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 CHALLENGER - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Vince - April 13 - 12:14 am

  I love my new Challenger it is a very well put together car I have the r/t version it has plenty of get up and go and handles very well lots of looks from people everyone with any kind of sport car wants to race havent lost yet only dislike is the shift assist from 1 to 4 if you are not on the accelerator in 1st. Great car and I have owned a lot of muscle in the past such as z28,409/w3 duces in a 61 impala, 68 gto just to mention a few. Hang tough at the dealerships when buying they will come down if your strong.

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  Crappy brakes - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dwbrum11 - April 11 - 8:50 pm

  This will be my last Chrysler product. I have had a problem with the front brakes wearing prematurely and the local dealer refusing to replace them under warranty even though there is a TSB issued from Chrysler saying that this should be covered by warranty. They wanted me to pay over $450 just to do the front brakes saying that no other shops would be able to get parts for it. National Tire and Brake installed lifetime rotors and pads for $300 dollars. I dont know if this was just my local dealer but I have been reading a lot of complaints about the brakes from other people and little help from the dealers.

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  Better than my Honda - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Blk Neon - April 11 - 10:36 am

  Great car not the gas mileage I had hoped for. This car has a sporty look and handle very well. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun car to drive.

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  Good Car... not for tall people. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Big_Mike - April 10 - 2:13 pm

  2007 Caliber SXT 2.0L w CVT. Currently at 83000 KM or 52000 Miles. Very reliable .. only repair was a lower control arm which had to be replaced (apparently common cause dealer had 7 in stock Drivers side only) Car interior is not designed for anyone 6 ft or taller. Im 65" and my right knee is always rubbing against the center console. Blind spots are bad.

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  March 20,2004 - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bob Campbell - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2005 Model. Has all the features you say the 2004 does not have. Your review is not up to date. You should update so as not to mislead anyone any longer. You, however, provide an accurate and great service.. Very helpful in confirming my research.

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  power for less - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By twinturbo1587 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  this car is sweet, very qiuck for $21000. 0-60 in 5.3 and 1/4 mile in 13.9: this car is best known for performance.

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  stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By LLOYDZM - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice car with a sluggish takeoff.It couldve been a little bit cozier for all passengers but so far it does the job.

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  Muscle cars shouldnt be family cars. - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Xena - April 10 - 1:36 am

  My husband got this car, and coming from a Mopar family, I was impressed he wanted it. I am all for having a second Hemi in the family (my father has a 69 Hemi Roadrunner), but the interior and exterior of this car is just another boring family sedan. This car seems to impress people who know they should be impressed by a Hemi, but dont really know why they should be impressed by a Hemi. True Hemi fans, will want to stick with the original muscle cars that were built to haul the mail - not a haul a family.

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  lotta car for the money - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By nwilkin - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has been great. Roomy interior beats all other competitors. I bought the larger 3.2 engine, have not regretted it as the car has plenty of power.Transmission speed sensor failed under warranty, limp home mode allowed the car to be driven to the dealer. Air conditioner failed at 41,000 miles, Chrysler fixed it under their goodwill policy. I had the exact same A/C problems with my 95 Intrepid. Door Seals have shrunk, will need to fix later. Overall an excellent car, will buy another one.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By pete - April 7 - 8:45 pm

  This car is the most relieable and fun car to drive. I have done some bolt on modifications done to it (intake,exhaust,programmer) and i beat on this poor car and it takes the abuse fine. On the days when my foot isnt as heavy its a great smooth ride. It doesnt like to turn very fast but its great to see a mustang gts headlights in my rearview mirror.