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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  Get the most - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Christina - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I love being able to get the engine to respond when I need to move quickly or just show off what an R/T is all about, but youve gotta get the manual, that auto-stick thing is a joke. I was considering an Eclipse as well, but once I realized all my friend actually HAVE legs, I thought itd be nicer to get the extra 4" in the back. Plus, being a young adult, I researched car insurance and found that the rates are much higher for the Eclipse.

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  Fun Car - 1994 Dodge Stealth
  By Eric83 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable and fun to drive, gets a alot of looks.

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  I Like my Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Daniel L. - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Overall nice car. Looks good. Gets off the line quick. Roomy interior.

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  My Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Tina - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Never had any problems or complaints with this car! Dealer and manufacturer service has been excellent! Had lots of compliments on my car - would recommend owning a car like mine to anyone!

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  New SXT model an improvement - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By jayjay610 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  a solid car for it price and class a good work and errands vehicle i dont reccomend it for long haul trips

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  Reliable except for transmission!!!! - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By joeye - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I am not exactly sure what model I have. Its a unique combination of the 3.O, 6 cylinder engine with the very terrible, 3 speed auto transmission. Other than the 4 tansmission rebuilds including one replacement factory reman., the van has been extremely reliable. The engine has been wonderful, I get 23 mpg average, and other than the $4,000 I have spent on the tranny, and an occasional problem with the throttle control sensor, I love this vehicle. I have 143,000 miles on it, use it for camping with seats removed, and would continue to drive it indefinately if I was sure that the last rebuild would last beyond the 6,000 mile warranty!

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  Lived up to expectations - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Vegas - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My truck has been outstanding with everything that I have asked it to do. I have worked it very hard and occasionally have towed at capacity+. It has always performed well. Mechanically, I take very good care of it, full synthetic in the crankcase, rear diff and tranny. I installed a tranny cooler because I tow heavy loads. I am approaching 60K miles and I have replaced the front brake pads and rear bearings. Nothing out of the ordinary. Mileage is acceptable 13-14 in. A 4X4 with a V-8 and 20+mpg dont go together and anyone who bought one of these and then complains about the gas mileage didnt do their homework and shouldnt have bought it in the first place.

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  I really like this car! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By okcKev - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 22 cars so far, this one has been my favorite. Its looks are deceiving, it has a lot more room than youd expect. The car has been very reliable. I still have no leaks, squeaks or rattles. I avg. 23mpg combined city/hwy and 32mpg hwy driving (2.4L 4cyl). I will probably buy another Stratus when its time to replace this one. I presently have 60K miles on it and only routine maintenance has been required to date.

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  trekkingg with the intrepid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By susyn - March 31 - 2:00 am

  so roomy and comfortable. I gave in for a coupe and not a wagon and like the ride, space and total feel. got a great deal!!!

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  Good if you have children - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Thomas Harris - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been proven to be a reliable van and comfortable for long trips. We have 4 children and travel on short trips in Texas and longer cross country trips about once a year. This vehicle has always been great but at 140000 miles I feel that we need to purchase a newer car if we plan to take a long cross country trip now. The 6 cylinder is adaquate but an 8 cylinder can haul more. The van doesnt have a lot of room left for baggage after after the kids are all in their seats.