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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  Nice van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ed Davis - January 3 - 10:23 am

  Excellent vehicle. Fun to drive. Good ride and handling. I bought it new and have 40,000 trouble-free miles on it. I change the oil every 3000 miles, and it uses none between changes. Have taken several trips and get 26 mpg. Would buy another one but would also consider Toyota Sienna. Have added stripes, bug shield and driving lights to make it dressier.

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  FRobyne - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By FRobyne - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I am the first registered owner of this vehicle. I have been very pleased with the ride and styling. I expected better gas mileage. At 50000 the head gasket began leaking on the 2.4 ltr engine. I know of four other owners who have experienced this same problem with the same size engine. The other vehicles were 1998, 1999, and 2000.

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  92 Shadow ES - 1992 Dodge Shadow
  By Bespin - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, has a lot of potential to be even more fun. Never had a problem mechanically, but I work at a mechanic shop and do all of the maintainance early.

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  FRobyne - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By FRobyne - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have very good luck with this vehicle. It is reliable and fun to drive. It is actually more comfortable to drive than my car. I have not experienced any mechanical, electrical or structural integrity problems. The only faults of this vehicle are the lack of power and the bad fuel economy of the 3.9 ltr V6 engine.

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  Good Car - 1993 Dodge Spirit
  By Meg - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very relieble car. It was my first car from my parents, dont laugh, it is very good on gas and hasnt had many problems. Although it is a good car it is not that fun to drive. It isnt sporty or nice but if your unlike me and just want a good car this would be a good car to purchase.

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  Love Mine! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By LOVE MINE :) - December 29 - 9:30 pm

  Bought mine used w/13000 miles on it.Now have 25000 miles with no problems.Orginal tires w/good tread and no uneven wear issues.Love the interior b/c it is easy to wipe and clean (important w/2 young kids :).No transmission or other issues some have discussed-think that has to do mostly w/how you drive your car.Only complaint is that I only average 20 city & about 25 highway (nowhere near the 26-32 advertised :().Also, have CVT and acceleration could be smoother when getting out of 2nd gear to highway speeds.

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  Never a Chrysler Product Again!!! - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Edward Gin - December 29 - 2:00 am

  2.4 liter headgasket failed, 53K, $850! 3 speed tranny failed at 84K, $2,400! Suspect driveshafts and/or wheelbearings bad, vibration and grinding noises! 3rd set of tires/front pads, normal. Oil consumption 1 quart/2K, normal. Currently 85K, hope it makes it to 100K? Should have spent more on the Honda MiniVan, would bet less mechanical problems.

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  Never a Chrysler Product Again!!! - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Ed Gin - December 29 - 2:00 am

  2.4 liter headgasket failed, 53K, $850! 3 speed tranny failed at 84K, $2,400! Suspect driveshafts and/or wheelbearings bad, vibration and grinding noises! 3rd set of tires/front pads, normal. Oil consumption 1 quart/2K, normal. Currently 85K, hope it makes it to 100K? Should have spent more on the Honda MiniVan, would bet less mechanical problems.

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  Love it - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Caarrl - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Lots of power. Stereo rocks. Drives as nice as an SUV.

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  Dont let my score fool you - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By MidLman - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The car was purchased used and checked out for problems before purchase. Dealership said it was in great condition. Boy were they wrong. In only one year Ive had the brakes replaced, had various seals replaced, including the rear-main engine seal, and had to replace the starter as well. Thats 3 major repairs in only a year. And thats not including all the factory- recalled parts Ive had replaced. Otherwise its an okay car. Mine doesnt have many features, but its a good size and its fun to drive. Too bad its going to cost me a fortune in repairs in the long run.