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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  dodge caravan sport - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gentry51 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  this van is great. I will deffinately buy another one in the future.

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  great van - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stamp - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Dodge van that we have owned. It has the quad seats, a must and the split rear seat. With two small kids the seats help alot....Radeo controls on stearing wheel also help with not takeing you eys off the road.. auto rear doors take some getting use to but seem to be reliable and a good choice.....Good luck

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  My office on the road - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MarcyAnn - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, with many uses. Its my office, my taxi, my way of hauling goods all over the place, we travel with it. So many uses. The only problem I have had with it is the seals around the sliding doors and back lift has out and I had to take it in to be re-glued a couple times. This vehicle handles great in snow and I need that in Cleveland winters. The traction control is wonderful

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  Minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By P ALekna - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ride great and carries everything.

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  completely satified - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By George DeGroot - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving my Dodge carivan. It is comfortable easy to handle and reliable!

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  America Rocks - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Colorado Native - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fellow Americans, just because it doesnt have the "coveted" "H" ot "T" (Honda and Toyota) on the hood does not mean this isnt one great van. Great ride, excellent looks and all the Caravans I have ever owned have never given me a day of trouble. Take care of it and it will take care of you, for a lot less then the Honda or Toyota.

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  Dodge Advantages - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LTLION - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My Dodge Caravan is the most satisfying vehicle I have owned. It is easy to drive and operate. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have known. We thoroughly enjoy the high quality which allows us to carry six adults very comfortable. The sliding doors and opening hatch, all with a button from within or outside the vehicle, add to the convenience and pleasure of using the Caravan.

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  My little race car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Gstock - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the ACR competition model a factory racecar intended for SCCA Road Racing and Solo competition. Keep that in mind if you consider and ACR. Great handling - but even with the suspension set on full soft (all 4 struts are adjustable for both rebound and compression) it’s a very firm ride. The pay off is it handles like it’s on rails! The power is adequate, 150 hp in a 2600 lb car. As for reliability, the battery went out at 20K but other than that it’s been good. It’s my daily commuter, my long distance hauler and it’s my racecar for SCCA Solo II Autocross events. And for the price I still can’t beat the performance. It’s a fun car.

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  the best - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Dave oocp - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. It look way better then the old body style. Thes is a great car!!

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  not a van type of guy - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Zevner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  as single dad raising seven kids by myself ive found a new luv with my durango it fits us all, it isnt as big and bulky as most suvs and isnt as expensive either