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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  Great Auto - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Eyesgreen - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I am an original owner. It has never broke down. Regular maintenance only except SBS fix, and a few leaks fixes. I am still using to pull my coleman folding trailer.

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  Whatdahelldidiget?? - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By MsNaive - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased on 4/24/02 (used) and had 25000 miles on it. Within a month and a half, transmission started acting up. Had trans replaced. Lots of "wind noise", so I dont know if something else is wrong or that is the way it supposed to "sound". I am very glad I got the extended warranty! So I didnt have to pay the astronomical cost of $2600! Honestly, this vehicle could be much better. I believe Im going to get my Ford Winstar!!!

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  Nice Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By RaiDeRz - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun and has good handling going around curves. The car also has a decent sound system.

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  New Benchmark - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Fletcher - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My RT has only 1800 miles so far.But so far so good.I have never owned a Dodge and I am still concerned about the longterm reliabilty of this car. However, for now I am very happy with the purchase and like so many others on this site I cant get over how people are breaking their necks to look at this car.After driving the car off the lot there was a problem with a loose upper control arm bolt which the dealer promptly fixed.It also had an alignment problem which the dealership promptly fixed.Now things seem to be working as designed.I am getting about 24 MPG on the Hwy and about 19 in town which for this type of car is good.

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  Good Value - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By NMchop - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I really wanted an SUV or truck, but found I couldnt really afford one and got a great deal on the Stratus ES, V6, loaded (except sunroof). The car rides smooth as glass. I had two minor problems with it that were fixed under warranty right after purchase (A/C leak and fuel gauge sent bad readings). Both were fixed quickly. My only gripe with the car is that its cupholders are inconvenient for me, they cant hold the bigger drinks of today. I could use a bigger trunk too but for a midsize car, the trunk and cabin size are good. Its comfortable and rides excellent. The gas mileage isnt bad either for a V6.

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  SOLID PERFORMER - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By antelucio - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 30,000 miles one year ago. Had to have the spark plugs changed. Put in a drop- in K&N air filter which did improve gas mileage slightly. No noticeable performance increase. Overall very pleased with the car. Fairly comfortable on long trips. Put Dunlop SP Sport A2 tires on it 6 months ago which significantly reduced road noise and improved handling slightly.

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  Bad Transmission - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By dodgedupe - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought vehicle, had only 19,000 miles on it. Within 2,00 miles had to replace the torque converter. At 40,000 had to replace with a manufacture rebuild, the transmission w/torque converter. at 54,000 had to have the rebuild replaced. Now, only 24,000 miles from the original manufactures rebuild being installed I have to have it replaced again. Also note that this next replacement will only be warrantied from the original purchase of the rebuild, leaving me with only 12,000 miles of warranty on this transmission w/torque converter. Is this good old American built reliability or what?

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  perfect truck - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By 92 Dak - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck for the simple fact that it has a V8 in a little truck, I wanted a little hotrod and I got one. This truck runs great looks perfect and has never let me down! The only bad thing is it has a small gas tank so in town driving must be kept to a minimum!

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  My 2002 Dodge Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rich L - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have 28k miles. I get about 34 MPG on long trips and about 19 MPG in city with lots of lights w/2.7 liter/auto.and Amsoil. Windows stick and had a weak motor. Front end is stiff and has road noise. Drivers seat cover had to be restretched twice and same electric mechanism makes grinding noise. You cannot see the front clearance of the hood in front of you and there are huge blind spots.

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  Great Care - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By jamesbond - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car that is fun to drive, yet it lacks in performance under the hood. Handleing is tight and it rides smooth. Got 55K and running good!