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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  This van stood up to a lot of abuse - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jane - February 10 - 7:00 am

  So, the junkyard comes to pick up my Grand Caravan tomorrow, and Im very sad to see it go. I bought it with 30k miles on in 3 years ago, and it now has 190k on it. It has been my bands tour van and the main vehicle for my cleaning company. As well as heavy daily driving. its gone across the country 6 times (plus a tour of Mexico) loaded with about 1600 lbs of band equipment. It also survived getting stolen by some teenagers. It showed wear with age, but it was amazingly reliable and had a very low cost of ownership especially for the way I treated it!

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  Dont buy this car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Bruno - February 9 - 6:30 pm

  Please do not buy a Dodge Charger, especially in red, because I want to continue to have the only one in my area. It is a real looker! So please wait at least 5 years. Yes! this car is "Super Fine"! in every way. I had a chance to purchase a car from A to Z and the Charger won hands down. It is a mans car with good styling with an attitude! I have owned it for 6 months and love everything about it.

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  2000 Dodge Intreped - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By kfordxxx - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Intrepid ES for four years now. It is a great car and very reliable. I would put it up against any Japanese car in its class. I laugh at my co-workers who drive Japanese cars like the Accord, whos doors "ting" when you close them. This car is solid, and well styled, unlike the boring Camary which people sadly buy for whatever snobish reasons.

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  Owner for 13 years. - 1991 Dodge Spirit
  By nisaty - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I am selling my car after 13 years only because my daughter sold me a newer one. I have had wonderful luck with this car. There was only one unexpected repair and normal maintenance in those 13 years.

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  Best bang for your buck!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Laff14 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This care is hands down the best deal on a "family" sedan. Huge trunk and interior space at a mid size price. Good handling, power, and reliability. Sleek design. We love it.

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  I love my little Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By jes - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my little neon so far! I chose this over a Chevy Malibu after reading all the horrible reviews and problems that Malibus have. If you are looking for problems on cars, EVERY car has its problems, I dont know one single car that hasnt had SOMETHING go wrong with it. This car will treat you right if you treat it right. Take good care of it and do regular maintance. Feed it its oil and gas and every once in a while, give her a bath and she will be your new best friend.

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  Keep the car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By chuck bieker - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever drivenon ice or wind especially in the Columbia River Gorge. It holds the road very well and love the styling and wide track. Ive heard rumors that they are going to replace it with another modle. I hope they will keep the Intrepid line and styling.

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  Love it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Willilam Hogge - February 1 - 11:00 pm

  I purchased my Caliber and have had nothing but fun driving it. I am 57 years old and I drive it 6 days a week to work. I was shocked the first time that I had to use passing gear. The response was great. I use passing gear because it feels like it has one. Thanks for building this automoble.

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  avenger - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By christine bliss - February 1 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car new in 01/96 and have been the only owner. i never had any problems with this car except maintanence(brakes, tires, struts, etc) it now has over 100,000 miles on it and its still going strong.

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  2004 SXT - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By anonymous-33 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. This fan has been fantastic in the snow, despite the fact we did not get the AWD version. The seating flexability hs great. Controls are well placed, and there is room for everybody and everything. Paid 25K loaded (no sunroof though)