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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  Dont buy it unless you have money - 1993 Dodge Daytona
  By Scott Fair - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had 3 trannys radiator starter and selinoid wheels tires and many other things on this car replaced and yet every other week something else breaks on me. Or starts up a hole new can of worms.If I had the money I would seel both of my Daytonas in a heart beat.

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  Solid Experience - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MJ - August 13 - 5:46 am

  Just traded in this van as a single owner after 165k miles. All in all a very solid van. Weve taken it on many long distance trips and have never been left stranded. Major issues we dealt with over the years included a failing battery (very early on and covered by warranty), two replaced water pumps, and a failed radiator fan relay. I wouldnt say brakes were an "issue", but they (fronts) did need to be replaced about every 30k miles. I did some of the work myself and found the vehicle highly serviceable. Honda and the other imports may be considered more reliable, but replacement parts much more expensive. We promptly addressed any suspected issues and never had a major breakdown.

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  Still running at 180000 - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tall in MN - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used. It had one year and 57,000 under its belt. The car is now at 180,000 and stil running fairly well. This car has been very reliable for me. Ive travelled all over the U.S. with it. While it is somewhat lacking in power, it more than makes up for it with excellent comfort and a nice interior. I can tell that my transmission will be going out soon. Ive also had numerous replacement of the tie-rods of course, that could be attributed to how I drive it. Other than this, Ive had no major problems with this car. There have been a few minor problems - but overall Ive been very happy.

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  Hyundai or Dodge? - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Crash Test Dummy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking to get a SUV for a few years now. I am soon to be getting my permit in a few months and am dying to get a car. I love the dodges cute pudgy looks but my friend owns one and says shes had nothng but trouble and also that the fuel economy is horrible. I am looking at a Hyundai Santa Fe too. But sadly it doesnt have half the things that the base durango has (Like leather seating, opt side air bags, 8 speakers..infact the speakers are quite poor on the Santa Fe). Would the Dodge SLT be a good car for a first time driver?

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  Ping - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Fred - August 12 - 3:36 am

  I love my Caliber (still). It now has 21,000 miles and I enjoy its exterior appearance and interior comfort. Its drivability is alright. My Caliber was recalled for the "flash" that was supposed to have taken care of the brief pinging noise the engine makes immediately after shifting into gear and accelerating. My car still makes the pinging noise and I am concerned this will eventually cause damage to some engine component. My service man at the dealer told me I should try running the car with premium unleaded to see if the ping goes away. I just looked at him and laughed as I had already tried this. Seem Mopar doesnt know how to fix the product it designed.

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  Larry Smith - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Larry/Charlene Smith - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the "Hemi" with all the features except the "navigator" system installed. And, so far, have not been able to purchase. That is really our only complaint; and we were told by the dealer it would be several more months before it would be available, and since our reason for the purchase was for travel, we would like to hear when it is available.

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  Surprisingly Good Value - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By charles gass - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Was my wifes first new car purchase and while we bought it for the value, it has turned out to be way above what we expected for the price.

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  nice car - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Sota5103 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  i have had no trouble with it and it runs great. its fun to drive.

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  p retty good car - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By Craig Vellella - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used with 68,000 and it has a few problems and I expected some. Many places can not find the part when needed it always takes one day longer minor inconvenices come with this car. However people often think the car is new while it is 10 years old it is a beautiful car and most love it.

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  180k and still going - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By 4Man - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Im glad I picked the SE with the Mitsubishi V6. After 184k Ive only had to replace the water pump and AC compressor. The only other problems include inoperable power remote on the passenger side mirror (drivers side is still OK) and a broken air recirculation selector knob on the heat/AC console (stuck in the outside air mode). 95% of the miles have been highway and I use only Mobil 1 synthetic. Even the receptionist at the dealership seemed amazed to find a Stratus still kicking with 150+k miles on it. Hmmm - makes one wonder. Overall, this has been a very good value.