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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  Nice Car - Bad Track Recored - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By memoj - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice over all vehicle but has had numerous electical failures, (wipers, sound system, cruise, ABS, a/c fan) We had to rebuild the transmission at 80k miles. The maintenance and repair record make this an expensive veh to own. Maybe that is why Chrysler is going to a 7 yr/100k mile warrant, to encourage people like me to come back.

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  Do NOT try to tow anything with this - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DeanWag - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I have an small trailer that can hold maybe 1000# I have destroyed in the last 3 years 3 transmissions and the current one is showing signs. Odd electrical probles occur intermently like front wipers do one swipe ect.

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  1999 Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By rbecker54 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Been in the shop many times for various reasons, mostly power window acutators. Ive replaced 7 since buying the car and only have 35,000 miles on it. Very poor gas mileage and hard on tires.

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  Excellent truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By gitrdonedakota - February 16 - 9:40 pm

  I bought a 93 Dakota in 03 as my first vehicle. I used to love Chevy trucks but now I love Dodge. Being in college my money is a little tight, and with this truck no money goes into repairs. The 3.9 V6 is tough and very reliable. I have towed many of my buddies when they have broken down. Despite my truck being a 2WD it still performs well off road. I spend a lot of time hunting and fishing. I put this truck in bad situations and she still pulls out. I could not be happier with this truck!

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  Great Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike - February 16 - 7:48 pm

  Bought this truck used in 05 with 64,000 miles and have loved it ever since. Now has 94,000 on it and only problem Ive had is a hub bearing went bad. I do drive this truck hard at times and it has never let me down. Love the size and comfort. Fits two baby seats in the back and still has enough room for a small adult to fit back there comfortably.

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  I LOVE my car! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Leo - February 16 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned my Journey for just over 18 months. I love this car! I have about 18.5K miles on the car. I will have to have the brakes redone very soon, as they have not worn very well, but considering the weight of this car I am not surprised. I have OEM Kumho Solus KH-16 (225-65-19) and I have had no problems thru two winters in the Pocono Mts of PA!! They still have plenty of life in them and have been very reliable in snowy conditions. The only problem I have had was a leak in the AWD transfer case. Took it to the local dealer and had it replaced under the lifetime powertrain warranty. This car is VERY quiet, and is a pleasure to drive. Its a keeper for me!!

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  Fastest FWD Car Ever Made. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By RTShadow - February 16 - 4:12 am

  I purchased a commemorative edition version, one of the last made. I had wanted this car for some time. I like Dodges, and when they came out with this car it was exciting. If you want a quiet car, a super luxurious cushy car, look elsewhere. If you want throw you back into your seat and scream down the road at astonishing speeds with a throaty exhaust, this is the car for you. This is the fastest FWD car ever built, and at the time, fastest new car you could buy under 25k. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a run reliable quick car. Youll find most people with problems have them from doing poor modification jobs.

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  1997 dodge Grand Caravan - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CJPorter - February 15 - 10:00 am

  For a family with lots of kids and prjects, the dodge grand caravan cannot be beat. Ive even hauled a washer and dryer in together with the back seats removed. I love my caravan

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  Tranny already! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Catsvan - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Grand Caravan Sport about 3 months ago. I love driving it and my daughter loves her TV/VCR. My only problems so far have been a few major oil leaks fixed easily, but very expensive & now the transmission needs to be rebuilt which is costing me over $2000. Im hoping and praying that this will fix the major problems. Time will tell.

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  DODGE DAKOTA- 2004 - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By DON KREITZ - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MY DODGE DAKOTA FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS . LIKE THE BODY DESIGN AND THE COMFORTABLE RIDE. THE 85 DEGREE OPENING OF THE BACK DOORS IS GREAT. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS SIMPLE AND EASY TO OPERATE.