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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  Dodge Stratus #1 - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Bill - February 6 - 4:59 pm

  The car is a pleasure to drive, it handles very well, it feels light and nimble. It getts good fuel mileage. I have been getting 28mpg week in and week out. I am happy with the performance, it is a 150 hp 4 cylinder and it feels very strong off the line.

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  SRT-8 Automotive Art - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By NICK PROSCIA - February 6 - 12:36 am

  I first saw the SRT-8 at the International car show when it was just a concept. At the time, I told my wife that if they build it I want it. I first test drove it July of 2006 and fell in love. I have been a GM person my whole life, but things were about to change. I have owned 24 cars from classic Impalas, Corvettes, Camaros and list goes on. I actually traded a 1996 Impala SS for the SRT-8. There is nothing bad at all to say about this car. Styling, comfort, and oh yeah, performance like you never had. I can carry my family of five around, or pick up a TV and still lay rubber like I was in a sports car. Cold air induction and a catback exhaust is now on order. Can never have too much power.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Anderson - February 5 - 10:10 pm

  This vehicle is as advertised on the sticker, fuel mileage has been better than expected. I have two complaints after almost 30,000 miles. It needs at least two more inches of driver seat hip room and back up sensors.The Hemi is great, very responsive.

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  Anyone ever see/read "Christine"? - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Jason - February 4 - 9:39 am

  Yes thats correct, I think I love my car a little too much. I dont know what I like best about my Stratus R/T but a few of my favorite things are the handling, the ability to accelerate in traffic, the feeling of being "attatched" to the road via the low profile tires and stiff suspension, the leather seats and the stock "Infinity" 4 disc changer. Love the looks of the car and the way Ive seen people stop and take a gander at it. What can I say, Im in love.

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  Keeps on going by Dadman - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By B Clark - February 4 - 7:52 am

  I bought this van used in 1999 with 108,000 miles on it. It now has 210,000 miles on the same 3.0 V6 engine. It now smoke some at startup (worn valve guide seals) but Maxlife Valvoline oil has stopped that. The engine is from Mistubishi and it is as strong as when I got it. No electrical problems, great exhaust system, suspension is wearing, durable interior and great to drive. Now for the trans and a/c. Tranny was rebuilt at 120,000 miles for $1800. Ask for a upgraded rebuild kit not a factory kit. Worth the money. Torque converter started acting up at 190,000.A/C new compressor installed at purchase. The system needs recharging every year. Invest in own recharge kit (cheap).

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  Doors and brakes - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Danger - February 4 - 5:13 am

  We ordered this van from the factory the way we wanted it. We were very excited about it and enjoyed it for most of the first year. Although it was very annoying with the automatic doors, if the wind was blowing the doors would not shut because of the "safety". But January 2009 my then 4 year old daughter reached back into the van as the door was closing and it closed, latched and lock on her hand. Luckily after a trip to the doctors office the x-rays showed there was not anything broken. I took the van to the dealership and they said there was a programming on the doors that needed to be fixed. Well yesterday my 2 year old daughter got her hand caught in the same door, she received

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  Hemi Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mark - February 4 - 1:06 am

  A very tight, solid and powerful ride. The passing capability is incredible. I recently purchased a large gas BBQ still in the box and it fit right in the back with the seats folded down (nobody at Lowes thought it would). Very roomy inside even with 5 pasengers. I only have one complaint, quite a bit of tire or road noise (loud hum) when crusing on the freeway. You dont here any road noise in city driving just on the Freeway. I use the Magnum as my work car and it is the best yet.

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  Reliable and efficient commuter vehicle - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By BrianH - February 3 - 12:55 pm

  Bought 5/1/2006 with 25k miles (yes, 25k). Had to get A/C compressor replaced (normal for age) and replaced a malfunctioning EGR valve. I was aware of the issues before purchase. I bought the car for $4,300 and I considered it a decent deal despite the fact that its a Neon. Ive put on 14k miles since purchase without issue. The oil is relatively clean after 3k miles (mixed hwy/city). The shifter isnt the most confidence-inspiring one around, but Ive driven much worse. I averaged 28-32 mpg between May and November, but once the weather got colder my mpg dropped to 25-28 (also let my car heat up for 10 mins in mornings). Significant interior noise and rattling.

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  2004 Hemi Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By John Dillman - February 2 - 11:44 pm

  We have driven from Indiana to the Florida Keys 3 times and to Texas twice. The highway ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage can be as expected, but the power on the highway is really nice! The only problem we ever had was an oxygen sensor, but that was replaced under warranty. We now have just over 53,000 miles on the Durango. Runs so quiet at idle I have to check rpm to know it is actually running. We change oil every 3000 miles and rotate tires every 6000 miles along with any other services shown in the service handbook.

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  Love It! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Jackie - February 2 - 10:34 pm

  I traded in my 1 year old Jeep Liberty that my husband surprised me with, way too small, he was understanding and we decided to look for new trucks. We almost bought the Lexus GX440 for alot more money, but decided to leave the dealer on the way home saw the Durango for a lot less money. We did purchase an extended warranty a week after at a Chrysler dealership and the warranty was much cheaper. I love this truck, rides great, gas is what I expected it to be. And with the $6000.00 rebate you cant beat it.