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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  2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bethanne - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The first Dodge Caravan I owned was a 1985. I loved the versatility of the van. Then my best friend bought a 1993 Caravan and I fell in love with the extras it offered. The style had completely changed. It no longer looked like a box car but a sleek machine and I wanted one for myself. And to my suprise I just purchased a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport on March 1, 2004 it might not be knew but I wouldnt buy any other style.

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  My experience with my R/T - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Chesta - September 24 - 2:00 am

  A good car despite some negative reviews Ive seen from some car mags. (Car and Driver who I can only assume has some axe to grind with DC) This car is fun to drive, has more power and outhandles all others in its price range. I can run circles around Cavaliers, Focus Zx3s, and Civics all day long. By far the most bang youll get for your buck if youre looking for performance.

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  Poor Rookies. - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Norman Holmes Jr. - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned a 2000, & 2002. We have a 2003 & 2004. The difference between the 2003 & 2004 is night & day. The 2004 not only is beautifully designed, it rides great. We take my softball to indoor off season practice every Saturday. The experienced players ride in the 2004 and someone always has a DVD to watch. Poor rookies, they have to ride in the 2003.

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  none - 1991 Dodge Shadow
  By franky - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this little car. Its roomy enough for me, great car!

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  Excellent Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By skitch - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Great truck from day one. Ive had no problems and have had the truck off- road on several occasions. Like most reviewers, the gas mileage is not the greatest but the 4.7L V8 engine will get up and get you going when it needs to. Creaks in the front suspension on occasion but thats the norm for 4WD vehicles. Highly recommended truck.

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  Just bought one - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Mom - September 22 - 8:23 pm

  My husband and I just bought one tonight. Traded in our beloved Escape. So far I am happy, the kids like it (well, my son thinks we should have went for a Mustang GT--oh well). Affordably priced and there was a $1000 rebate on it. Fine family car, drives nice. It probably wont turn any heads but that is not what I am interested in anyway. If it gets me to ballgames and gymnastics meets safely then I am 100% satisfied.

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  No Joke, this car is a keeper - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By No Joke - September 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new with no frills, no AC, PW or PS. It has over 226,000 miles on it now and though it did blow a head gasket at about 170,000 miles, it has been practically a free car when you consider what most cars cost. We have maintained it regularly. Great Car, Great mileage...I recently got 41 MPG on a trip, though 34 MPG is typical, Great get up and go...even now. If you maintain these vehicles, I promise you will not be disappointed by anything.

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  Lot of car for the money - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By bryan rhodes - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Rented this auto for a week and was very impressed.I liked her enough that I went to my local dealer and bought one.I have looked at other reliability histories and concluded shell be just fine.Only option was the upgraded stereo,standard radio in rental wasnt all that great.Great warranty from dodge,so you cannot go wrong.And at 200hp@3400lbs.,She can really get it..

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  2001 Intrepid se - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By robert jones - September 21 - 2:00 am

  45 000 miles, 90 % on the highway and never a mechanical problem. Its been a drean to drive and is a great highway cruiser.

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  Fantastic Family Vehicle - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By J Max - September 20 - 2:46 pm

  Bought used at 41,000. Do about 20,000 a year. Currently at 121,000. Wow is all I can say. Except for a rusted through coolant pipe (damaged when hit by rock kicked up underneath) $0.00 in repairs. Maintenance so far; 1 tune-up at 100,000 brakes and tires at 25,000 and 60,000 intervals. Im not easy on this. Its my daily driver, 50 mile RT commute in bumper to bumper traffic, all types of weather with Snow & Ice. Never a problem. Great control, Comfortable seats, Fantastic stereo, As good as any import. Tranny shifts Perfect, engine still like new, no loss of oil or coolant. Runs quiet Starts quick every time. Lots of room for dad, mom, 4 teenagers and our stuff. Interior still like new