the wifes car. I like the smooth CVT. It is a crossover so its higher with all that that brings to handling. The car feels big on the road which is good, and bad. Previous car PT Cruiser. This has a smaller engine, more pep, and better gas mileage - whats not to like? It doesnt have as much storage or clever nooks as the Cruiser. It is very smooth around town and is great for running errands but Firestone tires are noisy - cant wait to change them out. Good gas mileage. Overall - funky new design. Are there better dynamics out there - yes, but this is crossover. Is it better than a SUV - yes. Bang for the buck = excellent.

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  best dakota ever - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By mopar512 - May 3 - 11:24 pm

  My dad got the truck with 300 miles in 92, he gave it to me in 08, great truck, awesome to drive, its smooth n its a v8 and its a Dodge it cant get any better than that, I got a dual exhaust, with a cherry bomb extreme sounds awesome

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  Great price, but not such a great van - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jay - May 3 - 10:36 pm

  I traded a Chevy Venture for the Grand caravan. The mileage has been way below what Chrysler quotes. We have had numerous problems with the A/C, although they cannot duplicate the problem. The pick up isnt the greatest, especially up hills. It is great on the highway, smooth and comfy. I probably will not buy another.

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  Good Germany Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Dave - May 3 - 7:36 am

  Love my Dodge Caliber. Driving on the autobahn is a blast. When it get to about 110mph it can cruise at lease 110 to 120mph. Love it. Germans keep asking what kind of car is it. They dont know the dodge sign and the style is like a BMW Crossover SUV. So overall I am happy.