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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  Fun to Drive - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Tedster - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most comfortable I have driven ever. Its interior is well designed wit all the amenities for a non-luxury model. Its handling and aerodynimic design is superb. I am almost always stop by people and comment about its sleek and sophisticated appearance. I am very content with my Dodge Avenger. The next car that can replace this beauty is a 430 lexus, 330 Mercedez Benz or 720i BMW. The main idea for this car is to keep it very clean and detailed at all times. This car is definitely a keeper.

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  Love my Mopar - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Lines44 - December 5 - 4:03 am

  My 98 was totaled in an accident but no one was hurt. I bought a new SXT and its great. Fun to drive, peppy and good economy. Lots of little features. Noticibly quieter than the 98.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By mart328 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for less than a week, but so far I absolutely love it. It is a very smooth ride, and living in pothole ridden NYC that is very important. It handles the road very well.

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  Dodge SRT-4 - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By dekeama - December 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is a blast to own and drive. Lots of looks and fun to play with. I sell EVOs and I would rather have the SRT-4 even if the EVO was $21,000.

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  a great car for aworking family - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By carrieoki - December 4 - 2:00 am

  this car has been very dependable it rides very smooth and handles well even in the snow

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  Good Car For The Money - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Jenkinsqh - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 2000. Also considered/test drove the Civic, Protoge, and Focus. Rides were all fairly comparable, but Dodge was dealing quite a bit more than the others. I have just over 105,000 on it so far. Aside from scheduled routine maintenance, no repairs to speak of. I drive around 36,000 miles annually, and can count on it to come in at anywhere from 33-36 on the highway depending on speed. This is my second Neon (had a 95), and 4th Chrysler that I have bought new since 90. All have been good serviceable vehicles.

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  LOVE IT - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Jeffrey - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I think everyone should have this vehicle. I would buy another one again in this lifetim

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By buellman2003 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to drive to college 215 miles away. I have put almost 5000 miles on the car in the last few months. It runs perfect. It gets great gas mileage for a car this big. I expected 24, but I get a minimum of 26 in all conditions. On the interstate with the cruise at 70 I get 30 mpg, 28-29 with the AC on. I bought this car well below blue book trade in value. It was a company leased car. It has a few scratches and dings, but nothing terrible. The price made up for the problems. It drives great and is really smooth.

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  Keep building the Intrepids - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By C. Bieker - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever driven. In high winds the car keeps straight into the wind with no sway, also still gets excellant gas milage. They drive like a sports car and fun to drive.

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  Large SUV feel in a small package - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By ziggymon - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our 5.2L new in 1999. This has been a wonderful vehicle. Yes, it rides a little stiff, but so do most other SUVs manufactured back then. However, the stiff ride allows for great cornering ability. Everyone knocks the gas milage. Have you checked other V8s fuel economy? Have you replaced your air filter? We just added a K&N air filter and are now getting 20 mpg on the highway! Thats a 2 to 3 mpg improvement. As for the power....WOW! Passing has never been easier! And the pinging has all but disapeared. The truck has been nearly trouble free. Complete the scheduled maintenance and you shouldnt have any major problems.