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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  2000 Dodge Caravan - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Toppie - January 31 - 10:27 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! I have never had a mechanical issue with the van. Have only had to change the belts once. Didnt even have/need a tune-up for 7 years! I kept the oil changed and had it serviced regularly. Upholstery held up very well! Sadly, the AC just went out -- Im looking for one just like it now with lower miles. It has 185,000 on it.

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  Nothing But Trouble - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kwetten1176 - January 31 - 7:20 am

  We bought our van fully loaded back in March 08. It has everything, 4.0L engine, the works. Overall, its a really nice vehicle. However; we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. As of Jan 10th 09 weve had this vehicle in to have the thermostat replaced 8 times. Its been declared a lemon. The transmission has started leaking fluid, the sliding doors do what they want to. It looses heat from time to time. The remote start works when it wants to. We went to trade this vehicle in for something else and it has depreciated value by $22,000. I almost fainted. We bought the van for $36,000 and I tried to trade it in, and was offered $14,000. Buyers beware.

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  High Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By GGGoodness - January 29 - 1:20 pm

  Just traded in a great 1998 Subaru Outback for a pristine 2007 Caliber with only 7000 miles on it! I love it. Spacious, comfortable, and the best looking wagon-style you can get in this price range. Really love the way it handles, the CTV is cool. Needed the 2nd row and cargo space for my gourmet foods company, plenty of space for a 6 foot table and pop up tent for Farmers Markets. My 120 pound Chesapeake Bay Retriever loves that the back windows roll all the way down. My friends are jealous. :)

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  Great Car!!! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By deedo27 - January 28 - 8:23 pm

  Bought this car when Mustang wanted couldnt be found. Wanted hemi, but settled for V-6, more affordable. Love the styling, reminds me of old Chargers...ride is smooth, and handles great, 50/50 weight distribution makes this car a real agile machine.

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  not so happy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By cliff tate - January 26 - 7:45 pm

  slt with leather wife loves it i hate it many problems,trans howls in 1st, fuel economy same as v8 2000explorer (poor) seats collapsed cold air drivers left side roof rails replaced, parkbrake boot #5 radio replaced eating cds, head lites terrible(i replaced the bulbs now ok. i am proceding with the arbitration avalible hear in canada, hope the will take this dog to the pound.

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  Love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Nitro gal - January 26 - 7:27 pm

  I have owned my SLT 2007 Nitro for a week and I love it. I love the bold look of my Nitro and love the comfort and space. I have no complaints and hopefully will stay that way. It has a sturdy and safe feeling while driving. My 7 year old daughter says the back seat is comfy!

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  Awesome car and Super Dealer - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Craig Anderson - January 26 - 1:56 pm

  Looking for a new car that has it all, then look no farther than a Dodge Charger. My SXT Rallye AWD is amazing. The 300HP "Pentastar" V6 does everything I had expected it would. Even with AWD, the car accelerates very well, runs smoothly and quietly, and delivers great economy. It easily gets 27mpg on the highway, and handles extremely well. The seats are firm yet comfortable, and the car heats up quickly in our cold Minnesota weather. In terms of road-holding ability, the car gets an A plus. It goes through the snow like a champ, and feels very secure all the time. I have had many compliments on the appearance of the car, and I particularly like the RT touches that comes with the Rallye package. I also own a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Shaker, so Im fully aware of what a muscle car feels like. The Charger is not really a muscle car, but if you think about it, 300HP not too long ago was considered a real hot rod. So I recommend the Charger SXT Rallye, as a great all around family sedan that also provides the look and the fun of Muscle car.

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  Good for the money - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By AABlue - January 26 - 10:00 am

  After 108,000 miles car still runs great. the only mechanical problem has been replacing the rotors and pad, and shocks. Overall excellent vehicle.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Powerthink - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very impressed with this baby. At 31,000 miles/30 months, this thing still feels tight, powerful and very useful and enjoyable. We bought this when our 3rd child was born. It fits our family perfectly. The worst thing about it is too many are being bought out there. Only problems to date have been power windows motor (replaced) and rear air motor (repaired).

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  Great Car For Price - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Larry S. - January 26 - 8:13 am

  Have the Sport Coupe with manual tranny, bought new in 1998 for $13 grand. As of this post have 71,000 miles on it. Getting 32 mpg overall, 36 on interstate. Great performance and handling. Its a fun car to drive! Needs premium gas to get max performance but I "mix" 89 octane with premium to lower gas cost. In 10 years the only major problem was the water pump died. Cost was $600 to repair which was high but couldnt shop around for lower price at time. For the low price and great performance it cant be beat in its segment of the market. I also have a 2003 Neon (only made as 4 door)with manual, but it only gets 26 mpg avg. and aint as quick or the looker of the coupe.