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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  2001 Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Skeeter - August 30 - 4:30 pm

  I love this car! It has excellent mileage for a mid size car, even around town. I trust it not to let me down on long trips too. Also get a lot of compliments on it.

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  Great truck! - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By Dave - August 29 - 1:13 am

  Ive had my 96 Dakota for 8 years, and it still looks and runs great with 98,000 miles on it. Ive replaced the water pump and the A/C system (I live in Florida), and Ive made cosmetic repairs to the interior. The 4 cyl. engine does not burn or leak oil, and the 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly and is fun to drive. The original factory white paint still looks great. I drive it almost every day, and it is still excellent transportation. With the tough plastic bed liner, this is a VERY rugged and dependable truck!

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  Terrrific vehicle - versatile & reliable - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Michael - August 27 - 11:33 pm

  We have driven our SWB Caravan Sport over 75,000 miles in 2.5 years. It has been virtually trouble free. The only exception was a sliding door issue that was covered by warrantee. It has met our every need from a local people hauler to a vacation and camping marvel. Terrific handling, very good fuel economy (consistently over 21 mpg combined), and great looks. My engineer daughter loves to drive it. We are passing it on to our son who now has two small kids, but replacing it with a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country Touring model. We are sold on this car.

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  One of the most underrated sedans - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodge8 - August 27 - 7:31 pm

  I bought this car to replace my piece of junk 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera. This Intrepid has done more than impress me. I am getting 27 to 29 mpg with city/highway and 32 mpg with the optional 3.5l 24 valve SOHC V6 that was only rated at 26 mpg! I have almost 127,000 miles on the original motor and transmission and they both behave as though they have at least another 75,000 miles left on them. I have had to replace a intake and some other gasket on it but beyond that, it is been trouble free.

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  Wow Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By gomoe - August 27 - 2:33 pm

  A great smooth zippy drive. I love the comfort of this car! Sturdy, smooth, classy, but sporty. Most of all I am surprised at the great comfort and room that this car has. The designer was brilliant. It looks smart on the outside and serves your comforts on the inside. Gas mileage is little less than what I thought, but three times better than anything out there. The look is unlike any other out there! I have been asked more than enough from strangers just wanting to know, "what kind of car is that?" Stands out and gets your attention. Nice looking. Good job Dodge!

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  Great truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By rjwagne2 - August 26 - 8:37 pm

  Handles great and is fun to drive. Not to mention Im getting better fuel economy than what is on the sticker (just over 21)

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  Very pleased with my Stratus - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Deb - August 26 - 6:11 pm

  My Stratus rides extremely smoothly, is very comfortable and extremely quiet. The 4-cylinder engine has excellent pick-up and I get great gas mileage.

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  2001 Intrepid-Great Car! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By lil mac - August 26 - 3:18 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Stratus R/T 2-door with the 3.0 liter and 5-speed in 12/2003 for this car. Best deal I ever made! The Intrepid (with a 3.2 liter) handles better than the Stratus and has better pickup, not to mention is much roomier and way more comfortable for long trips. I change the oil about every 2000 miles and just had to replace the steering gear at 77,000 miles. Other than that, its been a remarkably trouble-free car. All Ive had to handle is normal wear-and-tear items. I love the looks of this car, but would have been way happier had it been available as a 2- door coupe.

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  Jacks Hemi - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jack Partington - August 26 - 10:53 am

  The Charger has been the most fun car to drive. It holds the road solidly and accelerates without hesitation.

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  02 Durango 4X4 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Duane P - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle... Absolutely no rattles and problems. Very solid vehicle.