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 good. - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By newamericanmade - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our first american made car, it took us a lot of couurage to make this decision, it came down to the price, and we could not get anything that size for the price.

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  Neon SXT with spoiler, dual exhaust package - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Nova W. - March 7 - 3:03 am

  Ive owned older model Neons and I love my car so far. I think Dodge has improved on some of the problems. I have kids and its plenty roomy for the family and still sporty and fun to drive.

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  Quick, Big & Fun - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Chris J - March 4 - 5:40 pm

  Great SUV to drive, has a tight turning radius and a very comfortable ride. The power of the HEMI is amazing (HEMI was not an option for this rating) and the acceleration gets you going. The DVD Player would do better with a few controls mounted lower like the AV ports and a parental lock on the player. The wireless headphones are so-so. The fold down seating is not flat and could use some work. So far we really like itÂ…except the 13.5 MPG in the city.

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  Good value - 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Trailerparkjesus - March 3 - 4:27 am

  I bought the SXT with the "Blacktop" pkg which consists of all black interior, special wheels, blacked out trim and rear camera. Since my purchase, I have accumulated 21k miles on the van and so far Im happy with it. I have had two tire pressure sensors go bad and a rear blend door actuator motor that stuck. Both items were addressed by my dealership under warranty and in a very timely manner. The van handles well, I love the 3.6L V6 both in power and gas mileage. I average 20 in the city, 24 mixed and around 28 on the highway at 70 mph. The only complaint I really have is the ride quality could be better. Its a little on the firm side over sharp small bumps but handles large bumps well and has a good highway ride. I bought the van at a very good price of 21k new. I think its a great value for that kind of money vs the foreign competition. 9/3/2016- Since my last entry, Ive had 1 more tps fault that had to be reset by the dealer, an airbag sensor under the passenger seat had to be replaced and a rear gate latch that kept causing a gate open warning light, all repaired under warranty. Thankfully, my dealers service dept. is very good (Columbia Chrysler, Columbia,TN). Im still happy with my van even though Ive had a few small problems. I would purchase another as of now. 3/6/2017- Still happy with my Dodge van. Ive had no more problems since my last entry. Everything is functioning properly, paint and interior materials are holding up well against the barrage of 2 15 year olds. Im looking forward to possibly purchasing a new Chrysler Pacifica in the future. Well done FCA

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  Nice car for the price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By KBA - February 28 - 7:53 am

  Love the look.Radio is a little low,have to look down. Not great on gas locally. Stylish and roomy, did not want a minivan.

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  2006 Dodge Grand Catavan SXT - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 1997Montez34 - February 28 - 3:40 am

  We leased a 2005 model and loved it, so when our lease was up we decided to get a new Dodge Grand Caravan. We looked at the 07, but the 06 was the same and we got a great deal on a leftover 06. This is the perfect vehicle for a family with children. The Stow N Go seats are the absolute best! I can go from passenger van to cargo van in a minute.

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  Dashboard Rattle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Martin Miller - February 21 - 11:36 am

  This car is Kickin. Its a suped up station wagon. My 3 year old son calls it "Daddys Hemi Car". An annoying rattle under the front pass floorboard. Mystery thus far w/ Dodge not too knowledgeable. They need to ride on 95 at 65MPH to hear it. Any thoughts? mminstigator@hotmail.com

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  Overall Good Value - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ps - February 16 - 10:53 am

  Have owned this van for about 16 months and put about 18000 miles on it. Needed service once for a rusted brake line for ABS (ABS light came on and stayed on). Has been dependable and very versatile. The convenience and ease of stow and go seating is great, as is the power lift gate. The remote start is a must for me in the winter. Gas mileage is just OK, not horrible at 20-21 mpg mixed city and highway driving after employing gas saving driving tips (set your cruise control at 60 mph on the highway (city speed limit) and watch other cars pass you like you are standing still!), got 18mpg consistently before that. Transmission "thunks" downshifting, jerking the van, not at all smooth.

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  Best deal - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Raytec - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded my boring 99 Expedition (4.6 L) for a black SXT with the 4.7. The Durango almost feels like a race car!!! This SUV is much more fun to drive and way more practical. The size is just perfect and the looks are very inspiring.

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  96 Plymouth Grand Voyager - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Tim Johnson - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I have a 96 Grand Voyager (same as Grand Caravan). The transmission blew at 60k and now with 130k its begining to slip. But I must admit is has served us well. You get good power out of the 3.3L V6. Lots of room, VERY comfortable ride.