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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  On a positive note - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Taybjay - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Funny on how many people complain about the gas mileage on this Durango. 13 To 16 miles to the gallon. What are they comparing it to?? Remember this is a V8 and not a wimpy V6. Look at the other V8 sport uts on the market and youll see that they ALL get around the same MPG !!! We are pleased with our Durango. It has given us 63,000 problem free miles. Do ALL you recommened service intervals for problem free ownership. And its still rattle free on these horrid Michigan roads.

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  i like this truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By theeewweeee - January 18 - 2:00 am

  had truck since 03 2002 no problems so far good family truck with power when needed, would recommend to anyone.

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  Review of 2009 after 107K miles - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By The Baumgardners - January 17 - 11:53 am

  We bought this car new from a dealer in Maryland. My husband used it to commute long distances to work. When it hit 70K, we bought a new car and I used the Caliber for my work commute. We have had NO problems with this car. The car I had before was a Saab, and this Caliber ran so much better. Were getting ready to sell it now as we have 4 vehicles parked out front. I would have no apprehension about driving this another 50K OR more.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By georgiatoe - January 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is excellent!!!

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  stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By mick - January 17 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive, awesome handiling and performance, great styling. its a blast to own.

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  stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Mick - January 17 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive, awesome handiling and performance, great styling. its a blast to own.

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  Surprise, surprise!! - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Blue beast - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought as a simple commuting vehicle. I soon discovered how much fun it is to drive. The 5 speed trans and DOHC engine were more than sufficient. However, a polished and ported head, racing cams, headers, bigger throttle body and exhaust make for a truly exciting driving experience. A body kit is being added so looks match performance.

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  Perfection - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jerry Benson - January 16 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? After 124000 miles, I am totally satisfied. Still drives like new, and because of the superior exterior styling, still looks like new.

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  Excellence - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Duf - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is an outstanding car. Lots of looks from other drivers. Picks up women well!

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 1992 Dodge Dynasty
  By Ken S - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I can honstly say my 92 has been the best car I have owned, and I have owned many vehicles of different makes. It now has 193,000 miles on it with no major problems. The 3.3L engine delivers excellent performance and mileage for my daily commute. Other than tires, brakes, filters and tuneups the engine or transmission has never been tuched except for service. I have always changed oil every 3,000 miles and trans service every 30,000 miles. Most of the transmission problems associated with this particular vehicle appear to be from improper fluids, owner neglect, or a small problem ignored until it is disastorous. Cars need service no matter what it is.