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:

• 

  dodge spirit - underrated - 1990 Dodge Spirit
  By eixom66 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  this car isnt beautiful, but does everything well and the five-speed works just fine. A dream to drive on the highway. And a helluva bargain.

• 

  1999 Intrepid ES - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By barbowl300 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 4 years now and it has been very reliable. During that time, I have had three mechanical problems with various sensors during ownership. Other than that, the car handles great and is very comfortable and easy to drive. I now have over 90,000 miles on this car and the maintenance has consisted of two brake changes and one tire change. The trunk is spacious and comes in handy for hauling suitcases. My main pet peeve with the car is the lack of cup holders in the back seat for passengers. I track my gas mileage and the car continues to get 29 - 30 MPG on the highway. I would purchase another one.

• 

  2001 Intrepid ES - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Sarge21 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Major problem with a bad valve spring. Fixed now.

• 

  Great automobile - 1992 Dodge Dynasty
  By Gromit - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Dynasty for two years now, and I am very happy with it. Its got 150k miles on it now, and still running fine. Nice and comfortable, plush and relaxing. I am also fairly tall, so I like the spacious cabin. I need to replace some front end bushings, and one hydrualic valve lifter has become a bit noisy, so its probably due for a replacement. Nothing strange though, when a car has passed 150k miles. I keep up service intervals and oil changes, and I expect to take this car at least over 200k, hopefully more.

• 

  Big Sports Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Popoon - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Best family car on the road. Huge interior and trunk, good pickup, 30 mpg on the highway. Even my kids fight for the opportunity to drive it. After 3 years I have done absolutely nothing but change the oil. Best car I have every owned.

• 

  Keeps on Ticking - 1991 Dodge Spirit
  By joburnet - April 28 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this vehicle it had 84k miles on it and now it has almost 170k. It has lasted me through college and is still going and I have never had any major problems. It is starting to show its age, paint is starting to peel in places, but its never let me down and actually handles great in the snow. The 2.5 Liter engine is very good quality but I cant speak for the others.

• 

  Alright - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By AJFedde - April 27 - 2:00 am

  There is no easy way to lock the back/trunk door. So if you are getting something out of the back, you have to close that door and either pull your keys out to lock it or go to one of the side doors and hit the lock button. My Explorer had a button to use to lock before closing in next to the cargo area.I wished it came standard with remote entry/locking. I looked for one. (I had ordered mine in). The same goes for finding one with a CD player. Drive it is pretty smooth. I have the V6. I wish these vans had tow hitches to at least be able to pull a uhaul or jetski. I would like to see more standard features.

• 

  Maintenence Nightmare! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By sperris - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Radiator Pump @45000 transmission speed regulator @34000 and @75000 three of four door lock actuators that make noise and stop working @50000 remaining lock @90000 r. passenger window motor @80000 rw defroster @19000 Heater control @50000 Heater fan @75000 Frequent brake replacements license plate light wiring @55000 brake light pedal sensor @78000 o2 Sensor @86000 whining steering @70000 loud wheelwell noises - dealership "cant find problems with" @84000 Very bad quality!

• 

  good riddance - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By full of regrets - April 24 - 2:00 am

  We traded a 95 Intrepid w/87000 miles on it for a new 2000 model becuase my wife loved the car. Rotor had to be replaced at 16000. The warranty statement does not list exceptions because "everything is covered" (except brakes). Seals around doors have had to be replaced twice, check valve on radiator had to be replaced, oil pan came loose, has been in the shop for "check engine" 8 times, 6 sensors have been replaced, timing chain tensioner failed causing extensive engine damage, second tensioner also failed. The car is 1400 miles over warranty now and I owe 3000 mor than its worth. As soon as I can afford to trade it in its gone.

• 

  Check Engine light - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By monche3 - April 23 - 10:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 Doge Caliber R/T brand new! I have had it three years and have not had any real problems. I have only had to replace the tires and regular maintenance. Over all I am satisfied with the car. However my battery died 3 weeks ago and was replaced. Within 2 days of replacement the check engine light came on. I went to the dealer who downloaded some computer software and the light went away. Two days later the light is on again!!!! I just left the dealer with another alleged computer malfunction! IDK!!! Its off now but Im hoping that in another two days the light is not back on again or Im not going to be a nice customer!