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:

• 

  Great truck! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By jkisiloski - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I love the Dodge Dakota. Its the perfect size truck, not too big to drive in the city but big enough to haul around what you need. Its got a ton of power with the 318 and with 4x4 you have to traction to put it down. This thing handles great both on and off the road. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

• 

  Love My Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Erin Barnette - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I didnt like the way the intrepid looked at first, but I test drove it off the lot, and feel in love with how well it handled. I drive in a lot of heavy traffic so I need power to get on the highways, and great brakes. This car has gone well behond my expectations of it. I would buy another one but my inprepid is still running just as good as when I bought it. For people with children, this car has plenty of room in the trunk for all that comes with having a child. I can fit two large strollers, and all my groceries with still plenty of room. I would tell anybody to consider the Dodge Intrepid. Mine has been a wonderful vehicle.

• 

  Good Car! - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Robert K. - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is an excellent daily commuter. Nothing fancy. It runs good and the air-conditioner is great. The only negative is the headlights which become foggy over time.

• 

  My Neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By alpineuser01 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisified with my Neon. It gets the milage the dealership said it would. Its handling in the curves is top notch. Though it may be a compact, the interior is laid out nicely. The wife and I are very pleased, sometimes extatic about this lovely car. Dodge has done it again, with a quality product. If you are looking for a car to run around in that is fun to drive and looks good also, I suggest that you try a Dodge Neon on for size. Sincerely Yours,jcpecany@msn.com

• 

  got to love dodge! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By schwarz drache - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Me being a dodge fan I have always wanted a truck like this and now that I have I couldnt be happier. I love my truck, when im driving it I feel like im on top of the world. I couldnt possibly ask for more in a truck!

• 

  Shes so Cute - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Jessica Pearce - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my little red neon! I just bought it this week due to my saturn (which I loved as well) being totaled in a car accident. It is perfect for me being a college student, yet it is still o so cute and fun to drive! Gas is ok...not as good as my saturn, but thats what happens when you upgrade a little. If you are looking for an inexpensive, yet fun and cute car...the Neon is the way to go!

• 

  A lot of truck for the money. - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By 2nd Dakota owned - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The truck rides very smooth and comfortable, for a truck. It also handles really well in the snow, in 4 wheel drive, and does not suck up the gas. I had a 2001 Dakota with the smaller tires and rims which created spinning wheels all the time, my new Dakota has the bigger rims and tires and was definitely a worth while investment. Over all the truck is fun to drive, costs about the same price as a decent car but is a lot safer.

• 

  Solid well built truck. - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By nothing789 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  OK this a well built american truck all those who disagree probably drive a toyota. my truck was bought @ 90k miles i have had it for a year and 16k on it. I have replace the cat and soon ball joints. Ball joints are normal to go out look and fords an chevys the eat them like they are nothing the cat was replaced w/ after market those who used factory obviously dont know cars. the tranny still shifts well and seems to be very strong. all in all this is one of the best truck i have been in.

• 

  1 FUN ES - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By BRAVO - April 11 - 2:00 am

  VERY FUN TO DRIVE. THE AUTO STICK IS REALLY NICE TO USE.

• 

  Car of the year - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By steve stuard - April 10 - 10:30 pm

  This is Dodge at its best. I have driven many cars, but the design, fuel mileage and interior were all what I would expect to see on a $30,000 car. Good job Dodge.