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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  Hemi Daytona R/T Midlife - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Sweeet! - November 1 - 10:33 am

  This is my fifth Dodge product Ive purchased in the last ten years and I can honestly say this Hemi Daytona R/T has exceeded all expectations I had about this car.On a recent 1K mile trip to Texas the 5.7L w/MDS achieved 21 m.p.g. on 87 octane fuel. On cruise control at 75 miles per hour the only indication MDS was active was the "Fuel Saver Mode" message was on the DIC. The performance tuned suspension on the Charger is more like a touring setup rather than a race car. Probably the most comfortable ride Ive ever owned. This car will definitely get some looks around town and its hard to resist my right foot urges too. It has all the cool toys with Sirius and MYGIG infotainment center.

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  Gem of a Car - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Aloysis - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought this to haul bikes inside. Excellent room.Remove center seats and push third row forward.loads of room. stylish design not boxy like the new ones. First year: New Windshield (Scratch) Steering Column, (Squeak). Tremendous Pickup even 11 years later. Current mileage is 63.000.

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  Not just a good van but a great one! - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Tom S. - November 1 - 10:00 am

  From the quiet and surprisingly capable 3.3 V6 to a comfortable ride, great brakes and super-van turning radius the Caravan does its job very well. The 3.3 doesnt rev quickly but moves the van well stoplight to stoplight which is surprising for such a heavy vehicle. This is due to plenty of low end torque from the 3.3 The stow & go rear seats are neat and fairly easy to fold down and raise up. While in the up position you have two cavernous floor storage compartments for suitcases, duffel bags, coolers etc. This is a really good and useful feature. The second row stowable seats also adjust fore/aft for taller passengers. Front seat comfort and steering/pedal placement is very good.

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  You Gotta Love It - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joanie - October 31 - 2:26 pm

  I have my Caliber RT 6 weeks now, and I love it! It is roomy inside, nice style outside. The stereo is awesome. I love riding with the sunroof open. The gas mileage is very good. After owning many cars, I have to say this is the best. Thanks to my husband for a wonderful birthday gift.

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  Big wow, little performance. - 2007 Dodge Dakota
  By wally - October 30 - 12:20 pm

  I leased on a 48 month lease because it fit my budget and this is a great looking 1/4 ton truck. I have not had any real mechanical issues other than a very very soft suspension. I had a 79 Ford Granada as a teenage and it had better suspension! Gas mileage is a joke - 20 C/ 29 H, more like 13 C/ 19 H. The V8 4.7L is a great engine in this truck, lots of power when called upon. Like I said before, it looks great, outside and inside. Very rugged looking, to bad the suspension doesnt keep up!

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By foghorn8 - October 30 - 8:06 am

  Very fun to drive. Its like a sports car. Gas mileage is good. We get lots of looks when we drive it.

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  2002 Pewter SLT 5.9 4x4 - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By CB - October 30 - 12:49 am

  Spendy and ridiculous transmission replacement @ 81,000 miles. Mechanic discovered broken retainer ring when pan was dropped and filter removed. The truck made no noise and showed no sign of trouble, however metal rings are not supposed to be kicking around in the case. The truck wasnt even in the shop for this, the D,N,2,1 shift indicator wouldnt light up. Beware, these trannies can have issues. The truck has never been off road or pulled a boat. A Jasper transmission will run you $2500.00 plus install. For a bonus, I have had the front brakes redone 3 times in 3 years, Dodge dealer first, (had to go to small claims because the rotors got fried), next Les Schwab, (rotors grooved), got hot

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  LOVE this car! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By techgirl - October 29 - 8:26 pm

  I have the ES with 3.2L and it really moves. The Autostick feature is impressive for improving acceleration. Trunk space is huge! White gauges are attractive and sound system is more than I expected in a car of this price range. With regards to road noise, I find the Intrepid to be a very quiet ride. And the leg room in the backseat is more than adequate. Its a VERY comfortable vehicle to ride in for the entire family. Overall, a ton of features and performance for a very reasonable price.

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  diamond in the rough - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By 06stratussxt1 - October 29 - 7:39 pm

  I have a 2006 sxt with the 2.4 sport package. It performs awesomely. For a four cylinder, slow off the line but great power after 30 mph. To help further my mpg I got a cold air and it jumped my 150 horsepower to a whopping 175. Also I put in a tornado fuel saver and it jumped my hp up to 180. It keeps up with my sisters grand am gt. Great car care equals great performance and reliability. The front and rear sway bar provide great handling. The tight steering responds great. Fuel mileage is great after cold air and tornado, 28 in tow and 35 on the freeway doing 80. The only thing I can say is car care 100%

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  Good Little Car - 1992 Dodge Shadow
  By materialman - October 29 - 1:05 pm

  We bought this car with 8000 miles on it in 1993 for my Mother-in-Law. She loved it and would not have traded it for a new Mercedes. She has passed away now and the car is in mint condition with 77,000 miles on it. We have never had a minutes trouble from it and it will never be sold.