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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  02 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab - 2wd - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Deccapi - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good truck so far. The only complaint is gas consumption.

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  My covered wagon - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jay - August 30 - 3:30 pm

  Even though I had to replace the transmission at about 117K miles, Ive not regretted buying this vehicle at all. It is my pick-up truck with a permanent cover on the back. I can put 10 ft. boards in here and close the back door. Same thing is true with 8x4 plywood which lays flat. The back seats are very rarely in the vehicle as I use it as a truck most of the time. WARNING!! That intermittent dashboard (gauges, ligt, etc.) is NOT a computer problem. The solder connections on the back of the instruments panel are whats causing the problem. I re-soldered mine at about 108K and they have been solid ever since. I love my van/truck/covered wagon!!

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  Dakota Dreamin - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Prosbo - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I always felt like I was a truck man at heart. I changed my mind after my first truck experience. I bought a small Japanese pickup back in the early eighties. Well, it took me until 2001 to try again. Now I have my dream truck, a Dodge Dakota. It rides smoother than my car. It has a great 4.7 V-8 that gives some great power for passing. It has a quiet cab and great stereo sound. The fourwheel drive works nice and easy.

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  Great Van For The Price - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By tiger - August 28 - 2:00 am

  We have had our caravan for 5 months and so far it is great. It rides and drives great and the fuel economy has been good. (19-26mpg)

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  Learning Experience - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By meanestmomever - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Durango because it had 7 passenger seating and was NOT a mini- van. I wanted the security of 4x4 since we have ice & snow 9 mo out of the year. Turns out the Durango is quite squirly on the ice, the rear end swings out, and it comes standard with 4 ply tires which are no good in rural areas or mixed dirt & pavement. Lots of flats. Oh and no anti-lock braking if the 4x4 is engaged.

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  Durango SXT - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Gordy - August 28 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV. Im 64" and this thing has plenty of room. Very comfortable on long trips. PLENTY of power and I feel very safe in this vehicle. I was hesitant to buy a Dodge because of reputation, but I have had the vehicle for a year and put almost 20,000 on it with absolutely no trouble. Ive really enjoyed this vehicle.

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  not too shabby - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By cruz - August 28 - 2:00 am

  so far not bad great pick up and go fits my familys needs

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  I dont see what the problem is.. - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By MDozer - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car seems to get such a range of emotions from their owners. Me for one have only had 1 problem since this van was bought, and the previous owner said they had not problems at all except replacing the tranny at like 90k. About 2 months ago the Air conditioning went out completely, I will admit that we have had a few small issues with the a/c. Other than that the car is great everything is placed well on the inside, the dash is easy to read, and contrary to other reviews NOTHING falls off, yeah theres a lot of plastic but its all attached very strong. Overall the performance is average, the 3.0V6 is a little slow

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  Great Starter Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Haley - August 25 - 4:07 am

  I bought this car after my 98 Plymouth Neon was totaled. She had been through 2 or 3 owners, she has a salvage title, and she had lived in Upstate New York all her life. I paid $2,250, 72,000 miles on the odometer. The frame is still in good condition, unfortunately all the parts are just about rusted to nothing. Ive put a decent amount of work into this car, replacing the entirety of the suspension and steering system which piece by piece has started failing, all after putting about 60,000 miles on her. The only parts I have not replaced yet are the control arms which are still holding up well. The engine runs extremely well and for being a four cylinder it has some decent get up and go, especially in comparison to my last car. The steering is smooth, the seating is comfortable, and overall I have found her to be a reliable car. Ive driven her back and forth from Texas to New York 3 times now, and plan on driving her to Arizona from Texas next month. The dash is pushed up and not on properly, which Im not sure if it is due to the heat or the previous damage she took. Its comfortable for me and easy to get into, although she sits low. Plenty of space in front and in back, friends have told me its a spacious coupe that gives more leg room than their cars. Perfect engine and perfect transmission, its a sporty looking little cruiser that makes a great first car.

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  great car - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By wlm888 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price. very roomy inside for a small car. great fuel econemy.