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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  Better than most Dodges - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By TheGreatAvenger - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Avenger, first was a 1995. This one has been more dependable than the first. Have had no major problems until the last month or so. The Antilock Brake lite keeps coming on, get it checked next week. Dealership had to clean black goo (body coating) off the door sills. Overall I really like the car. Got rid of the LOUD, ROUGH RIDING Goodyears and put Dunlops on, What a great improvement that was!

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  Great vehicle - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By W Bush - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the vehicle since new over 9 years ago. Other than routine maintenence I have not had any problems or expenses with the vehicle. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Good vehicle so far... - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Mitchell lee - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Rides real nice and smooth and very quiet. Plenty of models and colors to choose from and many price catagories for every budget. Our caravan sport has all the basic features(power doors,windows,cd player etc., and removable 2nd and 3rd level seats. Nice interior size with very comfortable cloth seats. Front bucket seats are very well contured. Somewhat cheap plastic interior with no console between front seats(cargo net provided). You do get adjustable cup holders and the back seat has hooks for groceries. Very practical! Rear climate control apparently only available in grand caravan and T&C models. A major disappointment!

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  Pretty reliable! - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Kevin S - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, Ive had no proplems except for the Catalytic convertor. Im at almost 200k kms and it runs beautifully. The only bad thing I have to say would be the front brakes, this car loves to eat brakes every 3-5 months so go to Midas and get the lifetime warrenty.

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  Dependable Car - 1993 Dodge Spirit
  By robert1967 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has been mechanically sound. I gave my son this car 2 years ago with 75,000 miles on it with just a couple of minor problems. He has driven it another 50,000 miles or so without any major problems but the engine has seen better days. I am told the timing belt should have been replaced but so far it has been ok. 2 cylinders are not working properly ,but until now few major problems.

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  5.9L Full Time AWD Model - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By FULL TIME AWD - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We loved the design, ride, features and HP. We have a FULLY Loaded 5.9L Full Time AWD(That is NO Longer AVL!) Automatic with overdrive, locking front and rear difs, Front & Rear ABS, Heavy Duty Tow Package with a engine oil cooler and heavy duty Tranny cooler ect....SADDLY.. We have had nothing but constant problems with it. The engine replaced, Front Diff replace, Constant drive train problems, AC problems, Exhaust Leaks and electrical problems. The dealer has had it more than we have!

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  2002 DURANGO - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By johnnyb32 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The buying experience was not so good. The truck is real nice and has better pick-up and speed than my older 4- runner. Im not too comfortable in the drivers seat I have a hard time getting comfortable. the glove box is small, ignition needs to be moved hits my legs.

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  01 Durango 5.9L R/T 4 WD - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By IveBeenDodged - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 01 4WD 5.9L R/T for about 16 months so far. Anyway except for a few cheesy interior bits that have broken under warranty . Also last week the tilt wheel hand switch that you push down to tilt the steering wheel broke off in my hand while I was tilting the wheel. Another first. It was a cheesy plastic thing internally which should have ben made out of metal if you use your tilt wheel more than twice a day which I do. Taking it back under warranty tomorrow to fix, even though I shouldnt have to for these small things.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By FSUcutie00 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car. Its so much fun to drive and the speakers handle awesome. Its a fun and easy to drive car !

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  03 dodge - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By playjon - August 24 - 10:00 am

  i needed a new car that got better gas milage and was an automatic because i extended my work drive and i am very happy with my purchase.