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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  Better then most will admit - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By longhornfan1 - July 14 - 10:36 am

  Regardless of what is said online I have seen more dodge vehicles with over 200,000 miles on them then any other manufacture and that includes everyones beloved Honda. Dodge makes the best van for someone who wants reliable affordable transportation. This van has a great ride solid build and will not require a second loan if something does go wrong like the Honda would. My neighbor has one with 195K on it and plans to put 100 more. I have 36K and plan on 200K myself.

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  What a pleasant surprise ! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dale - July 14 - 1:06 am

  This van looks great and it has the engine to back up its beauty. I dont feel like Im drivng a minivan when I put the pedal to the medal on hills. Its really too bad the bench seat at the back only has two shoulder belts. Hopefully Damler has addressed this Dodge oversight.

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  Lots of car up front! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Anne Walsh - July 13 - 2:03 am

  This car is great on dry roads, but I am extremely unhappy with the tires. I had to replace all after 17000 miles, and do not think they are good winter snow tires like I am used to from my previously owned Subaru. Maybe this problem will be corrected with a demand for a better all-season tire. I hit a deer with the center front. We had over 2000 in damages, but my 87 year old aunt in the passenger seat wasnt even jarred! Really dislike the hatch system and how you have to readjust the dash lights every time you start the car.

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  Used 04 Neon -84000 miles - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Gary - July 12 - 5:44 pm

  I got this Neon used. It was time to get something in better shape than my 94 Camry. After a second trip back to the Dodge dealer for electrical issues (it died periodically for no apparant reason) it has been pretty much flawless. It was a bit sluggish - but it is only a 4 banger, so I tried putting in a K&N air filter and what a difference that made. It is not the quietest interior, but just turn up the CD player volume a little more. Ive been very pleased with getting this as a second vehicle for running around town in.

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  1998 Stratus w/Auto+Slap Manual Trans - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By FishTale - July 12 - 5:42 am

  I originally bought this car for my wife to drive. But, when I realized what the "Slap Stick" trans was all about, she had to get in line. This transmission is the best Ive driven, not only for the enjoyment, but for safety. You can be going 60 mph or more while in automatic and then slap into the manual on the fly. The manual trans kicks in, but only as the speed and synchromesh allows. It will bring the car to a slow speed very rapidly, as you slap those gears down. Couple that with the all-ABS, and this is one easy and safe car to control. Ive maintained the trans without fail, periodically getting the full flush treatment. Ive experienced no problems with this unique trans.

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  Nice dang car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joshua - July 12 - 1:30 am

  This car has been buggin my wife for months, but I resisted. She finally got me to test drive it and I loved it. It has plenty of room on the inside and looks really sporty on the outside. I have a daughter on the way and I feel that it is super safe for her to ride in it. I will keep it for her first car.

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  Love My new Nitro! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Perry McCourtney - July 11 - 11:03 am

  I purchased my Nitro SXT last week, and it has really impressed me so far. Although I bought the "entry level" and it is very comfortable, stylish, and fun to drive. The V-6 has plenty of power, it is nimble on the corners, and a very quiet interior cabin. The seats are firm and supportive, and theres lots of cargo room for my Lab and Pug! Gets lots of looks and positive comments on the aggressive styling. Thanks Dodge, a great SUV for the money ($20k)

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  Great buy - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Tom - July 10 - 9:00 pm

  We bought this used from a private owner to replace our 1988 Dakota last November. The 88 got to where it would just die on the road. Weve been very pleased with it and it hasnt given us any trouble at all, and it never gave the previous owner any trouble. It rides smooth as silk, seat is very comfortable, drives well, great truck. Plenty of space, though back seat is terrible to ride in. All in all, great buy.

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  My Green Machine - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By sharonda - July 10 - 8:09 pm

  The Neon was my first car. Its a terrific first car. It was easy to drive, handled well, spacious, great on gas, and cute. It is also very fun to drive considering its a manual. It only had minor problems like turn signal doesnt turn off and door squeaks a little. At only 65,000 miles, it drove like new. I cant complain but only wish it was more powered: power windows, locks and steering. Also I would love a CD player over the cassette any day.

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  Solid SUV - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge Fan - July 10 - 12:09 pm

  Just hit 75K miles and extremely pleased. Bought new in 2000. I read a few ugly reviews here and I wonder if thats because they dont have the 4.7 - solid engine. Or it could be that they drive hard (ie floor it regularly, take corners hard, etc). I also laugh at those who complain about gas mileage - Hello, this is a full- size SUV! Did they think you were buying a hybrid? Ive only had a few minor bugs. Ill keep driving the Durango hopefully for another 75K.