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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  Maroon Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Beckster - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I use to buy a new vehicle about every year. My 98 Durango is great. Ive had no mechanical problems, ride is comfortable, this is the only vehicle Ive ever owned where Ive been completely happy with it, even after 5 years (my main reason for holding on to it so long).

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  Sportster - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By bakerstalder - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I like the car...husband should have thought twice before getting it, we have two young toddlers. No room!

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  First Impressions - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By champ198 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new Durango Ltd AWD with the works. (5.7, AWD, 3.92 rear end, LTD package, sunroof, DVD, heated seats, etc.) I was not impressed with the paint job. The finish had some contamination under the paint and you could see this when the light is not directly shining on the vehicle. Seems to be limited to one side. Also not impressed with the seat hinge for the 2nd row seat as it protrudes out far enough to scrape your lower back as you enter/exit the rear seat. Of course I knew the gas mileage would be bad with the hemi.

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  Durango X Two - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By vavi - June 8 - 2:00 am

  THis is the 2nd Durango I have purchased in the past 4 years. Compared to my 1999 Durango Slt, the 2002 Durango SXT is quieter, has better gas mileage (14/15 city and 17 Hwy) The overall comfort is great, for a person with severe backproblems this is a great car to get in and out of. The ride is smooth and it handles well. As usual with the Durango, it has lots of space for lugage and assorted items that you could not put in a regular or smaller SUV.

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  Its a great car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By the marty - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought an SXT neon with the 4 speed automatic trans everyone complains about. It is quite a bit slower than the manual, but about the same as other automatics in its class and not all that slow. Passing power is very good. Gas mileage isnt that good. About 23 mpg. It could be better. Its a pleasure to drive this car. It handles like a sports car and the brakes are incredible. Try one - youll like it.

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  Up in smoke - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By vanishpoint - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1996 and we loved driving it. Great interior. Liked everything about it. Then the problems started. Water pump & head gasket (at only 50,000 miles!). Yesterday the fiancee and I met with the florist for wedding flowers someone asked if that was our silver car with the steam coming out. Yep. Except it was smoke. Two firetrucks later and a completely burned out front end, were waiting on the insurance. Still, it looks great from behind and the interior remains beautiful -- at least the firewall works.

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  It Keeps Going - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Jimmy W - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 1998 Neon from a friends son to have as a highway vehicle. I bought it in non-running conditon with under 100000 miles on it and it was in POOR shape. I towed it home, replaced the head with one I found on eBay (for about 250.00) and some other parts (total cost was under 350.00 + my time). After shampooing the interior several times, new floor mats and a clay bar + wax job the car has ran 20,000+ miles without ANY PROBLEMS!! I dont even bother to change the oil, i just make sure it is topped off and that the car idles fine. It isnt the prettiest thing on the road but I cant believe how this car never dies. A Great buy for anyone...

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  Driving to Mexico - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mexico driver - June 4 - 11:46 am

  I bought the car and left Detroit immediately, hoping there would be no issues which needed dealer attention. There were none. I enjoyed the drive to Mexico with it. It is so spacious. It has good pick up when passing. The seats are comfortable. I got excellent gas mileage on the highway, sometimes exceeding 28 mpg on the flat road conditions in Texas and Arizona.

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  Great Little Car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By zxcvb - June 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car in 99. My Teenage daughter drives it. It has had some considerable use, in the time that we own it. I have not had any repair costs for this vehicle, only the usual maintenance type of stuff. Its a GREAT little car.

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  well pleased - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By rfournier - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Has performed very well. Only problem has been the tailgate not locking with key lock. Fixed under warranty. Use it to tow, has ample power.