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:

• 

  Love my caravan (special edition) - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jarlin17 - January 18 - 2:19 am

  bought with 91k miles.This van was a great deal from an even greater dealership. The car fax was great, the warranty is great.Only thing I would change about the seating:the front seats should move back a littler further for taller people.The engine purrs like a kitten,the van handles excellent.The check engine light did come on once but it just needed a new gas cap, which dealer replaced.mileage is typical for most vans.advice: make sure you buy any used van from a reputable dealer.I have been in an accident in an 05 caravan going 65mph. no one was hurt, and minimal damage to van.

• 

  Great car with a few flaws - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Mechem - January 17 - 8:24 am

  I just recently bought my 01 RT Stratus and I must say its awesome. For those who dont know, the Stratus coupes are identical to Mitsu Eclipses in almost every way. This car moves quick, and turns sharp. It handles well and I find its overall very well put together. My only gripes are with a few interior things. First of all, the dash material is a very stiff plastic and it cracks without warning. Failure to seal cracks will lead to annoying rattling and more cracking. I have 3 cracks. Some people have it split in half. Also, the 2nd cupholder is hidden under the armrest. It makes no sense whatsoever. Lastly the fuel economy could be better, I get close to 21 driving rough.

• 

  Great SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Monica O. - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  I have had my Dodge Nitro for a little over four months. Ive got to say that I love this car. I have the blue Dodge Nitro and its a head turner. I have not had any problems with it so far. I have travled in it a lot and to me it is great on gas on long trips. My family really enjoys this car. The nice part is that my son can spot our car easily. Hes three and her can tell you thats moms car. Not a lot of people have this car yet so its easy to spot. I was thinking about getting a Jeep Liberty but it seems that everywhere you turn there goes a Jeep Liberty. I wanted something different and thats exactly what this vehicle is.

• 

  great vehicle - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jomare - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle now has 330000km and is still going strong (original engine, original transmission

• 

  Overall Great Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Johnny - January 14 - 10:14 pm

  The 2000 Dodge Intrepid is one of the finest affordable cars Dodge has ever made. The 200 horses in the 2.7 litre V6 is fun to play around with. This car has great handling. I have accidentally burned out at red lights before. It has a surprisingly light body for its full sized design. I have had only one electrical issue with my Intrepid, but other than that I think it is worth it.

• 

  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Carl Tripodi - January 14 - 1:53 pm

  I just plain love my new 2006 Dodge Charger. I am finding any excuse to drive my Charger, and my kids love riding in it. The Charger is an awesome sight to behold, it looks and performs like a true muscle car. I have gotten nothing but compliments about my Charger. Everything rocks with the Charger, even the stereo. I hope Chrysler keeps it up, they seem to know what American cars are suppost to look like and perform.

• 

  Big surprise from Dodge. - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jorgeramirerez - January 13 - 2:53 pm

  After years of swearing I would never buy a Dodge, countless positive reviews suggested it was time to take a look. I did, and liked it, and so I grabbed one. Excellent so far, with no complaints. No quality issues so far, and mileage has been as expected for this much power and acceleration.

• 

  Handy to have around - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Phil Briddell - January 12 - 2:28 pm

  I bought this for my daughter who always wanted a pickup. It has a teal color. It worked very well for her. She has moved to the city and a pickup is unnecessary, so I inherited it. Im having trouble giving it up as it is handy to have around. Drives like a truck and gets the same kind of low mileage but that is what it is.

• 

  Nice & easy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By easy - January 11 - 11:58 pm

  I purchased my Nitro 4.0L R/T last year. I now have 16.9K miles. I still love it. Had a little noise in the engine compartment it was a loose power steering belt. Also, had a rattle coming from the leading edge of the roof rail. The leading edge of the roof rail is held down with double sided tape. Still a cool vehicle and its still nice and easy to me.

• 

  Liked it so much bought another - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By rmoore - January 10 - 7:28 pm

  I bought this vehicle for my wife several years ago. It was a 1999 with a 318 cid. This thing is a horse. Plenty of power when you need it. Although the third seat is only big enough for young kids it has great space. The looks of this truck is great. Traded it in on a mini-van. Worst mistake I have ever made. So I just bought our second, it is a 2003 and it is even better than the one we had before. I personally have never had any problems with a Dodge vehicle. Luck of the draw? Maybe, but this is a quality truck.