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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  Reliable and Versatile - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Randy - March 28 - 2:03 pm

  My wife still loves this van. The kids are grown but she wants to keep this van as long as we can. She puts all her props for plays and garage sales finds in the van. With the seats down it is amazing what you can transport. We get about 19 miles to the gallon around town. It has comfortable seating even on a long drive. Knock on wood, but no mechanical problems to date.

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  Bought used-so far so good - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Geraldo - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this 98 in 2002 with 45k on it. So far I am very happy. Great looking and comfy with great trunck space. Climate control and outside noise a little high. Small things like poor placemnt of cup holders and not the greatest driver friendly radio controls...although it has a fierce sound system!

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  Dodge Caravan Sport - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Shannon Rinker - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would own a minivan! This minivan changed my mind quickly~I am extremely pleased with my minivan. It has been reliable, strong, has great options that are practical and is in my opinion the best pick in minivans!

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  2000 stratus is awesome - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By mikeyp - March 26 - 2:00 am

  the 2000 stratus is a beautiful car. the autostick option on the es is a blast. i love the car. it is so smooth, even at speeds over 70 mph. im surprised i havent gotten any tickets yet!

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lex696988 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SRT4 in June of 2003 and since then I have put 12000 miles on it and it is still holding up strong and believe me I drive my car hard. This car for a 4 cyclinder turbo really gets the job done!! I have showed up 2003 Mustang GTs and especially my favorite are the 5.0s they hate to see me pass them ;-). But for the money I spent on this car and what it can do there is nothing like it for the price and not only that I dont see anyone with my car. I LOVE BEING THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS ONE. But to end this on the best note, DODGE FINALLY WOKE UP AND STARTED TO MAKE SOME DETROIT MUSCLE AGAIN!!!

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  A Rare Breed - 1994 Dodge Stealth
  By HenryFrapp - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very well designed, reliable and a true joy to drive. The cockpit is laid out so that it is easy to monitor the pulse of the car while yours is rapidly on the rise. This is my second Stealth, at 97k miles has, with the exception of an alternator being replaced tomorrow, had no mechanical problems. These cars are great values and a ton of fun to drive. Nothing in this price range can compare in performance. The new Nissan 350Z horsepower and performance pales in comparison. This car is a true driving pleasure and rare breed.

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  Great car - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By csjjeep - March 25 - 2:00 am

  absolutely no trouble whatsoever I change oil with quality oil and filter (not one of these oil change jack leg places) no problems put fresh brakes on it about 10k ago seem to be doing good. thats it

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  The baby Viper - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Steelnyak - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The Avenger is an exceptional car for the money, and it has enough power, looks, and features to keep it in my garage.

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  4.7 liter V8 QuadCab - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Jynxie - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very comfy! A very stable truck to drive your kids around in.

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  Blue Charger for South Florida - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By SouthFlorida Traveler - March 24 - 11:17 am

  This is not the usual GM product. In fact, its a whole new look for Dodge.