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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  Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By greg mazur - December 26 - 1:26 am

  Perfect for my needs. I dont really need the size or power of the Charger/Mustang, but I liked the exterior lines/shape of the Charger. The Avengers 4 cylinder engine is so quiet that you wouldnt expect the power behind it. Last tank was 32 mpg on the highway, which is what I had hoped for. Handles great in the city for the money.

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  318 + 5 spd + 4wd = fun times. - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By mridgwaycan - December 24 - 7:29 pm

  Not great gas mileage even with w/ 3.54 gears and 31 inch factory tires. Ball joints and cat @ 30,000 miles (warrantee). Speed sensor @ 140,000 miles. Everything still straight and square despite a couple of airborne episodes. 160,000 miles and just did front brake pads. Rears 60% OK. Got 2,600# payload package - fantastic - has narrowed Ram rear end and springs. Hauls wood, gravel, soil, camping stuff, farm supplies. Heavier than a full-size Chevy!

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  Love My Grand Caravan ES! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By charlesk32 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had van 3 months, replacing 00 Chrysler T&C LXi. Super comfortable on lengthy trips - with plenty of storage space. Gas mileage at this juncture a little less than the prev Chrysler - getting ~23 MPG on the highway and ~13 around town (very hilly), but performance is peppier. Purchased AWD for handling in winter driving conditions. Better looking van than the competition, IMHO, but actually a slight drop in preferred appearance from the 00 model. Great performance and cornering ability for a van of this size and high center of gravity.

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  3rd Chrysler Minivan in 3 years - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Steve - December 23 - 11:20 pm

  I am addicted to these vans. You just cant beat the value of these things. They are $10,000 less than Toyota and Honda. I cant see spending all that additional money for the cache of driving a Honda or Toyota.

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  I Like It!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By scotty - December 23 - 2:14 am

  Had issues with the running boards being faded at delivery and exhaust made a bad vibration. Both were listed as issues and the dealer ordered parts and corrected to my satisfaction immediately. Other than that, the Hemi has enough power and the styling along with a wonderful sound system make the vehicle a joy to drive.

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  Ooomph says it all - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Rhiannon - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Great lil stylish car that just happens to have a lil oomph. With the overdrive you feel as though you should be in a higher gear than what you really need to be. But its great once you get use to it. But then again I say that about all manual transmissions.

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  magnums rock - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By r aguilera - December 21 - 10:00 am

  the dodge magnum rt is a really awesome car and would buy a second one for my fiance if i could trust her with all the power this car has to offer. my only complaint is the gas mileage but thats probably because of eating all these other sport cars for breakfast. if you purchase one you will love it to death not to mention all the attention you gat from such a great and intresting car.

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  One BAD ride!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By MRussell - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant about getting this massive SUV to begin with but we bought it as my husband was determined to have the HEMI. Im only 53" and can barely climb into it but for once, in 23 years of marriage, I have to say he was right! I absolutly love it! I love driving it, I love the way it looks, I love all of the room. Ive had a million people stop and want to see it or ask about it. We took a trip to the beach 4 days after we got it and it rode like we were floating on air! Ive always loved a Dodge but this time, they have out done themselves! Thanks Dodge for giving me "One BAD ride"!

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  second durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By stephen - December 20 - 10:23 pm

  I owned a 2001 Durango SLT Plus and it worked and towed very well, especially with the 411 gears. I traded it in at 60,000 miles and purchased a 2004 Durango Limited. This vehicle is far superior to the 2001 model as far as comfort, towing, gas mileage (even with the hemi), and options now available. Mercedes certainly has has a positive impact upon these vehicles. If you are looking for an SUV, pick the Durango, as I have had other makes, and they did not compare to this vehicle. In addition, the Dealer gave me an exceptional price, and I was able to get more for the buck with rebates. Good Luck and enjoy the four wheeling experience in this vehicle.

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  GREAT BUY - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By JIMMY - December 20 - 12:06 am

  THE DODGE IS THE BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY,WE JUST GOT RID OF OUR 2002 HONDA ODDY,AND NEVER AGAIN WILL WE BUY HONDA.THIS VAN IS THE BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY.