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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  Such potential - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By TNB - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have loved the size and power of this car, which I bought used. The several tall people in my family love the interior room. Repairs have been more frequently than I had hoped, and usually were expensive. At 100,000 I have had two lifter jobs, replaced all the struts and upper mounts, replaced the radiator, and have done the expensive tie rod repair. The exterior body is very attractive and is holding up well over the years. The wheel covers have worn out and are very expensive to replace.

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  FIRST TIME DODGE BUYER - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By boot44 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light came on within one week of purchase. Dealer stated gas cap was not on tight enough. The following week, it would not stay running when stopped at light or intersection....corrected itself before I made it back to dealer. Im a little nervous about it. Hoping that this is not a sign of things to come.

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  You must be Intrepid to drive it! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lady Mopar - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Have driven Chrysler products my whole life. Never found one I didnt love until now. Paid just over $7000 for it three yrs ago with 54K on it in very nice condition, now at 87K and have had to spend over half the purchase price in repairs. Brakes (ABS) and rotors replaced twice,water pump,completely reconstructed the front end to the tune of $3000 this year, replaced cam shaft and crank shaft sensors. A/C repaired and still doesnt work. Its pretty to look at, but drive doesnt equal love.

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  BEST VEHICLE YET - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By DAKOTA FOR SALE - November 8 - 2:00 am

  USE THE TRUCK FOR FIELD SERVICE. BEEN UP AND DOWN EASTERN COAST. TOTAL OF 210,000 MILES AND COUNTING. PERFORM REGULAR MAINTINENCE RELIGIOUSY. NEVER LEFT ME STRANDED BY THE ROADSIDE. HAVE THE MAGNUM 3.9L V6. MOTOR KEEPS ON TRUCKING!!

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  Wish it was mine - 1993 Dodge Shadow
  By Tomcat - November 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 93 ES 2 door hatchback for my daughter from a dealer friend of mine who took it on trade from the original owner. This was going to be her first car and of course my main way of thinking was to have something reliable for her so I didnt recieve calls about breakdowns. I have known several people that had these and I never heard a complaint. Her car has every option except the sunroof and it all still works perfectly. It runs like a top and I never hear a word from her. I wonder where shes at . . . . . .

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  Lots of Hype, Little Substance - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Used to Be Fast - November 5 - 2:10 pm

  I got my 06 Charger Daytona with high hopes, and am very disappointed. The car is a joy to drive with its quiet interior, and delicious ride. The nav system and bluetooth give the interior a modern feel. The exhaust note is great when you hit the gas, but quiet when you cruise. Thats it for the good news. The car is sluggish at low speeds, due to its 4,000 lb. weight and 2.82:1 gear. The MDS system doesnt work well past 60 mph. Mileage is a dismal 17 hwy, 10 city, & the rated 350 HP from the bogus hemi (its a "semi- hemi", not a real hemi) is a joke. Not recommended.

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  Not bad for cheap! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By OK - November 5 - 2:00 am

  A/C is junk. Not worth fixing when it dies - which it will. Otherwise, mechanically ok.

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  The Original Minivan - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By dthomas - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Used this C/V as work vehicle, drove hard in northern winters. Unit held up impressively well considering I was hauling maximum gross weight and pushed it to the service limits. Yes, the transmission failed at 98,000 but after o-haul no other significant problems aside from the routine maintenance of tires, brakes, shocks, sensors. V6 is an excellent engine. Had more problems with my 2000 than with this unit. Wouls consider another used van for winter and hard driving conditions.

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  98 Dodge Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Bob Troncale - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable car that my son drove. Never wrecked or off road.

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  Some Design Problems - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Dan O. - November 3 - 2:00 am

  The front strut bearings went at 95 000 miles to the tune of $1000. Now the spare tire assembly has corroded so badly it needs replacing at $300. I can smell oil in the heating air and yes the wipes do come on without requesting. Chrysler is not a fun company do deal with, good thing the product is so affordable.