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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  Party time! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By George - May 20 - 1:40 pm

  Im 6 ft tall and even though it looks small on the outside, my first trip was for an hour with my wife and 2 kids, a vaccuum cleaner, 6 bags of soda and chips, a case of water, and all the stuff that came out of my old vehicle. Plenty of room! Power is acceptable for AWD and a 4 popper. The CVT with autostick is really neat and very smooth. Engine is very quiet. First 4 cyl Ive been in that wasnt whiny. Comparing the Civic, Mazda 3, Focus, and Vibe, this rocks for the same price/features as the rest. Exterior is very different and Dodgy, much better than the others IMHO.

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  The Dodge Minivan - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Andrea P - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the van new and got a great deal. I was leary with Dodge because of past experiences with their transmissions. So far, so good. I love it. Im constantly afraid something will happen, but thats what the warranty is for. Although overall I love it. I wouldnt buy anything but a minivan again. When you have kids you cant beat the roominess.

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  Very pleased - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tk1780 - May 19 - 10:36 pm

  Very surprised at the reliability of this van. We have 135,000 on it and have taken it out west 7 times and to Florida 3 times and never a problem. Tires, brakes and shocks so far. One secret is that we change the trans fluid every 30,000 miles. I think that is why the transmission has lasted so long. The engine is smooth. 19 mpg in town 24 on hiway. It is a great value. Cant believe it has lasted so long.

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  air bags - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By chelleintx - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I wrecked my 2004 stratus after only having it 3 weeks.The airbags did not deploy with a front collision traveling at 40 mph. that did 10,000.00 worth of damage.All four motor mounts broke.The dealer said they are supposed to do that in case of a front collision but i wonder if thats why the airbags didnt deploy.

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  Unique Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By John L. Nichols - May 18 - 2:26 am

  You dont see many of these on the roads yet. Fast, a blast to drive with one of a kind styling and oodles of room. Interior kind of sterile? I installed an aftermarket walnut wood dash kit in my Red Magnum...Perfect now. Options I ordered were sunroof and convienience group. regret: I should have gotten the Sirius radio. but with just these two options it really is a loaded luxury sport wagon. Nothing else is like it.

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  Should be a keeper - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By 6 time owner - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my 6th caravan. Best one, good brakes, comfortable seats,Quiet. Like 7- 70 power train wnty, had problems in past with trannies.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By KWKSS - May 16 - 2:00 am

  As a courier, I drive hard and fast. I carry heavy loads, The truck is able to outperform any other truck in the fleet. It has never left me on the road dead.

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  We are so glad we did it! - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By minivanfamnow - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this van... i cant believe i am saying that! I really do! I am glad we got an older model that was LOADED! Runs like a dream...the transmission was smoother than our Nissan. I know that a lot of people have "bad luck" with the caravan, but just take care of it and it will take care of you :)

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  The Mad Grocery Getter - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ynghng73 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  All of a sudden its not so bad to drive something that resembles what looks to be a station wagon, or a hearse, or an SUV?! WOW, what the hell is that thing, is the look I most frequently get while driving around in the Magnum. Such an original and unique style that carries the class of a Mercedes, provides the leg room to a sports car, undeniable Dodge strength, and the confidence of a tank, and you can still paralell with ease. Great Job Dodge!

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  Love the Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Jbop - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Durango. My first was a 2000 model year. Had to get rid of it. Tried other SUVs. Not the same. Only complaint I have is that air conditioning does not work. Always spending money on the A/C. Kids love it too!