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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  So Far So Fun! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Darrell - September 28 - 9:26 pm

  I have just purchased this vehicle, and recently hit the 100 km mark. This is the second Caravan I have owned and I am quite happy with it. It drives and handles great, cannot wait to go on holidays with this gem. price was right and so is the styling of this vehicle. If i could change anything it would be the almost white parts of the interior (very bad idea with those grubby little kids). All and all the is no other van like the Grand Caravan.

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  Love my car - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By tylerpalti - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for nearly six years now. The car has remained very responsive over the years, and reliable. I have been able to to most work on it myself although it has been extremely tight under the hood at times. I love my car, and I would and have recommended it to anyone who will listen.

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  All around great car! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By jhuk21 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything you could need. Enough power, comfort, and reliability. I have over 110,000 miles and it still runs very smooth and strong and the interior is practically brand new. Nothing has gone out on it, yet.

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  Nobody asks, "Are we there yet?" - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Paul - September 27 - 2:06 pm

  My 11 and 13 year old daughters love the Journey. They like to fold down the seats and stretch out during road trips. AC plug keeps all the electronic goodies charged. Beverages in the chill zone, snacks under the floor and movies playing on the DVD. I consider the Journey a good value. I paid less than 24K with AWD, 3 row seating, MyGig, Infinity Speakers and Sirius radio. I could not price anything within $5k that seated more than 5. I frequently recommend the Journey to others. PS I think the MyGig radio below the heating controls works better in bright light.

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  My new kid wagon - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mandarb - September 26 - 3:30 pm

  We have had the 2008 Grand Caravan for about 2 months now. This is our 4th Grand Caravan and by far the best one. I love the 4.0. Puts out plenty of power. The duel entertainment system has been a god send while traveling with our three kids.

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  new Dodge Durango for 2004 - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By screwgun00 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Bigger Better Badder Fun to Drive

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  thumbs up - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By prmr - September 25 - 2:00 am

  a very smooth ride w/plenty of power. 3rd seat easy to raise/lower. more interior room than it looks. not the best mileage but about expected for the power.

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  Best Economical yet Fun Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mike Gonzales - September 23 - 9:10 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Dodge Ram Hemi for this new 2007 Caliber SXT with 2.0 engine. Its white, has alloy wheels...illuminated drink holders, drink chill holder in glove box is really cool! So much to mention, and in going from a HEMI powered muscle truck down to a small Caliber, I am more than pleased at this switch. I enjoy the comfort and gas mileage!

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  I like the van! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Cathy - September 23 - 4:30 am

  Ive had my van now for two years and have LOVED every minute of it. It great on trips, roomy, comfortable, easy to handle. I am now, after almost 2 years to the date, running into small problems. Air conditioning blows hot air, water pump is leaking and window motor needs to be replaced. Its all under warranty. So far, its been great. It will be interesting to see what happens after the warranty. I hope it holds up.

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  The family truckster - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 5kids - September 21 - 6:26 pm

  We bought our Grand Caravan used as a one owner. Its now got over 90,000 miles and weve loved it since the day we bought it! I have 5 kids and it works wonderfully for transporting my family. Its big enough for all of us to ride in comfort, but I have no problems getting it in and out of parking spots. Were going on 3 years of ownership and have put on 35,000+ miles without a single problem or trip to the dealership and still going strong!