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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  a real neon - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By crunkone - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car was my favorite car. It held up very very well. It was fast, nimble, and very sporty. The onlt thing this car didnt have was leather and a CD player, then it would be perfect. It also had lots of room for its size. It was hard to find and after my brother wrecked mine, I couldnt find it again. I ended up with a 2001 but I was very dissapointed. Its weak and gets terrible gas mileage. And half of the problems I have, the dealer either cant or wont fix it. Like a sulphuric smell that nausiates me.

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  120,000 Miles and Going Stong - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By SeikoGuy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new in May of 1998 after ordering a platinum exterior with camel leather interior (not the normal combination). Other than 2 transmission speed sensors (approx. $100 each) and the drivers side window regulator, this car has cost me nothing but regular maintenance. First set of brake pads at 113,000 miles, battery at 111,000, flush cooling system and transmission system at 116,000 miles. Oil changes every 3000 miles only cost $8.43 at the dealer. I sold my 94 ES to a friend and it is still being driven with 160,000 miles.

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  Intrepids Are Cool - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By DLB - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased mine w/ 25000 miles last Sept. Great driver, base engine has plenty of power, especially at higher rpms (contrary to others that complain of weak power). Lots interior room, trunk is great for families (huge!). And one of the sharpest full-size cars around. This design will look good for years to come. We are very happy with our Intrepid.

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  How many gallons per mile??? - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Dannys R/T - March 6 - 2:00 am

  It is a head turner. Especially in flame red (fire engine red). I cannot go anywhere without someone saying how cool or hot this R/T is. It sounds like a hot rod truck and drives like a sports car. All while picking up the kids, shopping or going camping with the spacious rear cargo area . It is a ride to be proud of. I am upset to say that I get 10 mpgs while driving it normal city/hwy. If I get on it then its 8 mpgs. Dodge needs to get with the program. At $1.97/gal... Its a monthly investment Id rather get rid of.

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  Dream Machine - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By tinpandan - March 6 - 2:00 am

  The Dakota has the best sound system offered in any stock truck. I promise you will not complain about leg room (I am 6-5" & will vouch for this). The 4.7L engine is the only way to go. Avoid the 5.9L V8. I got 11 mpg average honest. The truck handles like a sports car, you will love to drive this machine. Those needing 4X4, look for models with AWD (there are some out there and they have jeep parts note reg. 4X4 cant be driven on dry pavement). Best truck money can buy!

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  01 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By KCKettridge - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Reliable,fun to drive work horse. The V6 has enough power and the cab is quiet when cruising at highway speeds. The Infinity AM/FM/CD System rocks and the seats are comfortable. The black interior is high maintenance though, as it shows everything from cracker crumbs to dog hair. The instrument panel,heater/ac/fan/wiper/headlight switch(s)/controls are large enough without seeming bulky or awkward. Interior appointments are nice, although the glove box is a little on the small side, the center console is rommy. The standard Goodyear Wrangler ST tires are a little small(215/75/15) but it still handles well and gives a smooth ride.

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  Needs update but still great - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By FLoc - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The Durango is a top SUV even though it needs to do a little catching up with Ford and GM. Redesign on the way should fix that and some. The fact that it still can stack up well shows a lot about how good a job Dodge did.

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  Enjoyable Drive - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By NY Trini - March 4 - 2:00 am

  So far I am pleased with the car. Having some problems with high gas consumption (12 m/g city) but otherwise everything works fine. One of the most atractive vehicle on the road. Reviewed a lot of other vehicles before purchase but none had the looks.

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  Nicks Strat - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By icyskratuz - March 3 - 2:00 am

  my 2001 stratus is a great car. the auto-stick is an awesome feature, and fun to use. good top end performance, but not alot of modifications are avaliable for the stratus.

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  Base Caravan - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By Rhonda Diercks - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been extremely happy with the performance of this vehicle. I did have to have the transmission replaced at 69,000 (which is common for this vehicle), however the dealership was very accommodating. Also at 69,000 miles, I had to have several engine oil leaks repaired. Again, under warranty, the dealership replaced all seals and gaskets. This vehicle is maintained with regular oil changes and maintenance, and to this day, even with 105,000 miles, I am extremely comfortable taking long extended trips in this vehicle.