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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  Whats the problem? - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Cosrai - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2 identical Durangoes for my company at the same time. Weve had some problems, but all were relatively minor. I believe Dodge suffers from a bad reputation and this is reflected in some of the reviews. My fathers 2 new Chevy Pups had their transmissions replaced- one of them twice. My wifes Infiniti needed a transmission at 15k. But whod call a Chevy or an Infinit a piece of junk? As for gas mileage, yeah, I think its a little low but Ive got the 5.9 and Ive still gotten as much as 17.9 on the highway. Ive crossed the Continental Divide in my Durango and I was passing every car I had the chance to. How many other vehicles thatll haul 7 people can do that?

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  Great Idea, needs refinement - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Willy - February 10 - 4:26 pm

  I got my Caliber as my first new car, and first domestic car. I am happy with the fuel economy, and ride of the car. I have had a few issues with the car, Numerous rattles with the radio on, intermittant stalling problems with the clutch depressed, while slowing down, speedometer jumping. With the electronically controlled throttle, there isnt much throttle response til youre about 3/4 through the gear. I have also experienced torque-steer at higher rpms. With the exception of the rattles, the stereo is very nice, the clutch grabs hard, making it fun at high rpm shifts.

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  2nd good one - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By surflad - February 10 - 9:16 am

  Bought a 1995 Caravan with 50k miles in 1997. Put another 120k miles on it in 6 years. Transmission went out at 75k miles but was covered by warranty. In 02 traded the 95 in on this 2001 Sport. Now has 220,000 miles on it. Replaced entire A/C system in 07, $1k. Replaced transmission at 210,000, used one for $750. Other than that both front window motors, one alternator. Now on second tune up, second set of brakes, fourth set of tires, Goodyears. Doesnt use any oil, rides great! Hauls surfboards, kayaks, musical equipment and still gets 25mpg on highway. We love it!

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  Tale of the Smoking Stealth - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By flyrockies - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car from Kuni Lexus in Colorado in August 1995 with 60,000 mi. Absolutely wonderful car to drive until 100,000 mi. Exhaust started smoking, wouldnt pass emissions. Needed new engine. Paid over $3,000 for rebuild, lasted 2 yrs before it started smoking again. Had electrical problems when a short occured in the wiring bundle. The car would shut off in the middle of the road. Car lasted until 151,000 miles.

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  I was shocked - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By robbob - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I had sworn of Dodges and was set to buy a Taurus. The car dealer was a friend of mine and said just drive the Intrepid. I bought that day. Seats were very comfortable (I had a Seebring and hated the seats). Great pick up very quite and fun to drive. It is great to have someone else in the front seat and not have your shoulders touching.

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  Great Value - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mike B - February 4 - 6:00 pm

  Great vehicle for the price. Very roomy and comfortable. Ive had to take it in for some minor warranty work (dvd player malfunction and a dead battery) which was disappointing, but no MAJOR problems. Im 64 and fit comfortably in the drivers seat. My wife is 53 and also fits comfortably (we have power driver seat). I have not regretted our purchase of this vehicle.

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  Al Courts Evaluation - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Alan G. Court - February 4 - 2:00 am

  The Neon has plenty of pep. I find no fault with the appearance. My major concern is the space between the steering wheel and the drivers knees when there is no tilt wheel. I have Parkinsons and it takes 5 minutes for me to extract myself from the car.

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  Fun If You Have Alot of Bucks - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Joli - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive and lots of power (have the 360 5.9L). BUT, the internal rattle noise could be fuel knock from low grade fuel or a louder knock we have found to be the intake gasket (we have replaced twice). My suspension sounded like popcorn popping (leaf springs and shocks replaced). A popping sound from front end can indicate ball joints (so I have found). The long braking distance can be fixed with a brake adjustment.

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  cant beat it for the money - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By monster - February 3 - 2:00 am

  having taken out 7 cars for a test drive (in this price range) I was convinced that I would be settling for a four cylinder econobox. The Intrepid proved me wrong and I bought it right after the test drive was done. What a great car for the money! Handling, ride, interior space are all excellent...not to mention its not hard to look at either!

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  good mix of sports car & truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Rich B. - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck has the handling, acceleration & still can tow a trailer or haul lumber. 5.9 is just brute torque. No high tech here, just good olpushrods. Handles great. Rear axle gets a little upset over stutter bumps. ABS works well but traction control would be a welcome feature when you arent trying to toss the ass end out while turning. Very comfortable on long rides & good interior ergonomics...