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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  I wanted to like the Durango... - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By IntelManager - March 26 - 1:07 pm

  As the title says, I wanted to like the Durango. It truly saddens me to see what has happened to the American auto manufactures and I will always buy from the big three, but this Durango was the bottom of the barrel. First let me say that I have owned several fullsize SUVs and trucks: 2000 Ford Expedition, 02 Chevy Tahoe, 04 Chevy Avalanche, 05 Dodge Ram 1500, and now this 07 Durango. This truck drives and rides like a horse drawn wagon. It is hands down the worst handling vehicle I have EVER driven. I think I would rather drive a Mack truck on a daily basis. Then gas mileage...oh man, each of my previous trucks got significantly better mileage. Overall, a huge disappointment

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  Engine Replacement - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By roguedogg420 - March 26 - 5:27 am

  I cant believe that no one else mentioned this. After 16,000 the check engine light came on...brought the truck back to the dealership who told me the head was cracked. Ordered a new head (took a month) and it was replaced. 2 days later check engine light is back on and vehicle has no compression. Engine had to be replaced (took a month because they were on backorder due to several similar cases). New engine has a constant ticking sound. Saw another Dakota owner who told me the SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS!!! 2 Dakotas in the same area!!!

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  Dodge Neon SRT-4 turbo - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Roberto Hernandez - March 25 - 3:08 pm

  I love my Dodge srt-4 2004 I always race in drag racing in Miami, fl and the last time I race it was with a bmw 2004 225i and I smoke him for five cars and I couldnt believe it but is true and I bet money 5,000 for the race. My type of car is Dodge neon srt-4 2004 stage 1 performance I am running with 18 Pound of turbo and I love it who ever are thinking to buy one trust me Ill recommend it so so cool specially when I have my car underground neon light, dvd player system, neon light on my rims, and interior neon light, with chrome engine, I have boost control that cool run with 20 Pound of turbo isnt that cool try it u Will love it.

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  Totally satisfied - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jerry Stephens - March 25 - 7:04 am

  After driving my Charger for a number of months, it has passed the test of time. I have no complaints concerning this car. The car has a perfect blend of performance, space, comfort and styling.

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  Beware - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By shelly - March 24 - 11:10 pm

  I was seduced by this car. It is beautiful. However, I have had one problem after another. I still owe 4k on it and am having to trade it in. Engine is going on it and it only has 85000 miles on it. Was told the engine will lock up eventually. I am so ticked off...DONT BUY ONE!

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  Good for the money - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Piyux - March 24 - 8:57 pm

  I got this vehicle as a rental for a couple of weeks, it was practically new with only 2000 miles and I had a good chance to evaluate its features so here is my opinion to be shared with you, potential Nitro buyer. EXTERIOR: Good looking mid-size SUV. Its external design is appealing and it has the look of a tough all terrain SUV able to handle anything, I have to admit that from any angle it looks good and tall. INTERIOR: Well distributed space, not high quality finishing but OK. Im 62" and I had no space problems, leg room was OK for driver and passengers. I feature I loved is that you can fold down all the seats creating a large cargo space for what you may need. They tried to max

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  Our Dodge Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Chris Pape - March 24 - 6:58 pm

  This is my wifes car and she loves it. We have driven it on long trips and completely enjoy the power and comfort of a Hemi Charger. She enjoys the security of being able to pull out in traffic without worry. Only negative is in the snow because the Hemi has so much power. But you just put it in 2nd or 3rd and she will handle it fine. Greta car!

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  good car while on a budget W/ warrenty! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Raymond - March 24 - 4:23 pm

  i purchased this strats ES used with 92,000 on it. Its been a fairly reliable car as i have driven it to Danville,VA from Jamestown, NY. I feel safe to travel in this car but the battery gave me very little warning that it was about to die. then to my surprise the batt. is located in front driver side bumper. you have to remove the wheel to get too it. the same goes for the Chrysler cirrus and plymouth breeze. sneaky of chrysler to do this. i now have 140,000 miles on the car and my check engine light keeps popping on. i took it to the shop and i find out that its the transmission and im not replaceing it. i would buy another stratus but make sure you get a warranty with the car.

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  2001 Neon, I bought new - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By gtohrl - March 24 - 1:50 pm

  No major problems with this unit. Typical maintenance, tires and battery, really didnt need one yet but replaced for peace of mind, and that is about it. Replaced all four struts, added brace bars front and rear and added inserts to the motor mounts. Radio went bad after 6yrs. Easily replaced. Has paid for its self as far as I am concerned! The whole vehicle, I mean to say.

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  saved by my charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By debbie - March 24 - 8:28 am

  car was in accident hit front by an suv car took total impact and side door on drivers side hit and I walked out of the car without a scratch i was going about 15mph slowing to make turn in rain.AWD kicked in and i was untouched dash was totally in tack airbags went off would like to find another AWD Charger This car saved my life it was a beauty had leather interior/sunroof red with a black racing stripe I loved it Great gas mileage we drove from Allentown, PA to Scituate, RI on one tank of gas!!