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 Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ron808 - April 2 - 5:30 pm

  I used to own an 01 SE intrepid with the 2.7L and I didnt have any issues with the engine at all. I did have to replace the tranny at 95,000 miles but other than that it was the perfect car. It got totaled by a drunk driver at 125,000 miles and I decided to replace it with another Intrepid. which I have now and it is even better. It is an 01 ES with the 3.2L fully loaded which i would recommend to anyone, the ride is so smooth and the size is great. The only advice I have if you are thinking about getting an 1998-2004 Intrepid is even though had no issues at with with my 2.7L engine, you should look for an Intrepid with 3.2L,3.5,or 3.5HO engine.

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  99 Durango Underpowered & Poor Fuel Econ - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By tman300 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like this vehicle. Have 360 cid (5.9L) generating 245 hp with 3.55 rear axle ratio and limited slip differential. One complaint is gas mileage. Although I have meticulously maintained this vehicle from day one, have never achieved sticker stated 16 mpg at highway speeds (55-75 mph). Also, local driving mpg comes in at around 10.5 and not the sticker stated 12 (forget about driving in NYC- 6-7 mpg there). I am neither a leadfoot or a featherfoot.

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  So far, So Great - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By buddhapbw - March 31 - 7:42 pm

  I really enjoy the Grand Caravan SXT, special edition. It seems to be roomy has a lot to offer and was a lot less money than the Honda, wish we could have waited for the 2008, but very pleased with this van.

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  Purchased for highway driving. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Sean - March 31 - 2:25 pm

  I commute to work, 40 miles each way, so a car advertising high gas mileage and low pricing was key. I bought the car in October 06 when the weather was changing. It made it through the winter no problem starts promptly, never overheats but I have noticed a few things about the car: Gas mileage advertised is for 60mph. Anything over that, kiss the 32mpg highway goodbye. Engine idles at 6k rpm when stopped, which causes a slight vibration in the cabin. Coolant gauges normal range varies between top end of cold and first quarter line. Brakes squeak. A lot. Dont be fooled though, they work extremely well! Dodge transmission, expect problems! Already rough at 41.5k.

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  Buy Something else! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bruce Campbell - March 31 - 8:31 am

  This vehicle cost more to operate than a Mercedes Benz which is why I dumped this car and went ahead and bought one. Dont waste your time or money on a Dodge Caliber unless you have time to spend at the repair shop and money to keep it running.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Brown Sugar - March 31 - 12:13 am

  I never thought about buying new until the Charger arrived. It fits all my familys needs, yes family. It has all the thrills of nostalgic muscle of modern day refinment. I feel safe puting my newborn and 7 year old in it but yet dont feel like I bought the old boring old family four door. It has the thrills of a muscle car.

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  IMPRESSED OWNER - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rafo - March 30 - 4:43 am

  I was impressed with this car the beginning. Plenty of room and good performance. Grabs the road real well. Good acceleration in the highway. I have not have to see the dealer for a single service item. Road noise is a little loud compare to luxury sedans but not for a sport sedan like this one. Impressed with the quality of the build and the interior finish. Almost like a European car. Fuel mileage is between 23 and 26 miles per gallon. Own the 3.2 liter version.

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  Fun Family car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Krukedi - March 29 - 4:24 pm

  We bought because we are having a baby and needed more room. We wanted fun and practical. We got the R/T with R&T performance package. It turns heads, gives plenty of power and feels safe compared to other four door sedans in the same price range. Wish you could spin the tires better but its probably good it cant because I would go through them too quick.

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  prefer it to my 87 celica gt - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By demrdi - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I consider the Neon to be among the most under-rated cars on the road. Its faster and handles better than the poor mans Porsche that I drove from 90- 93, and has gotten me up many a steep slipery slope in winter. Its the second one Ive owned, the first was a 96 and very satisfactory, and this 03 is better in every way.

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  Dogde neon rating - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By ljl1225 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  the dodge neon is comfortable to drive -