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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  112,000 & climbing - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Worm - September 11 - 7:38 pm

  Its been a great truck for the work & travel that I do. Average 21.5 mpg with the V6. Still on the original tires, had the brakes done at 105,000 miles. Change the oil every 6,000 miles. The fronts needed replacement, the rears just needed adjustment. The only other thing that has been replaced was the ambient air sensor. Still has plenty of power in heavy traffic.

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  Love mine! (HEMI) - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By VENOM - September 11 - 4:41 pm

  2006 SLT HEMI Gunmetal gray, I bought this vehicle used with around 30.000 miles on it and cant get over how fantastic it is, The original purchaser ordered many upgrades like leather etc. Its fast, has great mileage and it handles better than any SUV Ive owned and Ive owned them all, It is by far THE best bargain in the class. I do feel the interior is kind of "low- tech" but still looks good and classy.

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  Im a Dealer - These things dont break! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Jay Slingerland - September 11 - 1:10 pm

  I am currently on my second SRT-4 after buyer the first one that came into our dealership. The fun factor in this car is huge. I just delivered a 2009 Challenger SRT-8 and the car is fast, comfortable, and a cool muscle car. But this little Neon has the capability to be Auto crossed, Rally Raced, SCCA or NASA licensed, and can be driven as a daily driver with virtually no problems. Especially now considering you can buy a good used one with 20,000 miles for 13-15. I just installed the Stage 2 turbo kit with the Mopar Cold Air intake - Sweet Mother! Like I said, the Challengers fast - but this little Neon is something! Will definitely keep this car forever.

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  great to problems - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By susan - September 10 - 4:11 pm

  I bought my 2002 sxt 4dr Dodge neon it was awesome. It could handle any weather situation and drove like a dream. After the 2nd year the back bumper faded. Now it has hit its sixth year the warranties are gone and the transmission went out without warning. I had it diagnosed the week before because my deduction pump when out which caused my engine light to go off. No sign of the trans going. The shop I took it to said that the day it had went out it showed 7 codes.

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  SRT-4 cant go wrong - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By infynityx - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This car seriously hauls. If you cant take criticism very well do not consider this car because all you will receive are bad remarks. All civic SI, rsx type-s, celica gt-s drivers are all envious of the power this car has for the price. After you smoke them off the line the only response they have for you is "its still a neon". You will have admirers out there as well. The only complaint I have about the car is the plasticky shift knob Dodge and the PVO boys need to change it out with an all aluminum/carbon fiber leather(found on boot and steering wheel) shift knob. Buy this car!

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  Love this car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Beatriz35 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Stratus Coupe R/T. Its fun to drive, and actually great in the snow. When I need more control, I use my auto stick to get traction.

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  I Love my 2004 Durango 4x4 - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By kaleigh - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I cannot say enough good about my durango! It handles like a car, has a decent quiet ride. The gas mileage doesnt bother me, I was driving an old 4x4 jeep, and itwas the same! The vehicle is heavy enough that I feel safe, there is plenty of room and I sit high enough that I can see whats going on all around me. And, the entire staff where I bought it are great!

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  So far So good, but have a few concerns - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By cleary524 - September 8 - 10:17 pm

  Bought R/T AWD in May 08, Wicked fun to drive! R/T has good pickup in the 3k+ rpm range. Little sluggish off the line. The front suspension concerns me. Has a clunking noise when you run over an abrupt bump (possible tie-rod end ($100) or ball joints($700) Ive been told). Front tires seem to be wearing on the outer edges a little prematurely. New Pirellis=$$ Plan to change tie rod ends with grease fitted ends soon and then rotate tires and realign. Fuel econ is not the best. Around town Ive gotten 19 mph. Hope this car stands test of time though? I sold a good Buick Regal GS for this.

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  Good car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Wayne - September 8 - 12:34 pm

  It has a very strong 3.5 liter, 24 valve engine. Problems we have encountered are the water pump goes out at 70,000 miles, according to the mechanic who says he fixes about 4 a week. If you are lucky, the pulley seizing on the pump will shred the timing belt and kill the engine immediately, otherwise, the engine will overheat and warp the heads, increasing the cost from $700 to $2800. Some sort of bolt on the steering mechanism has stripped a couple of times, needing the front end to be dropped down to replace, which has been spendy.

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  Good Truck - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By mattrat - September 8 - 8:58 am

  I have had this truck for a few months now, and have little complaints. The common complaint here is fuel consumption. It is a truck with a V8, what did you expect? Some people just need the power and room, and that will cost you in fuel costs. If you are looking for 30 MPG, get a VW. Space is great and there are a load of great features. The all time 4WD drive is great for my wife. All the safety, and I dont have to worry about her screwing up the transfer case by shifting wrong. My suggestion is to buy it used. The depreciation for a new Durango is ridiculous, like $10,000 the first year. You can get a $40,000 truck for half the price if you go one year old.