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 when new - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By hertze - January 30 - 10:56 am

  Wife wanted a minivan and we settled on a Caravan SXT. It was fine when it was new but many little issues have cropped up. One power door lock doesnt work, annoying whine from the power steering, clunky sounds from the rear suspension started with only about 38Km miles on it. One side of the windshield washer will not spray fluid, left blinker will not cancel itself etc. Brought to dealer with several of these issues when still under warranty and they supposedly could not find any issues. Poor service. I have also owned a Dodge truck and a Jeep Grand Cherokee and had no issues with either of them. Seemed to be better built. May be a good used buy due to poor resale.

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  2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Paula Zaloga-Nowak - January 29 - 4:32 pm

  Had a new Pontiac (terrible car!) My next purchase I decided to try the Intrepid, which caught my eye, and had good reviews. Had it for seven years and Im pleased! A great car for the money (paid $18,300). Drove it on a number of long road trips to a number of states in the west and in the south Last year put on 7,900 miles in just under four weeks! Roomy, comfy, totally reliable-esp. in the mountains-got 28- 31 mpg during the that trip! Great for a big car! Everyone that owns one loves it and have no problems. One minor problem with mine in 7 years! Dodge needs to bring back the the Intrepid. Ill buy another Dodge because of it! And I use to dislike Dodge! Not anymore!

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  Great sleeper car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Komomo - January 29 - 10:16 am

  Bought this car with 35K miles on it in a great-looking rare steel blue color. The car looks great, sounds just as good, has a quick, well-placed shifter and is much quicker than youd expect given the specs. My only significant complaint is that it is unforgivable for a car like this not to have ABS standard. Also a trip computer would be nice (rented a much cheaper PT Cruiser once that had a very good trip computer. Go figure.). Still, the overall driving experience is unparralled at the price, and it is the only American vehicle in this class (coupe versions of Grand Am/G6, Alero, Accord and Camry, but Mustang is a different type of car) to offer a manual with a V6. Shame on GM, bravo Dodge!

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  I Love my Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Gunz - January 28 - 12:40 am

  Ever since I was a little boy I wanted a Charger! When I heard they were coming out with this one I went crazy! I was the first one in my town to buy one and I love it! I got the Midnight Blue Metallic one with the Hemi of course but I am going to make it my own! Originality is what I like. I just wish that everyone else would stop buying them because I liked being the first and only for a while! The only thing I wish is that it was two doors!

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  Stay Away-MoneyPit/Death Trap - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jayblack1 - January 27 - 8:54 am

  Total junk, worst think I ever bought. Breaks last 10-15k.Power lift gate and passenger sliding door failed due to rotten plastic (64k&70k).Clock spring & tilt sensors went out causing stability and traction control system malfunction, computer activated brakes stopping van in middle of traffic (no break input from driver).Exploded coolant line @ 82k due to rotten plastic in Y junction, another one leaking on airbag wiring (101k) causing airbag MIL to come on. Broken brake spacer @101,5k cause pad to fall out and wedge between rotor and brake assembly locking up rear driver wheel. This POS has left my wife and 4kids stranded on side of road 5 times in less than 2 years! Run Away! Deathtrap!

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  Our first Chrysler/Dodge - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Our first chrysler - January 27 - 7:03 am

  This is our first minivan and our first Chrysler/Dodge vehicle. We had looked at the other makes and models and found that the Dodge Caravan and its counterpart are by far the best minivans around. Very sharp vehicle. I have had it only one week and absolutely love it! We have two small children with a third on the way, and it is very comfortable and fun to drive. (SXT, 4.0L 255 hp, 28N package with NAV) Awesome! My next car will likely be a Chrysler product - They have thoroughly impressed me. I went from a Volvo S60R to a minivan, and I dont miss my Volvo sports car at all! I never thought that a minivan could be fun.

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  Better than the rest - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Jarrett - January 27 - 4:17 am

  I bought my Duango to do one thing to tow, and boy can it tow. I have a 25 foot boat, and a toy trailer. It pulls them all. After having this baby I dont see a reason why you would buy a Chevy or a Toyota. They got nothing on this.

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  My Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MY CALIBER - January 26 - 11:23 pm

  Dodge did a good job with this car. It seems to be very reliable and gets great gas mileage. I am a large man and I find it comfortable on long drives. Theres plenty of storage for little things. I have received a lot of compliments on the looks of this vehicle. My only dislike of this car is the sliding arm rest. It would be better if it locked in.

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  2005 SRT-4 w/ ACR Package - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Brad - January 26 - 9:42 pm

  This car is not for everybody. Its loud and frisky. Kids crowd around you when you park it. Its lousy in snow, and rides like an old Jeep. Its not refined. Understanding what this vehicle is not is vitally important. The scarce ACR package makes this outstanding handler even more amazing, with cornering approaching .91Gs. My Mopar Stage 1 upgrade brings 1/4 times into the mid 13s, with smooth turbo response across usable range. Braking is outstanding. What it doesnt beat, it embarasses. If you love performance, dont mind the tuner crowd, and can live with stiff-bolstered seats that make your middle-aged spread apparant, grab one of these cars and hang on to it.

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  Love car, love price - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By mt2 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is designed for me, willow springs, street fun, rallies. Best car up to $35K!! I love the race seats - esp on high speed continuous turns. I love the brakes, stops absolutely straight. I love the power to weight (the "real" power to weight ratio). I love the looks, and the attention from everyone. I love the four door race car!!