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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  want it to be mine! - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Jean Koone - November 3 - 2:13 pm

  Loved my rental of the Dodge Challenger and so did my 3 1/2 year old grand daughter

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  Lovn it! - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By penelope - November 3 - 2:00 am

  From the 1st Dakota I owned, a totaled 1993 slt ext cab completely rebuilt salvage, to a perfect 94, to my current perfect 96 model. The center of gravity makes handling easy & safe. The ride is much stronger than a s-10 or ford ranger. I luv this truck its safety, ride, looks, & dependability even into 200,000 ml. Gas economy is better in the 94 but still @ 20mpg. Anyone who wants to own one, buy w/as low mls, & limited transferred ownership as possible. Mine pulls a horse trlr, pop-up camper & small sailboat. It is low to the ground & easy for me to get in and out of. Stay w/ v6, v8, and 4x4 models, no sport.

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  A great vehicle. - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By ZR - November 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Durango. After leasing a 98 Durango, I was so impressed, when it was time to give it back in 01 I instead sold it to my best friend and nieghbor and bought a new one. Neither my freind or I have had a single issue and are continually impressed with the performance and build quality to this day. Both Durangos are 5.9 SLT Plus.

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  I love my durango! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By nursiegrl - November 3 - 2:00 am

  This is our first suv. It is great! The only problems in 4 years was a battery issue at 9 mos., and just last month we had to replace the front A- arms/ball joints due to wear. This vehicle is great off road. It goes anywhere you point it. the only time I ever got stuck,I high-centered on a sand hill (my fault!). It seats my 4 teens and friends with comfort, handles well, tows anything we have needed it to, is very well made, sound and solid.

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  Best SUV out there - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By CNickGrL - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and ver reliable. We have taken this car across country while pulling a 5th wheel and never had any problem and it still had great power.

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  Mean little machine - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Terry - October 31 - 3:36 am

  I am extremely pleased with my new Caliber. Jet black plus clear coat and the 18" chrome rims and the leather interior, sport luxury takes on a whole new meaning. I love the streamlined design of this car. This car is more than just an eye popper, its a new breed of automobile.

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  Love My Car - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By ceseme - October 31 - 2:00 am

  32mpg - The rear window defroster was fixed under warranty. Alternator brushes replaced recently it is one of the best alternators made. Left rear automatic window opener not working anymore. Some road noise. Transmission seems to slip a little on acceleration, then catches. Trunk release mechanism quit working suddenly, about the same time as the left rear speaker. Maybe the wiring harness got pinched. Fan only works on high now settings went out by increments. Cup holders are too small. The radio volume fades, so I keep turning it up. I turn it off and on and it comes on really loud. Very weird. But I really like this car and enjoy driving it.

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  Beautiful..with a few quirks - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By sensitive ears - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my red Intrepid (new) based on looks, but even my husband commented on what a wonderful car it has been. (Whew) My biggest gripe is the unusual noise the a/c gives out when the car is in motion: at takeoff, and then almost every 17 seconds it whistles/rattles for about 2 to 3 seconds until you come to a stop. I have driven in two other similar Intrepids and both did this same thing other cheaper Dodges Ive owned never did this. I also had problems with the front overhead light spooking us out by coming on of its own volition while driving this was taken care of under warranty. Paint seemed to chip almost immediately, exposing the metal.

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  love my Durango - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Lisa2 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Durango right before winter. I drove it all winter with no problems even though it was only the 2wd version. It got me everywhere I needed to go. Its very roomy & comfortable. The sound system is great. The look is great. We put aftermarket 18" wheels & a back fin on it & I get lots of second looks with it!

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  Great truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By skeerdude - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall an excellent truck.I actually have a 4.7 liter V8 Dakota