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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  Fun to drive - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Richard - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is one fine ride and lots of room to haul things . A COMFORTABLE ride.

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  Satisfied - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Vitis - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been an OK car except for the notorious head-gasket for the 4-cyliner engine. But, as a poor graduate student I have no room to complain when I can make it New Orleans from Carbondale on a tank of gas.

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  keep windows closed - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By nick the greek - August 5 - 2:00 am

  this car was so poorly designed that you cant drive at 60 mph with the front windows closed and the back windows open,i just rented a 2004 model and it was still the same,also if i charge my cellphone and shut off the ignition i have a humming sound coming from my speakers.i had to change the engine pulley 3 times in 3 years,power windows work usually

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  Our "Golden" Caravan Sport - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Nutmeg - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is our fifth Caravan, it fits our lifestyle. We show dogs and it is the perfect van, I cam fit two crates side by side in the rear (48in). it is easy for the dogs (Golden Retrievers) to get in and out, if it is bad weather the liftgate can be left up and the dogs are protected. It also is roomy and comfortable for us and we can really pack a lot in it. We also have a roof rack and have our kayaks on that.

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  !st big trip - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By skimox@yahoo.com - August 5 - 2:00 am

  1st off I have the 4.7 5/auto- Just finished a 2950 mile trip towing a 4000lb travel trailer.No problems what so ever with the Dakota.Gas milage @ 11mpg and didnt burn 1 drop of oil. What else can I say other that Im pleased with it.Solo mix is 18mpg.

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  Great- but . . . - 1993 Dodge Spirit
  By tnsonger - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a vehicle of better than average build quality except for the 3 speed (auto lockup convertor) automatic. Had to have first rebuild at 85000 mi. and then second rebuild at 150000 mi. Otherwise this has been an enjoyable car to own.

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  good to buy American - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Gene Hernandez - August 4 - 2:00 am

  My truck is actually a 1998. Since I have the truck for a while I thought my review can give those interested a long term view of this vehicle. It is very reliable, very quiet, has good power total average mpg is 17.0. The 4x4 is great for camping and fishing trips. Wish it had a 3rd door in 1998 besides that I love this truck. Almost bought a toyota but I am glad I bought Dodge, would do it again in a heart beat.

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  Midsize Truck......Large Size Usefulness - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By Harold Turner - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle used by me and family members as a nice work truck. Bed is large enough for all our needs, including carrying a 42" riding mower. Paint still shiny after 10 years. Love the pep of the V8...dislike the gas mileage! Cant have it all! Trim and power functions make it a comfortable, if rougher, ride than desired. The truck has done its job and more.

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  SRT IS A GREAT CAR - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Skip White - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my seventh Viper. I must say this car is so much improved than former models. The changes that were made to the car are great, not that the former model was bad, but this car has a very updated look to it. Many things that were allready ok on the former model, have been improved. I love it, its great car to drive, and if I must say, no car on earth is as appealing to the public.

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  my car - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By zachpolandboy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  my car is awesome