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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  4X4 SXT 3.9L 4spd auto - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By brupac - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Would never of thought of buying a Dodge before but this truck really impressed me. Great looks,quality feel inside and out plus plenty of power from the 3.9L not to mention a $3000.00 rebate how can you go wrong.

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  Overall excellet auto - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By casabarnett - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my car for 4 years with no major problems and have loved every minute driving it

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  Not Bad - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By uscg68 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is reliable and has great fuel economy. With minor inexpensive add-ons it looks really sharp. It does however have a lack of horse power so dont think it will get up n go when you stomp the gas. It does have a alot of great factory options. Mine was fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. Premium Sound, Alloy Wheels, sun and moon roof. By adding tinting a rear spoiler and a bra it looks real sharp. For the buyer who wants performance Dodge makes the Stealth or Avenger. For a High School or college student away from home this is a PERFECT vehicle.

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  Best SUV Ever - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Jeff Piotrowskiq - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I leased my Durango as soon as they came out. It has been an excellent vehicle. In 75,000 miles of driving, I have only had it in the shop twice for any significant repairs (Manifikd gasket, coolant temp sensor). The tires lasted over 50,000 miles. The truck still looks like new!!! I am also one of the few that have actually taken their SUV off-road. The truck was amazing, pulling through mud up to the door handles!!!! What a truck!!! Some day I would love to buy an R/T.

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  First Assessment - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Leo Chaney - February 17 - 6:55 am

  Towing capacity and capability are key elements in addition to common safety, comfort, and technology features. That said dealer confirmed a 15 percent tongue weight to towing ratio for the Citadel

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  Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By mak10 - February 16 - 12:10 am

  The car was bought for my wife. We wanted a car that was sporty but practical, and when I had to be in it was not too "girly". We bought the r/t with every option except the dvd stuff. The car so far has been great. It handles well, rides well and is decent on gas mpg. Its quiet and roomy on inside. Four adults fit comfortably. We have both gotten speeding tickets in it, so while its no Ferrari, its fast enough for us!

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  99 Avenger ES - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Vonto - February 15 - 2:00 am

  reliable engine with the right amount of TLC spacious inside comfortable seating. Acceleration a little on the sluggish but gets up to speed quickly handles corners superbly very quick steering response this car stays well planted on the pavement outstanding body design very handsome car and fun to drive

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  So far, so good - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Amy - February 13 - 1:40 pm

  We bought our 05 Grand Caravan used with 45,000 miles, replacing a 95 Voyager. So far very comfy, rides nice, and we LOVE the stow n go. Plenty of room for 3 kids. The back row is not as nice as the first 2, esp. if you have long legs. Minor glitches, inc. loose rear vent window and rear A/C blower cutting off - will be taking the van in for those things soon. My mileage is about 16 mpg in the city - 24-25 highway. Id like it to be better, but it still beats the big SUVs.

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  Great choice - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By dakman - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Getting the V8 in the Dakota really sets the vehicle apart from its competition. The 4.7 V8 is fast, refined, and reliable. The handling and ride of the Dakota are better than most trucks, but the brakes are not very good. The pedal is very mushy and without the 4 wheel ABS, the front wheels lock up frequently. The interior of the truck is very comfortable for 2 adults. 1 normal- size person can fit sideways in the back cab, but its better used for groceries/packages. Reliability has been average in 30,000 miles. No huge problems, and a couple of small ones.

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  Great car so far - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Joachim A. - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had the 2.4L for a year now and I really like it. It has been pretty reliable. Stylish, good looking sort of roomy. I have put a new audio system in it and I look forward in driving it. I have an warranty up to 75,000 miles, so I feel relaxed on the service. Lack of head room, leg room for driver and cupholders are horrible. The brakes needed wear & tear work.