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:

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Allen - October 18 - 3:35 pm

  Bought the 5speed manual version new in fall of 1997, for my 50 mile commute. Has never quit on me. No repairs, just normal maintenance. The dealer called me in to replace the head gasket early on. Now has 233,000 miles and it just keeps going. I check my gas mileage every fillup, and its averaged 35mpg. This car has got to rank up there as one of the best automotive values in history.

• 

  Love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Caryl - October 17 - 9:38 am

  Love my Hemi. Although I have had a couple of issues...tie rods, navigation, and windows/sunroof electrical problems. But no car is perfect, especially when its a new model. I am sure the list of complaints will be taken care of. Considering the size of the car I cannot complain about the gas mileage- I think it does well for her size and power. We took it to Florida and we were very comfy and it did great on gas. The ultimate "Mom" car that Dad loves to drive to take advantage of the get up and go. Mom is guilty of that too. Its a very roomy, family car that is really sharp looking. I swore I would never own a wagon. Congrats to Dodge for creating the cool and fun family vehicle.

• 

  Satified so far - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Yeoman Chief - October 17 - 7:03 am

  I have had the vehicle for about a month. We really love the van. Roomy interior. Stow-n-go is very helpful with twin boys. Ride is comparable to some sedans that I have driven. I did have to take to the shop to get the emergency brake line connected. It was never connected at the plant. Also I have noticed some of the areas behind the panels and door jams do not have the same level of paint as on the exterior of the van. Overall I am pleased with the vehicle. Hopefully no other items will come up.

• 

  Neon in Neutral - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Macadew - October 16 - 6:43 pm

  The Neon has been fairly reliable and gets excellent gas mileage. Its a five speed which helps with mileage and makes it more valuable.The car has held up well overall and now has 103,000 miles. It makes a loud whining sound whenever turning the steering wheel which is obnoxious. The ride isnt very smooth, but I guess thats the case with most small cars.

• 

  Its got a Hemi - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By ronezinc - October 16 - 9:52 am

  I got rid of my anemic performing 4.7 V- 8 Dakota that wouldnt tow worth a hoot, got a Hemi that gets better gas mileage (multi displacement technology) and tows great.

• 

  Wisp - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By William Freisinger - October 16 - 8:10 am

  Handles well. Has good pickup speed. Comfortable seating. Excellent sound system.

• 

  Dont buy a Caravan - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stevie D - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This van has been in the shop 3 times with problems with the steering column.Recently at 47000 the Caravan has died 2 times during rush hour traffic with transmission problems.Im taking it back in tomorrow for the same transmission problem.They say 3 times is a charm, Well see.

• 

  Better then my 2006 Ford Explorer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Elke and Al - October 14 - 11:03 pm

  I test drove the Nitro three weeks ago and found it fun and super to drive after my husband already took it on a test drive the week before. Its easy to handle, parks very easy, and for a short person has good view points. I drove it already in snow and ice and it handles very well. Love my sunroof and the leather seats. Controls on the steering wheel are cool too. I like better the old 2006 Ford Explorer I had. More sporty and sassy, a Grandma with and attitude and grandchild on board. I get between 17.8 Miles to 18.5 mpg and hope it gets better when I have more miles on the engine,

• 

  Adequate for low sale price - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By tonyv1 - October 14 - 8:00 pm

  We wanted the 2008 GC or TC, but excise tax in Puerto Rico is huge, over 30% on top of full MSRP, so when new 2007 SXT model became available at liquidation sale at under $20K, we jumped at it. Nice surprise was that SXT came with additional options cruise control, power drivers seat, power slide door and 6 CD player we didnt expect, so we paid $5K less than invoice and avoided taxes altogether, and dealer drove new car over 100 miles to us where we had a mechanic verify it was new. Hot PR weather requires AC on full time, so gas mileage is only three quarters expected. Im only 6 ft. tall but still find pedals short and side door controls scrape my legs in front seats. Otherwise, OK

• 

  Welcome Back from Iraq Present - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By SFC_Charger - October 13 - 10:09 pm

  Got Back from Iraq and the wife let me get a new car..Got me the Black RT. Just added a K&N Cold air...wow..31 Highway 19 city...looks great, room for the family, with the intake this monster growls. I have the B A speaker package and the stereo sounds great, still need the Kicker 10" for the trunk. Move over Mustang this monster is for real. Should have gotten the Nav system. After market upgrades are plentiful and cheap. This car has totally erased any possibilty of a mid life crisis. I get looks from everybody. Especially all the cute lite 2.7L and 3.5L/SXTs...gotta have the Hemi Best bargain out there. The price per enjoyment ratio is awesome....get one today!