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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  Ehh..not too bad - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Its Me - August 1 - 9:00 pm

  Ive owned this car for just about 2 1/2 years and for the most part, its great! Very few minor problems and the dealership helped correct each one. Roomy and nice design idea. Only downside... the front seats are uncomfortable, but the back seats are wonderful! Also, the traction and braking in bad weather (rain/snow) is pretty bad. Despite that, good car.

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  Luv the new Dakota - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Phil in the Burbs - August 1 - 10:37 am

  Just picked up my 08 Dakota. Turned in a Ram for this little beauty. Very impressed with the looks, interior, and drive-ability of this truck. This is a very capable truck in a smaller package. Very easy for the wife to maneuver in traffic. Vehicle fit and finish is excellent. Better on gas than my old Hemi. Interior is very quite and the upgraded stereo is very crisp and clear. Really like the Sirius radio option. Had an issue finding room to store all my gear from the Ram. Solved by mounting on of the collapse-able bins from interior to the truck bed with sheet metal screws.

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  Gas Mileage-Hah! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Alan Sanders - August 1 - 8:37 am

  Advertised mileage with the 2.0 CVT with sport stick is 31 city/39 hwy. On a 1,100km trip we used 104 litres of gas for an average of about 25 mpg and this was mostly highway. Seats 4 comfortably, but only space for 2 big suitcases. OK little car, but a gas guzzler. Struggles going up hills, feels way underpowered.

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  nightmare nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By kroyman - August 1 - 7:46 am

  Bought my nitro r/t June of 07 had only 2 months before I started having problems first the suspension was making noises the dealership acted like it was no big deal tried several things to fix didnt get it right until the third visit they said it was a body mass dampener as soon as I got the car back from the dealer a multitude of things started to act up plastic wheel coverings creaked when turning power steering pump making whistling noise had it back to the dealer twice on that they told me it was inherent to the vehicle and to contact Chrysler customer service instead I contacted lemon law atty. This vehicle has other problems as well drivers side window, a/c, time without my car 36 days

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  InNeed of a Car - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Slim Shady - July 31 - 11:43 pm

  Like any other vehicle, if serviced timely itll serve its purpose...I guess. Bought the car used in 2006 because my family was in need of a car at the time. I can say, "that the experience has been fairly decent...until the final note was paid." Hardly nothing went wrong and then the bottom fell out! I may have replaced the alt., both water and fuel pumps, brake booster, therm, rad./relay fan, and several other parts all within 6-8 mos. But hey, what can I say. It was my only means of transportation and for that Im blessed! Ive said it before, and Ill say again: never buy a "Dodge" again!

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  Three Years of Good Performance - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By AspenRobert - July 31 - 7:19 pm

  I leased my Durango and turn it in next week and I know Ill miss it. The few minor mechanical problems were handled under warranty and the total driving experience was excellent. Of course, its a full-sized SUV so you dont get Prius mileage. I averaged 16 mpg in town and 19.5 on the highway. What Ill probably miss most (other than the hauling capacity) will occur this winter in Colorado snows. This is a very stable, very "under control" vehicle in bad weather.

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  123k and runs like new - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Tim - July 31 - 5:11 pm

  This is the best truck Ive ever had. It handles, rides, brakes, and looks great. I had only had Chevys before and hated the Anti-lock brakes, but love the Dakotas brakes.This truck rides at least 10 times better than the Chevy and has a lot more power than the Chevy did, and I went from a 4.3 Chevy to a 3.9 Dakota. The only thing I dont like is the fuel economy, but not so bad I would go back to Chevy. Dont know if Ill ever buy another Chevy.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By sean - July 31 - 4:12 am

  This has been a really great truck to have. I get about 25 MPG on the highway. I would advise not driving in the city as it chugs gas in crowded SoCal City roads. Ive hauled 1 trailer and didnt even notice any difficulty with the V-6. I run an aftermarket exhaust and people think I have a V-8 and want to race.

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  "BAD" Dodge - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Robert Benson - July 30 - 4:46 pm

  The V6 Charger is an excellent car to have. Performance is more than sufficient, gas mileage is terrific, and the comfort and looks just cant be beat. The SE baseline is no base car. Beautifully done cloths seat with trememdous comfort in seating, contrasting interior color combinations makes it very attractive - more so than the leather versions. The dash is uncomplicated and refreshing to see. Fun to drive, even spiritedly ! Definitely an eye catcher for sure. Go the next step with a performance chip (to use regular gas) and a free flowing intake and exhaust and youll unleash a muscle car proportion capability.. Great fun, with no lose in mileage. Just a great car, bar none. Thanks Dodge!

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  Outstanding! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By jmoser - July 29 - 11:38 pm

  I have had no problems with mine. I get 32 MPG highway and 24 MPG city! I love it! I have owned/driven 8 different cars in the last 6 years, and this one rises above all of them! The 2.7 is a little sluggish when the weather is warm. In the cold temperatures it is quick and powerful! Great car to own!