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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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rozzie - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have 143,000 on my intrepid and its still going strong. Its the best car Ive owned. Its a smooth ride & very dependable.

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  Blue Dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By DKTKID - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Im in love with my 92 Dakota. There is nothing I would rather drive. I also have a 97 Dakota but I like my V-8 much better. I think they are well built pieces of machinery.

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  Love it! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By lg - August 10 - 1:40 am

  Bought it new with 16 miles. Now has 84,000. Love it! Stow n go is the best. Lots of room, rides smooth, and very comfortable. Only money we have put into it is for a faulty blinker switch. No other problems. Gets average of 20 mpg (which isnt bad for a van). Auto doors-great when hands are full-just a push of a button. Family is grown, so we are now selling it. Really hate to see it go, but going to something smaller for better gas mileage.

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  My third Viper, far and away the best! - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By jim lear - August 9 - 2:00 am

  The SRT 10 which I ordered 3 minutes into the "owners only" list in February of 2002 finally arrived (dealer error). It is my 3rd viper, first was 96 limited edition, last was 2000 RT/10. Performace is beyond belief. (I disagree strongly with J.D. Powers review saying power increase is not noticible.)The car is simply awesome, although it took me a while to accept the less agressive front end. Comfort and sound system are vastly superior to RT/10. But alas, after 26 months of no speeding tickets, I picked up tywo last week. Jim Lear, 303 770-5870

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  Would Do it Again - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Kevin H - August 9 - 2:00 am

  After 40K miles and 2 1/2 years, Im still well pleased with my truck. When I purchased, the main option I considered was the F150 4 door. The Dakota styling, ride, and handling sold me. The truck is just the right size, not the lumbering giant of a full size but not the tuna can of a compact. The fit and finish are good, the 4.7 V8 is an exceptionally strong engine, and the Infinity stereo is one of the best factory systems Ive heard in a truck. No major problems with the truck, although there is some backlash in the transmission thats anoying.

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  Great versatile Dakota Quad Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By dskoczylas - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck has everything the typical home owner with kids needs. It has a very roomy cab which easily seats 5 people. The bed is big enough for most household chores. Plus It comes with a V8 to give it necessary power for towning and hauling. It is a blast to drive with the V8 and 5 speed, although the 5 speed is a bit noisy. Great overall truck which I would buy again.

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  Great Truck! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By scorpion - August 7 - 2:00 am

  You gotta get the bed liner and bed cover. This is a sharp looking truck. Looks just like the Dodge Ram but smaller.

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  A great car - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By ruhavingfun - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle was new off the lot. I wanted a car to tow behind my RV. My Stratus has exceeded my expectations. Its been fun to drive & extremely reliable. Only 1 problem so far,the left front headlight assembly had condensation due to a bad seal that was covered under waranty. Its been one of the most reliable and fun cars Ive ever owned. Hate to sell it but need a larger vehicle to hold our family of 6.

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  I recommend this vehicle - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By MR. C - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable and quiet ride. Roomy and stylish vehicle. The vehicle has everything except a GPS. I am very happy with this purchase.

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Honda=STRANDED - August 6 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 2001 HONDA Odyessy that was a PIECE OF JUNK, this is a pleasure to drive. The DVD player is wonderful! So is the power and build quality. I know of a lot of others that are driving HONDAS with MANY MANY PROBLEMS. To them I say dont drive the hype, buy a American van. When is HONDA going to RECALL ITS TRANSMISSIONS?