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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  R/T = Real Fast - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By kwood69 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for a peformance trunk to come out for a few years, then when Dodge introduced the Dakota RT and it was featured on MotorTrends TV show I just fell for it. After driving one I finally broke down and bought one in 2000. Since then Ive modified the engine and the interior but this truck has been great since day one. I drag race in it, road race in it, and even place it in auto shows.

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  Dakota a Good Buy - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Joachim - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Truck runs great and looks good. Only problem has been a faulty headlight switch.

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  Stratus has been a good car for me - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By itprof20012002 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1997 (2.4, auto), have 160,000 miles on it right now and still running strong. Had a few repairs along the way but nothing that has ever left me stranded. Had to have head gasket replaced at about 110,000 and front wheel bearings and tie rods at 150,000. My next car purchase will have a better than 90% chance of being another Stratus.

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  Nice car with some reliability issues - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By KLJ - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this car for over 8 years. Styling is still beautiful, and doesnt look "dated". I have always liked driving this car, its roomy and comfortable. We had some problems with it (transmission, AC, engine) at 38,000 to 60,000 miles, but since has been exremely reliable. This car is fun to drive on the highway, and cruises smoothly at 70-75 mph.

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  Terrible Transmission/Radiator Problems - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By vicoman - January 8 - 2:00 am

  What moron thought of placing a 2.4L engine in a van? This is the most gutless vehicle I have ever driven in my life! In addition, we purchased the vehicle with 42k miles on it and had it in the shop 4 times in 2 months. 3 radiators and a rebuilt transmission later, the van seems to run like it should have when purchased. I will never purchase a dodge product again!

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  Great truck after modifications. - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Stoney - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with 32,000 miles on it. Its the 2000 Dakota SLT V8 4.7, all time 4x4 w/locking diffs. I like the all-time 4x4 because it grabs around corners, but you loose acceleration when starting from stopped position. This is a good truck as stock. OK power, and looks great. It will get you anywhere. A little costly on the gas. This truck with modifications is great. I changed air intake,put in headers, cat-backs, and a mod-chip, and its STRONG! Also get 1-2 miles per gallon more, when Im not flooring it. Theres a new magnum V8 HO engine in the Dakotas that puts out more power. I would look into a Dakota with this engine if I was looking to buy.

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  A comfy ride - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By am - January 5 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car for hauling and traveling. It has performed well for both. The only trouble I have had is a frozen wiper fluid line, an automatic side door that is now manual and some trim that hasnt held up to boys. Its not a sexy ride, but it gets me where I want to go safely and reliably.

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  Beware of fuel expences - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By aradensky - January 5 - 10:20 am

  I changed my F150 with V8 with the last model Grand Caravan hoping to make some savings on gas. The advertised fuel efficiency shoud be 8.7 liters per 100km. (I am Canadien) The best I have reached to the moment on the interstate roads is 13.1 liters per 100km/ around 17 miles per gallon/ and it is 50% more than it is advertised. I have had more than 10 different cars, vans and trucks and it wasnt a problem to get close enough to the advertised efficiency.In the dealership they try to tell me that the way the van is built. And if it continues I have to take rid of it

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  I Buy American - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By SKINNI - January 4 - 4:33 am

  This "sport wagon" brings it. IÂ’ve only had it for about a month and love it. Small issue with the air bag that was resolved. There is some vibrating in the panels or exhaust on acceleration but hope to eliminate that. If youre fuel conscious though go for the v- 6. The hemi is a guzzler. When Im driving like a normal guy I still only average about 13 mpg in the city at best. The stock exhaust is rather quiet for such a beast of a car. Could use a little more growl. IÂ’ve found a slew of aftermarket parts so upgrades will be easy and fun. All in all I would recommend this vehicle for anyone interested. If fuel is a factor though u will have to sacrifice the power of the hemi for a v-6 :(

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  My Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By brianph3 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been satisfied with my Intrepid, except for the resale value. I owe $14k on a car now valued at $8k. The Intrepid has a fun, sporty ride/drive for a bigger car, exactly what I was looking for.