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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  Recommend Buying - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Will - July 9 - 8:23 am

  I traded in my 2000 Durango, which I was very pleased with, after test driving the 2004. Dodge has dramatically improved the ride quality, handling and braking. Although it may appear insignificant to some, entry into the third row seat is much easier. On my first camping trip, fully loaded with gear and 4 passengers, I averaged over 20 miles per gallon at a steady 74mph. Not bad for a vehicle of this size. City mileage is consistent with EPA estimates. Since its new, its hard to gauge reliablity. I rated it high as I did not stick a cent into the 2000 vehicle that was worked hard.

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  The most reliable truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By 340cuda - July 8 - 1:55 pm

  Solid, no hassle truck, and it still gets 18 MPG with 151k+ miles. Rock soild, super reliable, mid sized truck. To give an idea of how reliable it is, Ive owned it since it was new, and the first repair was at 90,000 miles (serpentine belt broke) I get 50-60k miles out of front brakes, and changed the rear at 125k. Total mechanical repairs over 12 years, radiator, thermostat, wheel cylinders, and one caliper. Still driven daily

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  Very pleased - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stephen douglass - July 8 - 10:00 am

  One of the best vehicles (all makes and models) I have owned. Very stylish, comfortable, reliable and cost efficient. A pleasure to take long trips for my wife and I. Sooo much room!!! My wife recently drove alone from Houston to SC.... non-stop!!! Gas mileage is 24-26 with 3.3L. Looked at the new models, but I cant justify getting rid of this gem!!!

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  This car is awesome! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ib2yz4u - July 8 - 4:17 am

  I love this car! I got all the upgrades, remote starter, spoiler, custom air intake, custom exhaust, tinted windows. This aint your mamas Intrepid, (Even though I am a mom )I wouldnt be selling it if it had a 3rd row of seating! It is so much fun to drive, 3 kids in the back seat and plenty of room for me and daddy in the front. Only complaint is the 60 lb puppy under my feet! Thinking of buying? Get the upgrades, 3.5 ltr v-6 with auto stick and stick some pipes on it. If your kids wont talk back to you this car will. It will just take what you dish out and keep on giving it back to you. My only regret, that I didnt get the car when I was younger. Man, I could have had some fun!! It is a great car. You wont be disappointed. I never was! It will be a sad day when mine goes!

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By NICK - July 7 - 8:13 am

  Great quality improvement for Dodge. Outstanding performance is only mared by poor fuel economy. However, my highway mileage is still a respectable 18MPG. The only problem I have had has been a clunking noise from the HVAC system at start up. Apart from that, I love it. Oh, It really does turn heads!!!!

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  Loaded Laramie QC H/O 3.7 - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike J. - July 3 - 12:48 pm

  Purchased truck to replace 03 Dakota club cab. Really appreciate the added power, room , improved handling and quite ride of the new model. Took it on an immediate long trip with camper in tow - better mileage and more comfort than the 03 model! Compliments to Chrysler on this one!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JOAN&JOHN - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great. We got a tremendous deal on it. This is our second Dodge and we plan to have more. Handles great, looks great, the 6 cyl has great pickup, i was surprised. Plenty of extras for a low price.

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  Great long lastingvrid - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Romm romm - July 2 - 12:00 pm

  2004 with 210,000 miles and running like day one

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  Hot Red R/T by Tom in TN - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By TVBAR - July 2 - 2:36 am

  I bought my R/T new 16 months ago with 87 miles on the car. I now have a total of 50,000 miles on it. I have not had any repair issues with the car. I change the oil every 3000 miles and follow the required maintinance schedule. I just changed my first set of tires at 48,000 miles. The car runs great, and has a dependable 3.0 ltr engine. This is my 2nd Stratus. I had a 2000 stratus and put over 150,000 miles on it, and it ran great.

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  I love my Dodge - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Jen - June 29 - 5:11 pm

  I have five kids (and a husband) and this car is large enough for all of us and our stuff. It is very reliable, I have only had to replace brake pads and tires. Finally, unlike other minivans, it looks good. I dont feel like a frumpy mom when I am in my sporty van with sleek lines. Now if we could just get an automatic french fry remover!