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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  Awesome - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Nareitz - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. I went from a Honda Accord to the Avenger and will never get another Honda again. These cars ROCK

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  Since 1986 - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By em3h4 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This is #4 (86, 90, 93, 02) and this is the best yet. 15,000 miles to date. Excellent mileage (24+mpg for the 15,000), rides and handles great, quite. Minor complaints - lower head room in front seats because of larger windscreen, less room in front because of bulge in control console,f uel gauge which is off 25% from full to empty, windscreen glare in certain lighting conditions.

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  Car has been great! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By What to Buy next? - February 25 - 8:40 am

  I purchased this van used with about 60K miles. It now has about 119K miles and I have had very few problems. Ive done all the routine fluid changes, etc. but no major problems. Had the water pump replaced a while back. I love the comfortable ride. Now Im in the market for another vehicle because my husbands died and Im getting the new(er) car. Kids are in college now and I cant decide what to get next.

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  Zooooommm! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By mysilvrescapepod - February 25 - 2:00 am

  My neon has 137k miles on it & its running fine (knock on wood). I live a long distance from anything so its gets me where I want to go. Great factory installed system other car companies should copy. Breaks squeak when its damp outside, its seats are a bit stiff, the motor isnt the strongest but it does the job I bought it for. I change my oil every 4,000 miles without pause which I honestly feel keeps my lil escape pod purring perfectly. Interior is nice & neat & easily able to clean when splattered w/ food or beverages. Exterior is awesome, with tint on the windows you might mistake it for one of the bad boys. Its a great start up car.

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  Questionable - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Dogman - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 Sport plus 4.7 litre 5speed automatic. I only get 12 miles per gallon. And if this holds up wonder if I should have spent the extra couple thousand for the 1500. The truck for someone who wants almost full size capabilities with ease of parking.

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  excellent piece of american muscle - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By TomC - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Ordered car in Feb. of 2002. Waited a year for arrival. Well worth the wait. Awesome power. The car sticks to the road like a race car. Much improved interior. Excellent build quality.

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  I love it! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Debbie - February 23 - 8:53 pm

  The world engine is very adequate even when being used to a V6 for many years. Love the cargo space Ive waited a long time for a compact SUV and this one is perfect!

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  Caravan # 2 - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tenpin - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd caravan.We own a 1995 that has been to hell and back with over 300,000 miles on it,no major problems at all! We love our vans!!!

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  Great Family Car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By 4boltmain - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle for my family of 4. I average 24 mi/gal, and find the 200hp 2.7L 6cyl has plenty of pep. Ive had it on 2 long road trips, and cant say enough good things about that endless cavern of a trunk, which swallows all our luggage and kid debris with the greatest of ease. The stereo sounds great, the looks are great, and the interior is laid out well. I highly recommend the Intrepid.

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  2000 CARAVAN STANDARD 3.0L - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By elvisash - February 22 - 2:00 am

  NICE VAN,NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS.NOTHING WENT WRONG AT 66000 MILES