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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  A mere 8 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By JCal - October 16 - 2:00 am

  The stratus coupe handles nicely, yet its missing something, it tends to hestitate when you kick it down. It handles great around corners and is very quite inside. The four disk CD stero has anice sound system.

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  So far it has been a GREAT Choice - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By okamsrazor22 - October 15 - 6:48 am

  My wife was tired of our old Minivan and I agreed to look at new ones. Dodge/Chrysler has NEVER been on my list to look at; however, after using the 2011 DGC Crew as a rental for two weeks I decided to take another look. What I found was a completely different minivan than the cut-rate caravans of the past. I ended up with a fully loaded DGC R/T for less than I could have ever spent for a Sienna SE (my orginal 1st choice). This minivan drives like a dream, and while not as "quite" as the Odessey or Sienna, I will gladly trade minor noise (almost none at highway speeds) for Super Stow and Go and NOT driving something that looks like an alien Mothership. I could NOT be happier with this car

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  Okie Dokie no Smokie - 1991 Dodge Caravan
  By Chasjaz - October 15 - 2:00 am

  134K miles and its been pretty much bullet proof. 3.0 L engine leaks oil like crazy (doesnt burn it) but just keep it topped off. Wife loves to drive it. Decent gas mileage, plenty of power.

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  Well Designed, Poorly Made - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Paregoricforthemind - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Van has been a pleasure to drive. It is very roomy, well laid out and the right size for four young kids. I especially like the quad seating and second sliding door, but it is a pain to keep repaired. It infuriates me to take it into the dealer and have the desk guy knowing my problems (and the cost to fix them) before I even describe them. Electrical system is poor and I refuse to pay them to fix the damn wipers which switch on for a few wipes every hour or so. I keep it as a reminder of all the other problems so I remember to buy the Toyota Sienna next time.

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  Good Value - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Jackneye - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my new Dakota and I am impressed so far. I was reluctant to look into a Dodge, but as I researched other trucks (mid-size & full-size), I found the Dakota to have the best value. The interior is especially comfortable and the club cab actually provides a decent amount of extra space. The ride is very car-like, and the power, although not overwhelming, is adequate. In comparison with other compact trucks, the Dodges styling blows the competition away. All in all I am pleased with the truck and I feel I got the most bang for my buck.

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  Rock Solid Car - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By Herschel Ashgaard - October 12 - 2:00 am

  3 Accidents couldnt kill it!!! Its still going strong!!! Ive got just over 180K on it and really have only had to replace the clutch plate and of course the O2 sensor, but what the hey when its such a great car! Im going to drive it as long as I possibly can! Very low maintanance!

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  Great Buy - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By thestuff - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Dakota for over 3 years now and I love it. Value, power, everything is the best. Id recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan SE - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Joel - October 9 - 8:10 pm

  Overall the minivan has been very reliable and practicle. Bought with 35k miles from dealer, zero problems. ride quality is good and interior comfort is adequite. Fuel economy is almost too good and the van handles very well. Overall for the price you probably wont find better. I would definintly recommend. (the 3.8 would add more power.)

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  Neons Rock - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Qbert - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Dependability and good mileage. This car is rock solid. It has some road noise but what small car doesnt. 4.5 years now with nothing but gas and oil changes. Except for a bit of wind noise on the drivers side, frameless window, this car is the ultimate for price vs. performance. Unless you need a truck or have a three kids, I highly recommend this vehicle. Biggest complaints: All I see on the road is bumpers and headlights (hard to get away from that in a small car). Summary: Not a luxery vehicle but great return on investment:)

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  The Truckster - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By kenzen - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is our first minivan and Ill never be without one in the family. It has the 3.0 V6 and not a problem in 2 years. The transmission shifts a little hard, but no problems with it. It has plenty of power and room although the roof rack could be a bit stronger. Without seats it holds a lot, but getting the seats in and out is no small task they weigh a ton.