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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  I love My Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodge Fan - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Intrepid a couple of weeks ago and I just love it. It is fun to drive. It is very big and roomy. Very comfortable too.

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  cant complain - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By whitewiz - September 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought this van about 160kkms and it is now 230kkms. Things broken transmission, rad, a/c, computer. Really the transmission went because the tranny cooler in the rad got a pinhole and sent prestone into the transmission. Not a good design on Chryslers part. I would recomend an external cooler and bypass the rad cooler to anyone who owns one of these. i got my cooler off a junked ford tempo, $10. There is a known problem in the computer on this year it makes the check engine light come on and an the van idles rough. The windshield wipers come on by themselves once in a while, this is a known problem with the wiper switch.

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  Wheres the head Room - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By urban cowboy - September 25 - 2:00 am

  25 yrs.former F150 and Ranger-fan. Dakota sport reg cab drives like a car, only on smooth pavement. I like the stiffness in the stiring, but veh. bouncing on rough roads. Some weird noises at times very unusual. Dodge engine sounds like diesel when cold. But quiets dwn when warmed up. Unlike ranger this truck has no room in cab. to wear a cap or hat. What no cosmetic add ons???

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  Reliable Van - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Domestic Diva - September 20 - 2:10 am

  Had this van since 35k miles, now has 89k miles. It has been a very reliable van for our family. middle and 3rd row seats arent as comfortable as i would like (I think its b/c they have to fold flat into the floor). Love that they fold flat, makes it a very multipurpose vehicle (can hold lots of "stuff" or people or both). Brakes were replaced but they still squeak, more of a brake manuf. issue than a Dodge issue. Had a Chevrolet Uplander before this van and the Uplander was ALWAYS in the shop for something. Have been really pleased with the Dodge Grand Caravans reliability; plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Dont owe me a dime! - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By bartolo291 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Seven plus years and 241,000 miles. Got 155,000 miles out of original tires.At 158,000 got a new tranny. One drawback- 4 A/C repairs. Had a waterpump done while under ext. warranty @ 70,000. Been a great car. No other expensive repairs. Paint delaminated in some spots after five or so years. Finally, through normal wear and some neglect car now needs extensive front end work and the fourth A/C repair. Breaks my heart to let it go, but it is beyond economical repair. Engine still runs great. In the overall picture this has been a reliable good looking car. A bargain for the money.

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  Watch for odd intermittant problems - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By casey - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Problems with loose electrical connections. Odd braking noises in hot weather and stop & go traffic. Occassional rattles in the dash as well. Wheel caps keep falling off as well. Otherwise I nice little overpriced car. Do NOT buy one at New Car prices.

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  BURNOUT MASTER - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Eklipse Man - September 19 - 2:00 am

  The viper has a classic problem that comes with massave hp and a rwd ststem IT WILL SMOKE THE TIRES OFF WITHOUT FAIL inotherwords Too much hp too little traction

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  Sharp little car with common pep - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By 01rtman - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Sharp little car with nice body stlye. Engine isnt any faster than any other car in its class. So far 19,000 miles and no problems except for a a/c compessor switch and recalled brake vaccum line. Stock tires only lasted 11,000 miles. Slim selection with stock tire size. Went to a wider selection, 205/50/16, car handles better. Should have come with a Turbo option, really needs extra pep. Fortunately, companies like Hahn Racecraft are developing such systems. Stock suspension is pretty good. Interior is kind of cheap, but very roomy. Trunk space is plenty for its class.

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  great family suv - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By cajun rrick - September 17 - 10:00 am

  bought it with 24000 miles. the barrey died the first month. dealer replaced it. Then the driver side window would not work, motor cable was stuck.The speed sensor went out,easy to fix part cost very little.Of course this happen after the warrenty went out.A year latter the barrety died again, had to buy another one.beside this its a great suv.good power,plenty of room. gas mileage not bad on trips(5.2engin) abit noisey when first starting. wife loves her durango.O the goodyear tires are crap,donot wear will.

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  cars great-dealership is not - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By cuddlecat - September 16 - 2:00 am

  the car runs great! Im very pleased with the car itself. I traded a Dodge Stratus in for this and I am very confident with my decision. However if I were to reccommend buying a dodge product- do not but from Dambrosios Dodge. I am very unhappy with my entire sale and the salesman I dealt with. Luckily the car is worth having, because I almost didnt buy it at all because of the dealership.