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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  Fast...fun...fantastic! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Andy - August 14 - 9:57 am

  Now Ive only had my RT for a short period of time, but Ive been amazed at the quality of the handling and the ride. I moved up from a Saab 9-3 so its nice to feel like I have enough room to stretch out. This car is big. Very big. Yet it drives like a sports car. The ride is soft, though not too cushy, and the handling is quite responsive. In fact, I was debating whether to buy a new Charger or a lightly-used Jaguar XJR. Yes, I actually preferred the ride and handling of the Charger over a car that costs nearly $90k new. The downside: the mileage. It actually does get pretty good highway mileage (20+ mpg), but I average about 12 mpg in Southern California commuter driving.

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  Great Deals To Be found On this Vehicle! - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dlake - August 13 - 4:16 pm

  I cannot believe I got over 10K off on an SXT- loaded! I paid 19,095 for an MSRP of 29145. 5K below Edmunds Rx TMV! Saved enough to purchase an extended warranty to 5/100K. Also-48 months @ 0%. Edmunds is giving this vehicle a bad rap especially given the unbelievable deals out there.

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  BEST OF 25 YEARS OF VANS/4.0 6 speed - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ETP - August 12 - 9:23 pm

  This is the best Caravan yet and we have 7 in the extended family. The only thing that would be nice is if the drivers seat would lower all the way to the floor. very nice workmanship and a very tight vehicle. I am a mechanic and drove several of these before buying the 4.0. My daughter did too so get one while you can folks.

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  Great Little Performer - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Bryan E. Rice - August 12 - 3:06 am

  For the two months I have owned my Neon SXT, I have been very satisfied with nearly every aspect. The five speed transmission could use a little more refinement, but the engine is peppy enough to satisfy everyday drivers. Fuel economy has been very good - averaging 27 MPG. One thing I love is the virtual lack of a power lag while the AC is on. My Neons ride and handling are excellent for a small car. Cabin room is more than I expected - even my 6ft-2in tall best friend can sit comfortably in the rear seat. The interior design is clean, functional and solid, though Im prone to accidentally hitting the stereo controls when Im shifting. My Neon is a great car that Im happy I purchased.

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  Major parts good. Minor parts bad. - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Matt - August 11 - 10:03 pm

  We got this car used at 26k, and had no real issues with it for about 12 months. Since then, it has been in the shop several times for minor issues. Windshield washer pump broke. Power locks on rear doors broke. Rear washer broke. A/C leaked on the floorboards. Brake system is junk. Despite oil changes every 3,000 miles, I end up having to do an engine system flush due to sludge build-up every other time. Power steering binds. Bottom line is, that despite no real major problems with the engine, etc, it is extremely irritating to have to bring the van in for work all the time.

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  Awsome Machine by Dodge - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Eric Reed - August 11 - 6:36 pm

  I wanted one of these cars and finally found the right one. It is a thrill to drive and very popular with the family. Dodge has done it ! Ive had Challengers, Cudas and others and this awsome ride surpasses them all. All I can say is " Hemi baby " and I have always loved the 383 engine.

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  My Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Mateo - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall A very good car. Good looking however it is a bit underpowered compared to other cars in its class, it needs about another 50 horsepower to be competive. The power steering is way to overassisted for my taste, it leaves no real feel of the road. Braking is good and it handles well once you get used to the power stearing. Parts of the interior feel a bit cheap and the dash is comming apart at the de-fog vent aver about 8 months of ownership. The automatic transmission felt abit sluggish on take- off, thats why i chose the manual.

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  fun+fast+roomy - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Dan101 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I think its a great all around car its easy on gas yet has the zip of a sport car and the room do get the groceries

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  Lil Red Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Joe B - August 10 - 1:43 am

  This is one GREAT wagon.

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  Cant beat it for the money! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By wfd146 - August 10 - 1:33 am

  I bought my wife a Caliber this week, and we both love it. The CVT takes some getting used to, but it is very smooth. Its a compact car, so you have to expect its not going to be as roomy as a Durango. The standard stereo performs very well, and the aux. jack is perfect for the Ipod. Side airbags, 17" wheels, and foglights. I paid cost for the car which was $17K, and you cant find another car with the capabilities and features for the money.