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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  Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By estelle - September 17 - 12:10 pm

  I got this car at 36000 miles. Three months later, the water pump went out (it was so bad that all of the fluid would come out as soon as I out it in). The thermostat was replaced twice and needs it done again. The dome lights in the car blink on and off. Sometimes staying on for more than 15mins ( I was told it was the DCM). The car overheated and they dont know why. The oil light comes on and off. All in all I do like the car, I just wish there werent so many problems.

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  Gets all the looks. - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By John - September 17 - 1:38 am

  This car gets all the looks everywhere it goes. Sadly, Its been in the shop monthly for one issue or another. Terrible gas mileage On a good day maybe 20hwy. The exterior looks great but can not make up for the cheap plastic interior.

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  Little red Grocery getter - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dawn - September 16 - 10:03 pm

  I like it so far.. I hope the wagon style doesnt get old after awhile. My husband likes the chopped body style look. It looks like a car from the front

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  Must have got a good one.Very reliable! - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By llonman - September 16 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Caravan when our third child was born. Van had 82K on the odometer and was on the second owner. The van now has 156K and still runs okay. The 3.0 engine has burned oil since day one due to the leaking seals. But it is managable. Idler pully is worn out but is cheaper to just replace belt with the next smaller belt to fend off squeeking. One of the resistors in the fan switch also went south at 130K, so we just choose the other 4 speeds. Tranny is the 3 speed model which is rock solid. Overall good van for the daily abuse it takes.

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  Junk - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bernickfamily - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car we have ever owned. Transmission went out and electrical problems. All after warranty. This is our last Dodge. Do yourself a favor and never buy one. You may not want to accept one as a gift. I am not alone with these problems. Nearly all owners suffer the problems of this product.

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  Great car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By BOOSTED - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about a month now, and absolutely love it. The sound and feeling you get when the turbo spools is great. Also there is nothing like pulling up to a Mustang GT and pulling a couple cars on him. Handling is great, but the power can be overwellming coming out of turns, but thats a good complaint to have. Love the looks everone gives me when they think to themselves "did i just get beat by a neon?"

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  My Car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By dolphins79 - September 16 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for a "very fast" but also "very fun" car, then the Dodge Neon SRT-4 is definately the right choice. Although getting in and out of the drivers seat is definately a chore, the passenger gets to get in and enjoy a very fun and exciting ride, only to jump out and admire the design of the car. That and reminiscing about the ride that left them gripping their seats. See. Now I think Im gonna go for a cruise..... To all consumers...ENJOY!!!!

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  THE RIGHT MINIVAN - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By GRYMDSNPPR - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH MY 2004 GRAND CARAVAN SE. REMOVING THE SEATS WAS THE ONLY REAL INCONVIENCE. WHEN I SAW THE ON LINE ADDS FOR 2005 WITH STOW & GO SEATING I HAD TO SEE IT. i BOUGHT ONE VERY SOON AFTER SEEING ONE FOR THE FIRST TIME. MY OLD VAN ONLY HAD 58,000 MILES. A BABY BY MY STANDARDS. I USUALLY RUN MY VEHICLES 150,000 TOO 200,000+ MILES BEFORE CHANGING. THE STOW AND GO SEATS HAVE BEEN JUST WHAT I NEEDED. THE VAN HAS BEEN TROUBLE FREE SO FAR. MY FORTH CHRYSLER BRAND MINIVAN AND THE BEST SO FAR. THE LAST ONE WAS VERTUALLY TROUBLE FREE.

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  Great for 1st Business Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By JiggyTiggy - September 15 - 9:56 am

  I bought this car to be my first "business car" for the mileage and economy. So far everything I have tested has been great and functioned great! Finally a vehicle with an awesome sound system from the factory. It handles what I throw at it and more. Awesome amount of cargo room. I haul around computer parts all day, so that was one of the key factors on this car. Mileage has varried from about 22mpg to 28mpg mixed city/hwy - I admit I step on the gas more than I should. I bought this to replace driving my 2001 Dakota due to the 12mpg it was giving me.

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  Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By skip - September 15 - 3:16 am

  This vehicle is very reliable and very quick response for the size vehicle. The new aggressive look of the front end appeals to me. The coolest thing about the Dodge Magnum is the low- profile of the vehicle. The great fuel- economy is very nice, 19.7 city.