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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  Excelent Wagon for the whole family. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Terilee - September 1 - 12:00 pm

  The Dodge Magnum presents a radical shift for the Dodge line. Style and functionality mix to provide an outstanding people friendly wagon with style. This class of cars has recently been showing its age. The Magnum breaks this mold and produces a handsome car with excitement and curb appeal. Unheard of just a year ago. The All Wheel Drive is excellent in snow and when mated with the Hemi engine Shows none of the customary reluctance of 4- wheel drive systems. Wonderful!

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  Best Full Size Family Van - 1996 Dodge Ram Wagon
  By Marine 1 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This was my second Dodge family Van. The first was a 1980 model, 250 3/4 ton, we had it for 10 years. Never let us down, exceptional utility, good gas mileage, prone to body rust. 1996 SLT (Luxury) 2500 model 3/4 ton, has firm good handling suspension,(1500 1/2 too soft-wallows) 5.2L Magnum V8 AWESOME! 4 speed Torqueflite transmission, 3.55 ratio HD rear axle. 50,000 mile average fuel economy 15.6 Roomy, good looking vehicle, easy driver, great visibility, no mechanical/electrical problems, simple service, No rust. Many 24hr. trips Mass. to Fla.

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  Love this Van - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By CMCNamara - September 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th dodge caravan. They just keep getting better. This van is an excellent family van. Plenty of room. Very accomodating when buying something large. No problem getting it home.

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  Dodge Got it Right This Time - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By chevylover - August 30 - 4:20 pm

  I looked at a lot of cars before I bought this Avenger, and I must say Im glad I waited for this car. The car is excellent in the city and on the highway. My R/T is loaded with every available option and I think this car will be a classic. Thumbs up to the Dodge Avenger designers.

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  Grand Caravan Review - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kemrich - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Grand Caravan we have owned. First one lasted 11 years and 250,000 miles on one engine and one Trannie. Mileage is acceptable at an average of 22 mph on regular gas. Only gripe is removal and reinstall of the second set of seats and the rear bench. Chrysler should have learned from the competition. Still awkward.

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  Happy W/My Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Happy w/MyDurango - August 30 - 10:00 am

  After reading some very negative reviews, I thought I should throw in my two cents. I purchased a 1999 Model Durango used 2 years ago and have not had any problems with the vehicle.

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  perfect 10 - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By James Dirden - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I loved everything about this car I will never want a nother car.

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  Best value - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By arcdude - August 29 - 2:00 am

  What a great deal! Used Neons are incredibly cheap and you get a great car for the price. With the 5 speed, you get performance that is not expected from an economy car. And with all the aftermarket performance parts available, you can get it to perform as high as you want. The look on the face of the young, smartaleck 5.0 Mustang owner as he gets blown away by a Neon is priceless!!!

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  Reliability and Economy - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Caramel - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Neon new 8 years ago as a commuter car (4D, 5-speed manual). Has been serving me with excellent reliability and economy. With an 80/20 mix of highway/city, mileage is consistently better than 31 mpg. No major repairs so far, only wear and tear items such as brakes, tires replaced. Including cost of purchase, fuel, insurance, maintenance and repair, the cost per mile is 21 cents at this time.

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  A car persons car - 1991 Dodge Daytona
  By spoon32 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Modern features yet still easy to work under hood. Built solid.