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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  Back to the drawing board... - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Aaron - December 6 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our 2008 Grand Caravan just a few years ago. The new body style and stow and go were what drew us to it right away. However, now 4 recalls later and an electrical problem no one can seem to diagnose, I am stuck paying $400/month for a car that has now had 2 sets of brakes and a set of rotors. Overall, I am very displeased with this vehicle. Chrysler, you just set Detroit back 20 years. Its back to the drawing board for you. A new body style doesnt make it a better vehicle. Sell something that is reliable and error free. Drop UAW and make it more affordable..

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  This truck wrote the book of awesome. - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Jon - December 5 - 10:52 pm

  This truck really is great. Its really more of a people hauler, with its ridiulously massive interior that comfortably seats 5 full size adults plus a child in the front middle. Yet despite this, the 5.9L magnum has plenty of get up and go, enough in fact to send this pickup 0-60 in about 8 seconds, which isnt bad at all for a truck. Its also got plenty of torque that can pull a trailer, a bed full of whatever, and a loaded cab all at the same time. Ive used it for camping, towing both cars and trailers, Ive even used it to pull a tree stump out of my yard. Currently a daily driver, still going strong after about 7 years of service, only problems have been 1 or 2 recalls, nothing major.

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  Friday afternoon off the assembly line - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Ken - December 5 - 9:22 pm

  Nice truck, but at 31k the tranny would lock in 2nd gear (they called it limp mode) any time it went through a large puddle. Replaced 2 sensors several times to no avail. Dealer stopped covering the replacements after the third event. They contacted Dodge in 2007 and told if the sensors lose sight of the ground, they do this to avoid an overspeed. Told them to bypass the sensors all together, seemed to work. However, in 6 years it went through 2 wiper motors, 2 blower relays, the tail gate failed twice, seat broke once and it leaked (they tried to fix that twice). Guess it was the Friday pm one. Anyway, traded it in the day I got the title. Have a Tacoma now.

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  Mobil1 oil for 2.7 engine is the secret - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ros - December 5 - 7:04 pm

  I had this intrepid for 4yrs. Changed brake pads, spark plugs, heater hoses, trans fluid, Mobil1 high mile, new tires, new speakers all around with the 2.7 v-6 engine with 170000 miles 3/5/08. Water pump still has not went

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  Too Cool Hemi R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Freeze - December 4 - 5:26 pm

  I have owned this car for a week now, what more can I say. The grin on my face says it all. What a blast to drive. The Hemi is awesome. Love the 322 watt stereo. The seats are so comfortable. My wife loves it too. Great for the kids. Its a sports car/family cruiser for us 40 somethings. Go get one before they run out.

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  Horrible Mileage then Blown Engine! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Bill - December 3 - 11:26 am

  I bought this vehicle at a Dodge Dealership used for $9k with 27k on it. Changed my oil to Mobil 1 upon purchase, and regularly at 3k intervals. Worst truck I have ever owned. The 3.9L engine knocks/taps when put under load. At 32k engine light came on, code said that 2 of 4 oxy-sensors needed replaced, $96 each, did myself, 3k later the other 2 go out. Put 10k on a year, only light hauling, never towed a trailer. At 51k motor blows, with "extended" 50k warranty . Dealer gave me nothing, they wanted $3,200 for new motor (replace crap with crap!). Rebuilt myself, case full of sludge,lower bearings trashed. No space to recline seats. Cant wait to dump this 10 to 12 MPG nightmare.

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  Been Very Happy - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By GH - December 3 - 5:03 am

  Back in 04 I purchased my 01 GC Sport with 81,000 miles on it. After 6 years it has over 200K on the clock and still runs great. No transmission troubles, just regular maintenance changing the oil and getting new tires and brakes. The 3.3 is a reliable motor and it has performed flawlessly. My only complaint with the van is the power door lock switches as they dont always work.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan great transportation - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By s means - December 3 - 2:36 am

  Graeat for kids and family transportation. I always on the list when someone in the family needs to move. Very flexible vechicle. I liked it so much I purchased another (2007)

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  My favorite car so far - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By linda - December 3 - 2:12 am

  I have always been a Toyota driver. I had a Dodge Dakota quad cab and fell in love with Dodge. Traded it off for the Avenger. Best trade I ever made. Hopefully it will be as reliable as my Toyotas were. Love the cooler zone. Love the beefy look of the front end.

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  Leaks and more leaks! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By apaulson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  At 400 miles, my srt was leaking oil due to a factory problem. At 3000 miles I had to replace the axle seal. Im fearing there may be more problems to come, however despite all of the problems, I am totally satisfied performance wise and for the exterior design! Its a good car with a few leaks.