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:

• 

  Stratus 96 2.4L - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By asdfjkl - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall car is good. Love the look and interior space.

• 

  Good All Around Vehical - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Vanagon - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have put 40,000 on the van. I bought the caravan rather tha the grand caravan because I wanted the better milage and less weight for power. It certainly isnt sexy but is handy as hell. From plywood and bricks to kids and trips it is an excellent vehical for a family and home owner.

• 

  All Around Winner - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By PVF - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I researched the Neon R/T and other cars in its class and found no other car with such good looks (inside and outside), features and performance for the price. The car is truely loaded and with a little extra money you can get a truely great sound system and sunroof! But the best part is driving it. The car is quick the steering and braking systems are excellent and the suspension is perfectly tuned.

• 

  Grand Caravan Quality? - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Texas-Tall - January 29 - 10:00 am

  In general, we have enjoyed owning Chrysler mini-vans. The features, ride, power and handling have always been good. The reliabilty of our original 1992 Grand Caravan is what led us to buy Dodge again. Unfortunately, in September of 2001, eight months after purchase and several other major repairs, the control panel cluster and control module on our 2001 Grand Caravan failed. It was replaced by Dodge with a 2002 Grand Caravan EX under Texas Lemon Laws. The replacement has been fine til now, when the control panel cluster and control module have failed again! Im concerned that there may be a manufacturing issue with those components.

• 

  Fit the bill - and delivered - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Donnie E - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I got what I expected. Purchased new off the lot. Needed 7 seatbelts. Only thing to go wrong in 4 years was the battery. Dealer arranged pickyup, replacement, and return. Bought for 31K, sold for 18K (held for just over 4 years).

• 

  "D" - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By mickeymouse_123 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I had just bought my 2002 R/T Durango and am enjoying it. I personally love the unique look of the Durango. Previously, I bought a 2001 and not even a month later I was hit on the side and it saved the lives of my children in the middle section seating. I and my family miraculously walked away from the accident w/out a scratch. (actually we had to climb out of the windows cause we couldnt open the doors!) Although its a gas guzzler, in comparison to mini-vans and cars, I wouldnt hesitate to state that this vehicle was worth the protection for my family.

• 

  Stealths are where its at - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By StealthmanRT - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Stealth for over a year now and I still get a rush every time i get in it. It is big enough to hold football players like me (62 230) but still seem close and comfortable. They ARE expensive to own (especially when they break) but with a little TLC they dont act up to bad. My car has NEVER failed to start and my only problems have been a result of a tight suspension on not-so-great roads (potholes, etc.)

• 

  Disappointed! - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Dont buy one! - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Truck has 25000 miles on it and been in the shop 3 times. Power steering pump failed 1 time, driving lights the next. Loud suspension noise the next time which was all the bushings...not uncommon from what I hear. Still didnt fix the problem...still loud and loose. Very sloppy and rough steering, rock hard seats and poor visibility out the windshield, transmission hesistates to shift. Not impressed for $29000!!

• 

  2013 Crew Pros/Cons - 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tomsouthmd - January 27 - 1:16 am

  The 2013 Grand Caravan is my third dodge van; I traded in a 2007 SXT. When ordering I had to move up to the Crew to get some options that were included on the 2007 SXT such as the power driver’s seat, leather steering wheel, and garage door opener. I added the driver convenience group to get, along with other options, bluetooth. The ride is good, handling ok for a minivan, seats are an improvement over the 2007 and the 3.6 liter engine is a significant power upgrade. The tow capacity is up to 3,600 lbs and the stow ‘n go seats still provide the most versatility compared to other minivans. The transmission needs work (see below). Recommendation – take a good highway test drive before buying.

• 

  The best weve ever owned - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mafraziersr - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Our 1996 came to us with 106K on the odometer. I dont know about the previous owners experience. It was leased. We purchsed it at the bank auction. It now has 240K miles with no problems. It still looks great and is in daily use along with our new, flawless 2003 Chrysler T&C (21K trouble free miles). Our only complaint is the brakes. The rear brakes are weak despite our best efforts.?? No transmission problems or engine problems. A fantastic van. In fact, this was our third (86 & 88 previous)Chrysler van. Both had 200K+ miles when replaced. Weve never experienced the transmission problems that seem to plauge other vans.