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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  Reliability Issues - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Sani - September 7 - 2:00 am

  My dad bought a new Honda Odyssey this year and sold me this car, since I couldnt fit a car seat for my new baby into my 1992 Toyota Celica. He had the transmission rebuilt and then drove it up from Florida to Missouri with a trailer of furniture - well under the 3,000 pound limit. Now, the car needs a $3,000 ABS part, and the transmission needs to be rebuilt again, after less than 5,000 miles. The wipers operate randomly, which others in the reviews have noted, and the Infinity radio/CD/tape doesnt work - the buttons have to be pushed very hard, and then they sometimes operate other functions. Im fixing it and selling it - and buying a nice, reliable used Camry.

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  Good versatile vehicle - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Bill - September 6 - 2:31 pm

  I bought this van with 26,000 miles on it in 2003. I have 49,000 on it now. Aside from a minor solenoid leak in the transmission (easy 90 buck fix at dealer) and normal wear and tear items ( specifically the front brakes and serpentine belt)I have had no problems.It starts easily and goes as needed. It has great mileage and good power. The airbag clockspring was recalled- free fix. This van is my workhorse which with normal maintenance hopefully I will get over 100 k out of. I put 137000 on my prior 1992 plymouth voyager and everything worked the whole time. I donated it to the purple heart in good shape. I expect the Dodge to work just as well. Overall this is a great van which paid for itself

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  Great Car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By xtec - September 6 - 12:02 pm

  I had my 06 Charger SXT for almost two years, and it rides like the first day I bought it. I never get tired driving this car. It has a great ride, style, and I think its the best car Chrysler has ever made. I would suggest that anybody buying a car should give the Charger and the 300 a test drive.

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  Great Truck So Far - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Chris - September 6 - 6:20 am

  Ive only had this truck a short time, but I am impressed with the build quality, appears to be much improved over previous Chrysler products. The ride is very comfortable for a truck, and the handling is above average for a truck. Everyone likes the looks, mine is black and it seems to look better than the other colors. By the way, I have the V8 with the tow package, the pull down will only allow me for the V6.

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  Bad Fuel Economy - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DK - September 6 - 1:06 am

  Overall the van is pretty nice. An issue with two kids in car seats in the middle row is, they dont have any place to put their things, like toys or such. they are in the bucket seats. I suppose the back row might be more feasible but then you can reach them from the front (hand them something). Handling, acceleration, etc, driving experience is great. First time owning/driving a caravan and this 2010 is nice; almost like a SUV. My biggest complaint thus far, after 1800miles, is the fuel mileage. 14 MPG in the city, driving ultra conservative w/ A/C (of course now it is showing 12 mpg). On long trip (300 miles) about 19-20. Im thinking something is amiss here. This BLOWS.

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  Try not to grin! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Rick - September 5 - 11:15 pm

  This is a a classic muscle car in that its loud and a bit heavy. Other than that, its fun to drive! My kids love riding in this car - I cant be more than a mile from the house before I hear, "Hit it, Dad!".

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  37k mile review! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By teejay - September 4 - 11:34 pm

  Well here I am at 37k miles and so far not much to complain about. I did have one minor problem with a front stereo speaker going out, but Dodge replaced that quickly and without hesitation. I have rotated and checked my tire pressure religiously, but after only 37k I will need new tires soon. I will not go back with Goodyear. Other than that I am pleased with my purchase and hope to kept the truck for many years unless Dodge comes out with a diesel in the Dakota soon?

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  Good truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By john - September 4 - 8:49 pm

  This is one tough truck. 185000 miles and reliable as a new truck. The v6 can put out the power you want even at 14 years old. If you are considering buying go for it.

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  Go For It - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Shagrat - September 4 - 6:37 pm

  Traded up from a Mustang GT because I wanted the performance but needed the room. This 4000+ pound vehicle handles better and goes faster than the Mustang. I bought it for performance not mileage, so the gas pump doesnt scare me. This is the new generation muscle car that you will see in car shows for years to come.

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  Most Dependable Truck Ive Ever Had - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Dependable Truck - September 3 - 6:37 am

  Traveling from coast to coast with an average of 30,000 miles a year, I now have no choice but to let people know of my Dakota that I purchased new that now has 193,000 miles on it. I have the 4.7 engine and its by far the most dependable thing Ive ever owned. Ive done nothing but regular maint this whole time and it has never let me down or had any issues. Ive used the 4wd many times in the snow and mud. Ive hauled trailers that were over weight, yet not even the transmission has given me a lick of trouble. My last Dodge which was a ram 1500 had 348,000 when I traded it in. I hope to get this many on this Dakota.