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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  Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Reggie - May 2 - 8:33 pm

  My RT is an excellent vehicle. Very powerful and comfortable. The ride is smooth and the drive is flawless. A definite head turner!

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  Runs & runs - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Tugg53 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for 6 years with no problems for over 150,00km. I have it serviced regularly and I dont abuse it or drive it hard. I several times done 8.2 or better litres/100km app 26-27mpg US. It is a 5 passenger 4cylinder auto trans. I can cruise comfortably at 110km/hr. The only time there is any shortage of power is on mountain roads when I shift down she goes. Been a great vehicle so far.

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  99 durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By cheryl hayes - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the roomy interior, the comfort and the drive. I have had only 1 problem and that being using a automactic car wash the water gets in the distibutor and the car has to dry out a few minutes before starting.

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  Never left me in a lurch - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Webtiger - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck but the engineering and component quality leave a lot to be desired. 4 wheel drive problems with rear pinion seal leakage replaced 3 times. Slip yoke is always the culprit with this problem. Have also had the rear drive shaft replaced last warranty visit along with 3rd rear pinion seal replacement. Brake rotors turned 3 times cant get more than 12,000 miles without pulsation setting in. The dealer has been fantastic about addressing all the problems with this truck I would highly recommend you shop a dealer as much as price.

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  My 2004 Dakota - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Sandy Howard - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great automotive marriage of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Quad-cab that we just purchased on Saturday 4/24/2004. There is plenty of room [like a full-size car] that seat 6 yet the versitility of the truck. We have the Magumn V8 in ours and I am glad for the power, for towing our boat to the lake. The entire truck is all power equipment inside. The ride is superior to any automobile and you dont know that it is a 4x4 pickup.

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  The Neon Glows, If Not Shines - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By CarDiva76 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Why the disdain for the Neon? Reliable vehicle with a relatively fresh exterior. Perhaps the first generation had several bugs, but this vehicle only sees the dealership for routine maintenance.

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  the BEST - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By po - May 1 - 2:00 am

  its the Best u can get

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  Not just for men - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By chargeher - April 30 - 9:20 pm

  I thought I would never get rid of my minivan that I loved since I have 2 boys both over 63 and play sports but could not turn away from the Charger. Boy were they glad! Nothing has made everyone from Dad to the youngest son happier than to have a cool car to have mom drive you around in, and nothing has made me happier than to have a car I can count on. Somehow when I drive it I can get 20-21 mpg but when Dad decides to drive it goes to 14 mpg. No problem, we both enjoy it, just for different reasons. I have added 22" wheels and a pinstripe to accent the rear wheel well. Just a little to make it different. We can all take a ride it this bad boy together and no one minds at all.

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  Dont let the bias fool you - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By joeinoh - April 30 - 7:31 pm

  Im amazed the media, Edmunds included, doesnt rate this vehicle higher in its class. I reviewed minivans extensively when I found out that my wife was pregnant with our third child. After reading a few website reviews I was strongly leaning to Toy/Honda. Claimed reliability issues, build quality and a "warped bumper cover" had me running scared from the Dodge/Chrysler. I tested the Toy & Honda units & was not impressed. Then I rented a T&C for a weekend road trip. I was entirely impressed. I dont know why this product line gets the bad rap it does. Stow & Go alone sold me on the Dodge. I see Dodge units with over 200k miles all the time. Drive one before you buy a Toy or Honda.

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  What is That? I like it! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Gordon Landreth - April 30 - 5:46 pm

  I saw the Nitro on the lot last November just after it came out. I knew that was the next one for me Now, four months later, not a day goes by that someone doesnt ask what it is, followed by "I really like it!" I still dont see many on the highway, but people dont know what theyre missing. It rides solid and handles well. Mileage is better than my last foreign SUV.