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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  Fun to Drive, A Joy to Own - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By koneal - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 02 Dakota 4.7L V8 SLT 2WD Ext Cab for 8 months now. The ride quality is excellent, performance is responsive with the 5-speed manual transmission. Ive used it to not only haul a few people around but to haul many heavy loads. Its performed to spec and more every time.

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  No problems at 150000 - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By d_rives - September 30 - 2:00 am

  good buy. I drive this car hard and have but nearly 200 pounds of Nitrous through the engine and it runs great thanks to the low compression ratio of the 3.3 engine.

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  I paid how much! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By abauza - September 30 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of an All Wheel Drive I was skeptical that this car could deliver the grin that I got from my previous car. Boy was I wrong! It only took me once to roll onto the throttle and hear the front tires howl did I realize that this was serious. The reports I find are mostly on the 03 SRT-4 and they all say how wonderful the car is. Granted shes no Evo, but its a close second and with the right goodies added from Mopar it may rival cars in a class above. Overall, supercar for little cash. Maybe the American car companies can build with the best the world has to offer.

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  4.7L Automatic 4x4 - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By CAM - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The Dodge Dakota is a fun and functional truck. It has been great for moving friends and making home improvements. The interior is simple and functional. A little more interior design would go along way.

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  Mines Not So Bad - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Platinum60 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my van used a few years ago but it has been pretty reliable. I did have to have the master computer chip replaced though, because of the wipers (which cost about $390 with labor)Other than that it has just had to have normal maint. like tires, oil change etc.

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  Happy with this vehicle! - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Athene - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second caravan. Traded a 95 6 cylinder for this one. I love the way it handles, its quiet, and the seating is comfortable. Greatest improvement for me was the second sliding door. We had over 100,000 on the 95 and never needed any repairs. This one was in twice early on for a problem with a sensor which activates the airbag light. Otherwise, its been an uneventful year. I do recommend the 6 cylinder if budget allows, since most complaints I have heard come from owners of 4 cylinder models.

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  VTEC Killer - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Intense Blue - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I puchased the car new in May 98. Wasnt sure about the stripes until it arrived. Had them painted on later. Performance/price ratio is unbeatable by any mfgr. Excellent ride for performance oriented suspension. Changed to composite head gasket due to oil leak at rear of engine. Use Mobil 1 5/30 with no oil consumption since initial 1 qt in 1st 1k miles. 28/36 MPG. I have surprised many a Honda VTEC or Mustang GT owner. Body fit & finish excellent. Braking system excellent. Considering adding 03 SRT-4 to my collection.

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  Great Vehicle - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By FMTracker - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used from neglectful owners with 60k miles. Replaced oil in engine and tranny and since have added another 131k miles without a problem. Always a good habit to replace fluids at recommended intervals. Fun to drive, comfortable and cruises like a dream. Large cargo space and plenty of power. No engine or tranny problems in spite of abuse by original owner. A

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  Best PICK UP around! - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Bobby Mac - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the absolute most funnest vehicle to drive. It is fast, looks great and performs well in any situation. The insurance is relatively cheap and I dont even mind paying $45- $50 for a tank of gas (Canadian Dollars).

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  Love this ride. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Thin Blue Line - September 24 - 10:50 am

  I have not owned this vehicle long but I love it. My wife and I have already had to come to an agreement about who gets to drive it when. I am 64" tall and weigh over 280 lbs. I love the room in my Magnum. I have no trouble sitting in the drivers seat or the passengers seat. I have been searching for a vehicle that gives me room with style and performance. And performance, whoa! It does not seem to matter whether you are starting from 0 or traveling at 60 mph. If you apply the gas, you are burning the road. And the best part is that it is so smooth when you call on your HEMI. I think this RT Magnum out performs my Police cruiser! Love it, Loveit, Love it!