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:

• 

  Nice unit - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By J46957 - November 17 - 6:26 am

  Car handles great. The available upgrades from Mopar while keeping it "safe" under the warranty is really nice. Best buy for the money.

• 

  R/T - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By R/T Guy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I didnt expect much when I got the car, it reminded me of an intrepid and I figured it would drive like one. However, this R/T is powerful, and has the potential to be a sports car when it wants to be, and at the same time can be a comfortable ride around town. Ive had no problems with my R/T, and no real complaints. Im extremely happy with my car.

• 

  Two weeks in and I love it - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By slickerby - November 14 - 5:46 pm

  I bought the Inferno Red SXT 2.0 two weeks ago after retiring a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Not nearly as plush as my Jeep, but still perfect for my commute to work. Roomier than expected and I even took my six-foot-plus-some- son to sit in the back seat at the dealership before I decided to buy. Once I drove and got the feel of the CVT I was hooked. Great car, great value, great sporty look.

• 

  All the way with Dynasty - 1991 Dodge Dynasty
  By smoothrider - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1991 Dynasty in October, 1991. It has been a great car. It now has 189,000 on it and of course it needs some work. The 3.3 V6 is a very good engine. It has a good ride and the styling. In 11 years Ive only replaced two water pumps, a starter and a transmission overhaul at 155,000. The weakness that I see is that on most Dynastys that have been over the road have rust at the bottom of the front right passenger door. Mine cost only cost $100 to fix. I was disappointed to find out that neither rear door opens from the inside, since about the 180,000 mile mark. I really like my Dynasty! Ill hate to see it go.

• 

  My 4.7 MAGNUM V-8 QUAD CAB 2000 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By SKOOB - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Have had my quad cab for almost 3 years now, Have had no problems with my as of now. Only thing to mention is a slight ruff idle when cold weather sets in, lasts only about 3 seconds. now have 25,000 mi on it, The 4.7 V-8 has been a very good motor, the performance of this truck is awesome. Reminds me of driving my 69 Superbee back in High School. When I first test drove the 4.7 quad,from a dead stop it put down 15 feet of rubber. WOW I did not expect that, the smile on my face was enough to sell me. Only thing that bugs me is the poor gas milage, 13 mpg average city and highway. But this is more then likely due to my heavy foot. Cant help it. Its too fun.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By bobtribe - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has a great style. The engine sounds very nice and can get up and go very fast for its size. I went on a trip to Wyoming with this car from Oregon. The Car was a blast to drive, it was a great experiance. And the whole time I got around 28+ mpg which was REALLY good for the power.

• 

  I want expecting to buy a Stratus STX - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bevans - November 12 - 2:00 am

  We went the the dealer with a Stratus R/T with a large V6 and auto trans in mind, but met the 5 speed manual STX version and drove it. I was shocked when the salesman told me it was a 4 cyl. It was a beautiful car and extremely fun to drive. We only have 2000 miles on it so I cant comment about problems. So far, we havent had any.

• 

  Fun times - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Off-roader - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I think all you people you say that the durango needs a 5.2 intead of a 4.7 dont know what your talking about. we have a 1998 5.8 durango in great cond. and the 4.7 drives and feels alot better. The AC in mine is alight not that much different then in the 98. but the 4.7 model is lot lighter feel and it alot faster then 5.9 was new. they really but alot of work in the new engine. it also had a Benz feeling in it. its not as truck feeling as the 98 had but still nice. handles in off roading better then 98, really fun to drive, better then any ford or chevy can do.

• 

  Goodys Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By goody03 - November 11 - 2:00 am

  sweet car! it is very fun to drive. i am goin to be a dodge boy forever.

• 

  My second Durange - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By GRK - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one of my favorite vehicles ever. It is actually an SLT Plus with the 5.9. The new Durango is my second I had one of the first 1998s. I think the exterior design and shape is by far the nicest among SUVs, especially in mono color. I put 154,000 miles on the 98 and had NO PROBLEMS.Lots of truck for the money. I might even buy a third on in a couple of years.