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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  I love my Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By David Washburn - April 30 - 8:53 pm

  I have had my car for almost a year now. I got it with 82000 miles on it it just hit 90000 miles 2 days ago. I have yet had to do any major repairs that it actually has needed other then usually stuff. I love the comfort of the seats and how roomie the inside is. I really have no complaints of this car. Im fixing to deploy and whenever I get back I am going to throw some money into it to kinda make it my show car.

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  Most fun Car Ive owned. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Mike W - April 30 - 4:19 pm

  I love the 6 speed manual transmission. The car is fun and comfortable.

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  good basic transportation - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By Chris - April 30 - 11:36 am

  I have owned my 99 neon sport for nearly 7 years. I purchased this car with 46k miles and have since put nearly 120k on it. It has been a very reliable car and has only left me stranded 2 times. First time was a radiator leak @ 130k miles and the second was just a loose neutral safety switch. Good in snow w/ snow tires. Performance is pretty good and cornering is a blast. Fuel economy ranged from 28mpg on low test in normal driving conditions to 39mpg on very long highway trips w/ high octane. Clear coat started to bubble up 2 years ago and headlights have fogged over due to sun exposure and need to be replaced. Over all, I feel that this has been a very good car.

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  You need to get one - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Spencer - April 30 - 8:56 am

  My six year old son giggled with glee the first time I opened up the Hemi on the way home from the dealership. To say this car is fun to drive is to say a rollercoaster is pretty neat. I was really suprised, almost disappointed, with how quiet the engine was until I gunned it, and any time I step on the gas. The low growl of the Hemi then ellicits the appropriate grin. This is the first car I have bought that I have had fun driving. Im 64" tall and dont have to have the seat all the way back. There is plenty of room for my whole family of 4. I cant wait for my first road trip with my son next week. Dont cheat yourself....Get the Hemi if you buy this car! I cant recommend it enough.

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  Great Ride!! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By sgpd101 - April 30 - 6:36 am

  This is my very frist top performance vehicle and I love it. I have the Daytona sport package in Top Banana. You really notice her as she is traveling down the road. I am thinking about a couple of modifications. I want to change the exhaust to the cat-back magnaflows, and was thinking about changing the seatbelts to a 5 point harnass system. Overall, I could not be happier with this vehicle, and she is a joy to drive.

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  Bobs Short - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Bobbie - April 29 - 6:00 pm

  Its a nice vehicle and a tough one to due to the dakota chassis. Milage is good with the small motor but if you have to tow a boat of 4000 lbs your milage goes to 8 to 10 maximum expensive on a long trip. nuff said

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  Reliability issues - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Sky B - April 29 - 10:00 am

  We have a 2001 with only 16000 miles on it and have had nothing but trouble, nothing major yet, but plenty of trips to the dealer. Would not get another Dodge...

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  My Best Car Yet - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bparker - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This care is smooth driving and easy handling. I have been a Grand Caravan owner since 1989 and this is the best yet.

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  Camaro? No thanks. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Troy - April 28 - 3:19 pm

  we went to the dealership just to rule out the Challenger, because we had every intention of getting the Camaro but I was very impressed and when I did finally see the Camaro, there was no doubt in our minds that the Challenger was it. This car rocks, orange w/black stripes,20inch wheels,manual,sunroof,leather seat,the looks everytime we go out, honks,stares,waves,thumbs up from people I have never met. My wife drove it home while I was at work, when I started it for the first time in my garage, I giggled like a little school girl when I heard the sound of the exhaust. We first tried to order a V6 and the deal fell through, Im so thankful it did, the 5.7 V8 Hemi is awesome.

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  Decent car for money - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By Ray - April 28 - 10:28 am

  Hard to find a more rounded car for the $$. I own a 91 Plymouth Acclaim and a 94 Spririt. They have the usual issues around 100k such as the head gasket and the paint on the 94 (white) is flaking off. I get 22mpg average which is not too bad. The local salvage yard is full of these cars so parts are almost free. The car has a surprising amount of room and decent build quality. Ive had both cars head gaskets replaced around 90k. I bought a rebuilt head for the 94 for <200.00. The ignition switch broke in both cars but is a really easy fix. I found a car at the salvage yard with a new switch and keys in it. Slapped it in and off I went. I keep spares on hand from salvaged cars.