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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  Caravan Sxt a great package at low price - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By Stephen Semenza - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my first minivan a Dodge Caravan SXT. The Sxt has 16in aluminum wheels,Upgraded Seating ans=d the 6cylinder enigine. The Caravan has plenty of room handles great and the Kids Love it. A great value as compared to some of the competitors

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  Nice car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By DodgeBoy - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I went in to buy a 2003 and found the last 2002 on the lot. Had all the options I didnt want, but because it was last years model I got a good price. Overall a very nice car. Good acceleration, quiet, solid feel, a stiff but not harsh ride, quick steering response, and not bad on gas. The automatic (the one item I really DIDNT want) is a little sluggish, go for the manual if you can find one. Turning radius is not as tight as I expected. So far no problems, except a weird unidentified and intermittent noise from the rear when starting.

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  like my truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By dorothy koprowski - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I needed a truck to haul stuff without asking to loan one in the family all the time. I traded in my beloved new yorker but I love the dakota. Its a good truck for a woman

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  Excellent truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By sogospfan - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I just dont like the 15mpg gas mileage. I have only had the truck for 3 weeks and have put over 1000 miles on it. It is so fun to drive. I love it.

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  95 Dodge caravan - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Bill Adams - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Great van... very reliable, good fuel economy... 3.0 engine has been great. Trans. had a few problems early on however was taken care of by dealership. Van has only been back once to the dealer.. Changed oil every 3,000 and does not burn oil between changes. Exterior is in like new condition.. the champagne color is OK.. not particularly my first choice however in view of whats available.. its fine. Liked it enough to buy another. have owned 3 so far.

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  My Friends Cant Believe What I Paid - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By LuvToDrive - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I started out looking for an inexpensive compact sedan. I couldnt believe it when I stumbled upon the price of the Intrepid. It cost virtually the same as an upgraded compact sedan, except that it came standard with far more features. Once I took it for a ride, I was sold. The standard engine is extremely powerful and this car corners like a sports car. To top it off the car looks fantastic. My kids love the spacious and comfortable rear seats and a/c vents. Even though its a base model sedan it feels more like Im driving a flashy sport coupe!

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  My Friends Cant Believe What I Paid - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By LuvToDrive199 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I started out looking for an inexpensive compact sedan. I couldnt believe it when I stumbled upon the price of the Intrepid. It cost virtually the same as an upgraded compact sedan, except that it came standard with far more features. Once I took it for a ride, I was sold. The standard engine is extremely powerful and this car corners like a sports car. To top it off the car looks fantastic. My kids love the spacious and comfortable rear seats and a/c vents. Even though its a base model sedan it feels more like Im driving a flashy sport coupe!

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  Happy Dodge Owner - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Happy Dodge Owner - May 30 - 4:30 pm

  I have generally owned Fords. After the normal ups and downs of life, I decided to reward myself with a new vehicle. I had been researching for a year and half, looking at Explorers and Escapes, etc. I decided to take a visit to look at Dodge trucks since I have always liked the way they looked. I probably wouldnt have given the Durango a thought, but I really liked the redesigned look over the earlier versions. It is fun to drive and it gives me the leg room that I need. I settled for the standard model, because I prefered the color they had in stock! My only wish is that I had purchased the SLT with the 3rd row seat, running boards, steel rims, and moon roof! Otherwise, it is a joy!

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  durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By durango man - May 29 - 2:00 am

  it doesnt feel to tipsy around corners, incredibly surprising how well it handles offroad, very comfortable, awesome looks and loads of power to get you where you want to go.

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  RTOKw/ME - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By AvidRTOwner - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Fits my desire for a great looking sedan with oomph. My second Intrepid. Dissappointed about the noise level though. Car tracks extremely well and the 3.5L engine provides all the power I want. Low end torque could be better. Only problem Ive had was the resonator (replaced under warranty). The car is fun to drive and exterior styling is great. Ditto on the door seal shrinkage reported by others.