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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  Im happy!! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bern - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Handles well. Peppy and really holds the road.(AWD) Gas mileage is 23-24 highway and 20 around town. I do not have a lead foot nor am I a rabbit starter.Love the electric doors and tailgate. I have carried 3 4x8 plywood with the tailgate closed!! The seats come out fairly easily for me (65 and slightly arthritic). I sold a fully loaded Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer to buy this.It was not even a year old and I took quite a beating on the trade. I couldnt take the 12-14 mpg I was getting. Not sorry a year later. Easy entry too. The only thing I dont like is the very short throw of regular beams at night. The car is lower than any of the trucks I owned previously.

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  solid van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Peggy - February 6 - 10:00 am

  We owned an original 1984 minivan, and this Gr. Caravan EX model is light years improved. Lots of thoughtful features.

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  Frustrated - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Tina Brown - February 5 - 7:36 pm

  Bought this vehicle about 10 months ago and have had it in the shop around 7 times already. First was the "recall" for the motor shutting off while you were driving. Had to have the roof rack replaced as there was a bolt missing. On the drivers side dash there was a gap that had to be fixed and now it wont defrost properly. I have troubles with the locks that wont lock when its too cold. There is a horrible whining noise when it starts if it is lower than -15 outside. The engine rides rough. My new problem is that the key got stuck in the ignition and wont come out. I like the look of this vehicle but the whole performance issue is another thing.

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  Not Bad - Could be better - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Jason - February 4 - 8:09 pm

  Truck is great for storage, hauling (pulls my 20 boat with no problem), and has decent get up and go. Suspension is questionable. I just replace the tierod ends for the 2nd time since purchasing. Rear stabilizer bars need work also. Ground clearance is also a concern for a pickup. Fuel economy is worse than a lot of full-size trucks. I get roughly 13.5 in city and 16.5 on the highway if I am lucky.

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  Suprised - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Pleased - February 3 - 4:08 pm

  I thought I would not like the base Magnum SE with the 2.7L engine, I was wrong. The base engine has plenty of power for my needs. Have you mind, if youre in it for power, then go for the 3.5 or the HEMI. My whole reason for buying is, comfort and gas mileage. I strongly believe that the Magnum SE for me is the best bang for the buck. Its a lot more comfortable than than the Charger SE. One other thing, it comes with a lifetime powertrain. So what if the motor or trans goes out while you own it, just get it replaced for free. Go test drive the 2.7L and youll be surprised.

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  America better build a better car - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By m thornton - February 3 - 8:39 am

  Bought used with 30k ,Now has 96k Engine light was on when I bought it , dealer installed new EGR.valve. Front stab. bush went.replace 2 x so far. ign. key lock went south,(no bloody good reason) window lift motors went out 2x replaced. Vac leak cannot be found (driving me crazy.)New water pump, Idle tensioner pulley, the reat wa just routine maint. I cant realy say I love this car with the problems I have had. Stupid stuff. I will buy a Kia next time

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  No complaints - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ken - February 3 - 8:23 am

  I purchased my 2007 Caliber SXT (CVT, 2.0L) used with 1700 miles. It now has 15000 miles and zero problems. Its quiet at highway speeds and doesnt produce headache inducing sounds as the CVT keeps the rpms relatively low. Try driving a Honda Fit at 75 mph and youll wish you were hard of hearing. Sharp looking car. I like the design of the interior, but way too much plastic. I guess the plastic makes since if Dodge was going after a rugged SUV/truck feel. Seats are very comfortable. Look up the TSB for the reprogram of the CVT. Being yours into the dealer and complain about sluggish performance. (They wont do a reprogram if you dont say theres a problem) Big difference!

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  6: watch your head/ needs 3rd seat del. - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Spike13 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Finally! A truck with left/right (especially right!) room for my big feet! Great front seats, great seating/steering wheel/peddal relationship, better than average console.

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  Way Too Many Problems - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By durk163 - February 2 - 12:56 am

  We bought a van that the owners wife of the dealership drove with aprox 6,000 miles on it. It has been in the shop for replacement sensor for the door, AC would shut off so they replaced internal thermostat, sensor that would tell us outside temp was replaced, front passenger seat belt unreliable and arm rest fell off and was replaced, 2 tires replaced and the icing on the cake we needed to replace the brakes at 22,000 miles.I was told by the dealer that they have been replacing alot of the breaks on this car. What really is disgusting is that they want you to pay to replace the crappy brakes that they put in. I am sorry to say that I will be buying my first foreign made car in the fall.

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  White Van - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Jamie - January 31 - 5:00 pm

  We have had regular oil changes, not major repairs, interior is still in excellent condition, minimum blemishes on exterior, 4 bucket seats and one bench seat, need to get smaller, fuel efficient vehicle.