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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  Third Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By bt1953 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had three so far. 1994 had many problems. 1997 was flawless. This one has been the same. No problems and a nice, large, car that is sporty and fun to drive. Added a California wing (low arch) to the back and this car looks like twice the price. We plan on keeping this one for several more years as we have added a 03 AWD Caravan ES to the "stable" and it is getting most of the daily driver use.

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  Unbelievable - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Looking63146 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  After 3 long years driving a boring 1997 Ford Thunderbird I am finally enjoying driving again. This truck goes exactly where you piont it.

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  Best van on the road. - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Rick - January 4 - 7:30 pm

  We traded in our 2002 Grand Caravan for the 2006 Grand Caravan. We were very pleased with the 02 but this van with its Stow n Go seating is far superior. The seats work easily. If you do not have Stow n Go you will be amazed how frequently you use them. We use them every day. easy to use and can fold all seats within a minute. Have not had any major problems with the van at all. The van has made three trips to Florida and South Carolina (from NJ) and it is very comfortable. The storage wells for the middle row seats make a great storage area for snacks and things. There really is a lot of room in this van. Rides like a Cadillac on the highway. Easy to drive with great visibility.

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  2001 Neon - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Michael McIntyre - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Neon is alot of fun to drive and is a peppy little car with little or no sway in turns and absolutely superb braking. This vehicle is sure-footed in snow and easy to drive in most other weather. For the price of this vehicle, you cannot complain about the drive although many do.

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  Not too shabby - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By LAmx - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The style, power, comfort, power and power were outstanding. Did I mention the power? Having driven a smaller V6 without punch, this is a dream come true without it having an 8. (Hey Dodge, this would be a great choice to drop a hemi in!). Stealing from Deniro in Analyze That ... you could but three bodies in that trunk! The only complaints I have are 1) the cup holders are too small and 2) the CD player should have repeat.

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  2nd stratus...good value for your $$ - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By mr cf - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd stratus & very happy with it. Only gripe is the doors squeak. dealer replace all hinges and they still squeak. brakes are much improved over previous model. fuel economy is not as good as previous model. pretty peppy for a 4cyl car.

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  tough little car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By clyjp - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent commuter vehicle. very reliable and fun to drive.

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  so far so good - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By richard snively - January 2 - 10:00 am

  first new Mopar ever,ride ,handling and price were best in class.Gas mileage is as expected 10-12 city 18 highway,best was coming back from Florida @ 20.3

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  My New Dodge - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mdlcitz - January 2 - 9:56 am

  Handling, Power, Style. This car has it all. I bought this car because it had everything I needed to get me to work and to help me to play on the weekends. If youre over 50 like me, you know about rear wheel drive. It really helps with the driving experience. This is not your fathers station wagon. I cant tell you how happy I am with this car. WOW.

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  A GREAT RIDE! - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By REBEKKAH - January 2 - 2:00 am

  AFTER MUCH SHOPPING AND COMPARISON, WE DECIDED ON THE DODGE CARAVAN FOR OUR FAMILY. WE ARE THRILLED WITH OUR PURCHASE, AND 0% FOR UP TO 72 MONTHS IS HARD TO BEAT!