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:

• 

  Bobs review - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bob C - March 13 - 7:40 pm

  Overall vehicle has had a good performance history. Only had one issue/problem that the dealership was never able to identify and thus fix. Problem would occur when the vehicle was intially started, engine would shake and then correct itself after a minute or two. Since the check engine light never went on the dealer would never perform any other diagnostic analysis. This problem does not happen all the time on;y on rare occassions.

• 

  Best Used Car I Ever Bought - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Jay R - March 13 - 7:18 pm

  I just bought my Neon 2 weeks ago and I am very happy so far. It is in immaculate condition inside and out. No rust, looks brand new, and the previous owner really toke good care of it. I am very pleased with this car and I hope to get a few years out of it. It is averageing 30 mpg in city driving and has incredible acceleration. You have to really thoughly car shop before committing, otherwise youll get burned. I looked for 6 weeks before committing and I got a great deal.

• 

  Should have put on more miles on sooner - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Kevin - March 13 - 6:33 pm

  Loved it at first, but having electrical problems with less than 4000 miles. Software upgrade(scary) and two control modules later-still having the same problems. Starts with blower speed control working inconsistently, then dash lights go on or off or light up like a Christmas tree and the vehicle may stall. Going back to the dealer tomorrow. Still have my 95 CaravanSE, love it-hoped the 08 would be the same. Afraid to drive the 08. Also a bit of a whistle under the hood. Body "dings" easily, thin sheet metal? I will say-after a year of looking, was set to buy an Odyssey, but the Honda dealer was pretty arrogant, so went across the street and bought the Dodge, they appreciated my business.

• 

  nice - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By mrsbrandy - March 13 - 3:16 am

  I just got mine avenger and i love it so far. The seats are kinda uncomfortable, and it is hard to see behind you when backing up especially in your blind spot its very hard to see.Seems like the 6 in mine just drinks gas Like people drink water. The design is nice--very fun to drive...and the factory stereo is great. I hope it doesnt have problems like some ive read on the net...

• 

  dodge durango limited 5.7l hemi - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By john tse - March 11 - 1:53 pm

  Love it, very quiet interior. Engine has very good range at any rpm. Very, very comfortable interior, excellent stere, needs more storage space, however. I have had owned Dodge vehicles for a long time, quality has improved on each vehicle.

• 

  So far So Good! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By OUWxGuesser - March 9 - 12:26 am

  Wonderful car thus far. Love how it is a crossover between a sedan (fuel economy/driving performance) vs. SUV(utility/seats higher up)

• 

  Dodge Neon R/T - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Yosito - March 7 - 10:47 pm

  The car is a blast to drive, I´m always having nice words from friends about my car. Friend have Honda Civics, Nissan Sentra,and even a 2000 Mustang, and my car is faster! It´s a sharp looking car, I wished it had at least 20 more HP, and a different ratio, but the car runs very nice, I have already about 6000 miles, and no problems with the car. I would like to have a louder exhaust sound, I installed a K&N filter, the car runs much better. Is the best car for the money.

• 

  Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jon Spiropolous - March 7 - 9:58 pm

  very nice car

• 

  Dakota is a great truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Scotar - March 7 - 1:27 am

  V8 is a necessity, a lot of power with it. Interior is very comfortable. Ride and handling are very good with new tires, just good with worn tires. This vehicle is terrible in 2 wheel drive on snow and rain for accler. Fuel economy is the worst for this size truck. I avg 13 mpg and nothing is wrong with the truck. Infinity stereo sounds pretty good as stock. After 30K miles I have not had a single problem. I have had 1700 lbs in the bed several times with no problem.

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Nora - March 6 - 2:57 am

  I have had this car since 1998. I bought it with 18K miles on it and since then have put on loads of miles, in fact I just turned 100K this week. I have had no major problems with this car. Just the regular tune ups and repairs that would be normal for any car with miles (brakes, batteries etc) This is the only car I have ever had that I am not tired of after driving it for 4 years in fact I would seriously consider another Stratus when I need a new car.