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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  A Roaring Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Ed Williams - June 10 - 9:10 am

  On a road trip after purchase, got about 24-24 mpg on interstates. Running 19-20 in town. Biggest complaint is a mysterious roaring noise that occurs on acceleration in the 35-45 mph range. Dealer says it is an exhaust resonance issue that cant be fixed, but is common to the Chrysler 6-cyl. engine. My wife bought the vehicle and swears she would not have if the noise had occurred during the test drive. I think Chrysler should come up with a diagnosis and a fix, for what is otherwise an extremely good value for the price.

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  The silver people hauler - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kretara - June 10 - 6:06 am

  We bought the van used with 24k miles on it, now have 41k on it. My wife loves the van and we both love the stow and go seating. The versatility of a pick-up in a van. Just finished 1,200 mile trip with no problems. MPG: 16 city, 24 highway. The van has been in the shop a few times for warranty issues. The torque converter has been replaced, the transmission was flashed with new software, brakes and tires @30k, clunking front suspension, both power doors failing to open. The van should be more reliable, but what can one expect from an American car.

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  Well... - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By qtkime - May 29 - 4:56 am

  I loved my van when I bought it. i rode well and was fun, not horrible gas mileage, either. Then in 2003 it was struck by lightning and completely killed the computer. Never have gotten all the bugs out. After that, nothing has been the same. The air conditioner died. Theres this horrible noise in the front end and nobody can tell me whats wrong. Its falling apart everywhere. It coud be that my kids are just wild children and need to be in the zoo, but that has nothing to do with how bad its running. Even the gas mileage has gone to the toilet, 19 mpg on the highway. Nobody can tell me whats wrong there either.

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  So far, So good - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dustin - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this van used, and it has not yet failed us. We had one of the first Dodge vans ever made, (back in 91 or so,) and we loved it. This one is just as great. The only problems weve had so far is small transmission problems, (but nothing serious), and some air-conditioning problems have just started, (which also happened with our old Dodge Caravan.) Weve had a Dodge Grand Caravan twice now, but I think our next vehicle will be a Chrysler Town & Country.

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  Great Van, but not a lot of power - 1998 Dodge Ram Van
  By Jeff - May 12 - 7:13 am

  I purchased a 1998 that was in almost brand new condition. Not a nick, ding, scratch or scuff on it. Paint was in perfect condition. The best part is it only had 38,000 miles on it. This baby was a beauty, and a total score of a deal! The only thing I am not happy with at all is the power. Dont ever expect to gun it; this thing has no guts. Mine is the conversion style, and it is very comfortable. Although the passengers seat does not go back very far and doesnt allow for big shoes. Last thing is, it has a bench seat in the back that converts into a bed, which is perfect for a teenager, but its not good for an average height male.

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  Dodge Caravan Sport - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LisaGW1 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive only been driving this van for 3 months, but have had no problems at all. Its fairly comfortable, and I like the fact that the second row seats are spaced apart from each other.

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  60K Mi Report - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By ghorvathjr - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has performed extremely well through first 60K miles. There was (and continues to be), however, some excessive wearing on insides of front tires. Ive checked with other Durango owners and this appears to be a relatively common trait. 5.9 Liter engine pulls loaded two horse trailer though mountains with better than expected results. Have performed following services outside scope of normal maintenance & warranty work: -One brake replacement (to be expected) -One water pump replacement (at 55K miles) at a cost of $1500.00.

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  Love it , But eh.... - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Daniel_Lee - May 7 - 9:56 pm

  well I love This van I have had multiple cravans, But this is my first ES with the 3.8 and damn this thing hauls balls it has the tow package 17 in wheels tan leather and auto headlamps, remote start(aftermarket) This van is amazing for all the family. kids love it I Love driving it personally My wife doesnt like how I drive but what can I say It corners well never got stuck love the traction control , not a fan of it locking when keys are in ignition locks when you shut any slider or passenger door its weird but oh well just make sure I have the keys on me ^_^ been problem free routine maintenance one new transmission because the other was faulty

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  my dodge durango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By krd - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my Dodge Durango has been nothing but positive. The only problem I had was a faulty drivers outside mirror which was replaced by the dealer no charge. Other negatives would be poor gas mileage and at times the ride is truck like but it is all and all a very nice vehicle. Have cruised many miles in the Durango and it gives me trouble free driving.

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  The Value of the Century - 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kkollwitz - May 1 - 2:57 am

  In July we decided to pass our 157k 2004 Montana on to our kids. Shopped lots of under-$20k small cars: Fit, Cruze, Sonic, Fiesta, Focus, etc. Fun and thrifty, but nothing was moving us. We still liked minivans. Test-drove a 2014 AVP- wow! I love the no-nonsense styling, brakes, engine and handling; my wife likes the space and Stow n Go. We are both pleased with the base package, the manual seats suit us both, and the auxiliary jack makes it easy to play MP3s.