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:

• 

  2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By bryane - September 11 - 12:23 am

  I have driven this company car for almost two years. I often drive 3-4 hours a day. It is a pleasure to drive and has been perfect since day one. Mileage just turned over 62K.

• 

  Great Car - 1994 Dodge Stealth
  By jesee44 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This has been a solid car since it was new. Its fun to drive, looks good, and built well. Its got 84,000. Yes, I paid dearly for the timing belt and new tires...but its better than a new car payment. The drivers leather seat needs repaired the leather has torn and cracked.

• 

  Alls good that ends good - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By The Dodge - September 8 - 9:23 pm

  My wife and I test drove a number of vehicles. For the money, gas, and all around quality of a vehicle Dodge was hands down the best. The Caliber was the only one that my wife really responded to as far as the looks and design. While she test drove this one and many other calibers she could find no complaints. I have no idea what the future brings for this car but Dodge obviously does because they have a lifetime powertrain warranty. These reviews are very helpful, but please just try one for yourself. Not only fuel efficient but all around affordable. Thank you.

• 

  Great Truck! - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By Karen Duggan - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck since I bought it new in 2/94. It originally cost around $15,000 and I have gotten so much value for that expense. Aside from replacing tires and the battery, this truck has been amazingly reliable. I have had NO major problems. I will continue to strongly endorse this truck and believe my recommendation has caused the purchase of at least 10 Dodge trucks among friends and family.

• 

  The R/T is in a class of its own - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By R/T Flies - September 8 - 2:00 am

  You here people saying never drive in the rain. MAinly because they cant keep there foot out of it. This truck flies when the road is dry. What can u expect with a 4200 pound truck thats rear wheel drive and has most of its wieght in the front(large engine). The body style is supior to all other pickups in its class.

• 

  Liking what I see - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By still shopping - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the Durango when they first came out. I have yet to buy one, though. I am planning a purchase in the next year or so, and am looking at the Durango and the Mercury Mountaineer. I keep leaning towards the Durango. I like the seating capacity and the look of it. This will be my first SUV purchase and am looking forward to it. I am also looking forward to the new, revamped version coming out next year!

• 

  still looks new - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By Einstine - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 98 with 80000 miles. I have had no troubles other than normal maint. People have asked me if it is new when it has 100000 miles on it. Still looks new no rust and it is 10 years old. I can,t say enough that I love this car, and I wish they were still made.

• 

  Its all good - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By Koolio - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Man, this car is bomb! It has everything, and has never, ever even broken down once. I swear, I put this thing through hell, and it just keeps going and going. I had to write this review because, damn, it is a nice car. Might not have all that power, but man, it is one nice car.

• 

  Style, Storage and Squeal - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Karen - September 5 - 12:55 pm

  We rented this model last year for a trip that required lots of storage room for the trip home. We were instantly converted to a minivan household! Due to an unfortunate accident (not our fault) in November, it did provide us with the opportunity to buy a new car. We didn’t even have to discuss it. We already knew what we wanted. I searched online for a 2017nmodel, and bought it over the phone in less than an hour. When my husband’s workday ended, he dropped off our other car to have the brakes relined, and got a lift from a friend straight to Landmark in Athens. He drove our new car home after signing the paperwork. Great financing, great customer service! I am handicapped which makes entering and exiting a car difficult. But because the Grand Caravan sits lower than our crossover, it’s much easier for me know. Plus there is room for my wheelchair if needed. And the power out;ets allow me to use my medical while in transit so I can withstand longer road trips. So much storage space with all seats in position. If we stow all the seats, we can slide a queen size mattress and box springs in the back with room left over! Love the separate temperatur controls in the front and rear. Rides like a car, storage room of a pickup and that v6 squeals the wheels when you have to go NOW. We weren’t picky...this was the last 2017 model left on the lot so we had no hcoice in color of van, carpet or rest of interior. Missing s power package we would like to have (seats, doors, tailgate), but otherwise it’s fabulous. And have you ever heard of getting 25mpg on surface streets? And we get 31mpg on the expressway. The economy fuel setting helps us achieve that. LOVE the Dodge Grand Caravan! And our rapidly growing teenager finally has room for his super long legs! Cant say enough nice things about the car or Landmark Dodge. Just a great experience all the way around.

• 

  Love our car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By JanJan - September 5 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our car after much research. The Intrepid comes out heads above the rest. It is safe, comfortable, beautiful and fast! You would be hard pressed to find fault with this car.