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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  Love It!!! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By FullTmeDad - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We rented different vehicles so we could drive them for extended trips before we bought our new Grand Caravan. The anniversary edition gave us lots of extras and although I wouldnt have chosen the leather initially, I do enjoy the way it feels. The kids love the video screen and I love the way they ride quietly without asking "are we there yet?" It drives beautifully and everything is laid out so it falls easily to hand. The v-6 engine provides plenty of power and it tows the boat without struggling. I am very happy with my new Dodge and would highly recommend it.

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  drives like a dream - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By jdjljd - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have only had it a month but I love it. It drives like a dream for an SUV. It has a good turning radius and lots of power. It is easy to put up and down the seats for hauling. I had my Dodge van for 9 years I expect to drive a Durango for a long time.

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  GREAT BUY - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By HAMMER FAMILY - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We just purchsed a new 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, and we LOVE IT!, the incredible safety features and its competive price make it a great buy!

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  Push my Dodge before I drive a Ford - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By fehlnorfva - August 1 - 3:52 pm

  Any truck that can drag an Ford Expedition with a 26 ft. Boat out of the water and up the boat ramp has to be tuff. I did this on Memorial Day weekend when the Fords transmision blew up on the ramp. I hooked up to the disabled Ford with my Durango and brought truck and boat up on land without slipping an inch.

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  Dodge Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By MR - August 1 - 1:40 am

  Very good running SUV. Strongly recomend the Hemi engine. Extra power makes the poor fuel economy worth it. A great value for the money.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Juan - July 31 - 8:16 pm

  I love this car. People say it is a but sluggish but I found my Caliber gets up quick. I love the exterior. I have bought some Mopar parts. Gas mileage could be better but overall I am very satisfied.

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  My Durango is the greatest! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Tina D. - July 31 - 12:44 pm

  I love my Durango Adventurer! It is stylish with its 2 tone bumpers and trim and it rides great. I am a mom who came from driving minivans and this was the greatest switch. I love it! No complaints, except maybe the gas mileage!

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  Love my Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Carolyn Thorn - July 30 - 10:33 pm

  I am happy to have the Caliber. I didnt care for the Neon when I had to replace my 1994 Plymouth Sundance -- which I loved. Im a Chrysler product person so was pleased to get a demo model for a good price.

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  Its the suspension stupid - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Dan H - July 30 - 8:31 pm

  This is my second Dakota. The ball joints have been replaced on both twice now.Other than that, its a good little truck. 18/19 mpg and I make it work for its gas. The transmission is quirky, but still going strong, and I will likely buy another. The brakes arenot too good

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  So far so good - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By John S - July 30 - 11:30 am

  Just have 4000 miles on the truck, but I love the ride, fuel cost, and drivability. It fits in the garage and most parking spaces, turns good, but is a little light on brakes and soft on the ride. I did notice that with a load the tranny feels like it is slipping in reverse. It is quiet inside. I am 6 ‘2” and 250 lbs, and the seat and headroom is great. Great so far! Should have gotten the V8, but the few times I need the extra power I can live with the V6. My son liked mine so well that he bought one within a month. Not bad Dodge! What a great value for your money. My last SUV was a Landrover. I like this one better at less than half the price. Buy American, they are better.