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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  Too many things going wrong - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By peechka - August 21 - 5:52 am

  134,000 kms. I have had the power steering whine and the first ps flush lasted about 18 months. Just had second ps flush done. Several parts in front end have been replaced -- making noise but not affecting handling. Just replaced leaking rad & original battery. Tranny now appears to be having a shift problem at low speeds forward & reverse -- when maneuvering into/out of parking spot. If this problem is big $$$ the van is going to wreckers. This was my first brand new vehicle -- "Made in Canada" matters but I doubt I will buy another Chrysler product (had numerous tranny probs with a hand me down 96 Intrepid

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  The size is right - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Gregg - August 20 - 8:22 pm

  I like the size of the Dakota. Full size trucks are too large for what I need and compact trucks are just too small. Good power from the 4.7 L V8. Knew better than to get the V6, little if any better fuel economy with no power. Back seats are OK for the little kids but should have gotten quad cab for more room. Had problems with vibrations at 50-65 mph. Dealer finally found & replaced 3 defective tires (Goodyears). Only real gripe is the extremely soft front suspension. Dips and bumps in the road make for a bouncy white knuckle ride. Very unnerving when the front end is bouncing up & down & up & down nearly bottoming out over a small dip on the highway.

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  love it. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By CarmaxSRT4 - August 20 - 4:01 pm

  I have not had the car long. but i have a sad story. i bought the car on a saturday. by tuesday the trans was blown. it was nothing i did but previous owner neglect. i love the car and cant wait to get it back. the only thing i wish is that the parts were more available

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  2009 Dodge Journey SXT AWD - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By predator0332 - August 20 - 4:40 am

  Our driving and ownership experience with the Dodge Journey so far has been excellent. The Journey has a smooth ride and it is very quite when driving a high speeds.

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  Interior squeaks & noises - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By shirley - August 20 - 4:36 am

  I purchased my van 2 months ago. This is my 5th. van and probably wont get another one now that children are grown. I do notice a rattling on the driver side door or where the seat belt retractor. I couldnt pinpoint exactly where the rattle was coming from but I had the dealer check my seat belts & they couldnt find anything wrong. The interior in my 2006 seemed to better constructed. And the seat belts buckle make a squeaking sound.Im concerned about their structural integrity.

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  AWSOME!! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jay11 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought our Grand Caravan in 1999 as a 2000 model. It is a Jet Black Grand Caravan Sport, with suck options as the 3.8L engine, Infinity Sound system, Power everything except seat (which i miss:( ), computer, rear air etc.,$35,900CDN NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RUNS BEAUTIFULLY!!!!!!! LOOKS SEXY FOR A MINIVAN!!! Best looking minivan out there. We are trading it in this year for a Town and Country with the DVD option.

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  Gr Caravan ES - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Montess - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This Van has it all when loaded up with available options. Looks and rides great.

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  1999 Dodge Avenger ES Coupe - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Paul Davis - August 19 - 4:54 pm

  Probably one of the best used car buys I have ever had. 113,000 miles on it, great shape, had timing belt replaced, tuned, brakes, and I get 20 MPG in town and 29+ on the interstate. Really comfortable, seats have great lower back support, good sound system. Super buy.

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  Saying Goodbye To My Dakota - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By John - August 19 - 3:45 pm

  I recently sold my 2002 Dodge Dakota. And I miss it already! I purchased it right off the truck in October 2001 and I fell in love with it right away. 7 years, 125,000 miles and very few repairs! The redesign and the low quality materials Mopar currently is using do not do my all-time favorite vehicle justice. I went everywhere in this truck. I got my moneys worth out of it. Goodbye Dakota! (Yes, I know Im a dork but still...)

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  the best first truck - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By james tucker - August 19 - 2:36 pm

  I enjoyed my dodge Dakota truck and driving it where every I need to go. It has been dedicated to me and my family for 12 years. I want to restore it back to first look and more. Thank dodge for making a great truck.