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 - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bdscoach - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new and have been very satisfied! Sexy styling and eye catching color (inferno red) is just the beginning! Rides great, quiet, comfortable and enough accessories to satisfy creature comforts. So far (2500 miles), no problems or rattles. Fold down rear seats are a hidden value. Good basic trasportation makes this vehicle a good car for the money.

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  ITs no Tahoew - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By mrmikey - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Durango for a little over 7 months now. It is ok to drive although I miss my 99 Tahoe. The Durango is way under powered. But it gets me from here to there.

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  01 dak quad cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By bear18090 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  my dakota now has 63000 miles on it and Ive had no major troubles at all. The 4.7 engine has tons of get-up & go& avg. fuel economy is aprox. 17- 18mpg. Plenty of room for at least 5 adults.

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  Has exceptional Reliability - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bandit400 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has great performance for a large car. Handling is crisp and steady. Fuel economy is average but could be better. Just fun to drive and has sleak body styling.

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  Could be better re:tranny/materials - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Space1999! - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Our Caravan has been very reliable outside of that much-too-common transmission failure. Fortunately ours only required new seals and internal parts and we "convinced" Chrysler to pick up 1/2 the $2000 cost. It is a real shame that Chrysler didnt resolve this problem MUCH earlier as it seems to be a problem right up to 2001 models. It must be noted that many other companies have tranny problems in their mini-vans including Honda, Ford and that Toyota has severe engine sludging and failure issues. Fortunately our paint, air conditioning and most features have been very good and had minimal problems.

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  P-COLA CRUSIN... - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By GASMAN - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Owned car for 1 1/2 years. Love how it performs on the highway. Not many cars can touch it!! Car really turns heads...!!

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  Happy so far - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By A12BEE - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my new quad cab SLT plus. 4.7L,5 speed,buckets,leather wrap wheel and bed liner. Very pleased so far, ride is excellent and engine performance is very good. As with everyone else I have noticed the gas gauge is very responsive in the downward direction. Love the color,Patriot Blue. Did add some Huskey mud flaps this weekend as I could see they are pretty much required if you plan on keeping the paint looking good.

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  Stratus ES - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By pitt1991 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been great. No major problems. Needs more head room and better location for cup holders.

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  Impressed - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By MyfirstDodge - May 25 - 2:00 am

  For my first dodge it rides well and handles quite nicely. The design is really good also.

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  Decent Car - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By manforallseasons - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 94, have put over 110,000 miles and still running well. Only major problems: (a) 3 evaporator coil failings in first 5 years - however, dodge/dealer handled these well (at no charge) and have not had the problem in last 4 years and (b) major PCM (main computer) problem that dealer repaired without charge despite being beyond warranty. Engine and tranny have been great - key is to service tranny on schedule at mopar dealer. Even after 9 years, still get compliments on how good the car looks.