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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  Ive been happy with it - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By ArcaneJill - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car over three years ago with 44k on it and Ive put on another 70k. Other than the usual maintenance (brakes, oil changes, battery, etc.) the only problem Ive had has been the belt tensioner, which blew about 2 years ago, and a very minor leak in the oil gasket. Its been very reliable.

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  Lovin It - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By MissTai - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I am so in love with my car. Ive owned three other vehicles since Ive been driving and my Stratus is the most enjoyable for both style and reliability. Dodge, keep doing what you do.

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  A perfect fit - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Katimae - November 13 - 6:56 am

  I have a 60 mile daily commute so fuel efficiency is mandatory. However, since that commute is through Wisconsin it is also necessary that my vehicle is able to handle rough roads/weather. Being the mother of 2 very active boys I refuse to sacrifice on interior space, this car is roomy enough for my 2 kids and the family dog (shepherd & collie mix) to sit in the back seat together comfortably. Even though its a 4 cyl, it could easily keep up with my 3.2 V6 Intrepid. Its safety features put it in a class of its own for a lower priced car. This car looks sporty but is still a great family car. I didnt think I could find a car that met all of my needs and this one met and far exceeded them.

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  great truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By rck329 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Does everything well but fuel economy - Im getting 15 city, 18 hwy - it is a V8 though...

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  Excellent Suv - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Reroe - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have the Durango 5.9 R/T. Its beyond everything I expected it to be. Dodge has really came through by producing a Suv, that is "just right". This baby packs enough power to easily pull 7,000 pounds, and yet it seems that the big hefty engine is still asking for more. Its also a sharp looking ride. I get compliments on this thing quite often, and I have not yet added anything to it, nor have I made any modifications. Its all stock. Now that says a lot. Now I am really praising Dodge for their new redesigned 2004 Durango. Its 7inches longer, 4inches taller, and three inches wider than the ones that are out now. Great job Dodge, keep up the good work!!

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  Good soccer mom/family ride - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mdryan - November 11 - 9:56 pm

  Solid ride, fairly quiet inside, peppy motor.

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  Love it! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By dpolara - November 9 - 6:06 pm

  When was the last time you were stopped by perfect strangers who wanted to talk to you about your awsome ride? Well get used to it if you get yourself a 2006 Charger. Very fun to drive and solid handling.

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  Better Than I Expected - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Ziv - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Viper. Since I have already modified my 1994 RT/10 to 800HP I had relatively low expectations for performnce. This car is FAST and handles like a dream and comfortable. No excuses performance, awesome brakes and suspension. I am only seeing about 11MPG average (I only have 900 miles on it so far) sothat may improve. The exhaust note is sweet especially at high RPMs but I think I need it a litte louder on the low end. Best sports car for the money. Great view of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches in the rear view mirror.

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  Build Quality - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By gonwildondatyfs - November 8 - 2:00 am

  The Neon is one of the best cars ive been in when it comes to wrecks. On Nov.7 2003 i was in a wreck in one the guy that hit us was doing 40 mph and distroyed his car and held up like othing ive ever seen. it broke the back bumper and put a little buckle in the quarter panels but other then that it held up nice. If your a family person trying to find a safe car the neon is it.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By TeddyKelly - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I am really pleased with my Intrepid. I have an arthritic back and knees. I had trouble getting in and out of my previous car and needed something with more room inside. There is plenty of interior room. It rides smooth,is really easy to getin and out of,has plenty of creature comforts,long & low,corners like a dream, easy to handle. No problems getting in or out of the back seat,with plenty of leg room. Never run out of trunk room. I cant say enough good things about this car.I love it.