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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  Love my little red rocket - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Rhonda - January 15 - 6:18 pm

  I bought this car after almost everyone I know warned me against buying a Dodge. All of them are at least somewhat impressed with the car, but not as much as I am. This car is fun! Aside from being a real head turner, the acceleration is great! The turning radius is a sad joke, but I can live with that. Who would have thought that my 10 year old beauty could still give me over 30mpg and raise eyebrows at the same time. The only mechanical items I have had to address in 5 years were routine maint. and ball joint failure on the passenger side. This was at least a recall item though and I hope to be reimbursed by Dodge shortly. Shes a great car still!

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  Great car! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By modernmom - January 15 - 9:54 am

  I bought this car for a general drive around. I have done 2 road trips from MO to MN. I love this car $60 for gas round trip! Great stereo, great handling, no repairs other than general maintenance. I love the 28-35 mpg. Nice get up and go. I am a 40 something mom and let me tell you this car makes me feel 25! I would recommend this car to anyone. Downside, noisy brakes and inconvenient console storage. Everything else is a win win!

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  I Heart It - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By LuvMyNeon - January 13 - 6:39 pm

  I have had my Neon since May of 2006. Purchased it with about 89,000 miles on it. Was previously owned by an elderly couple who traded it in for a newer car. I have only had one repair that is not considered a normal repair, (misfire in a cylinder) cost was about $130. I love the car, it is my first car and it is super fun to drive. Other repairs were I had 3 belts replaced (timing, power steering, alternator belts). Other than that, it is a great car. I feel comfortable driving it and Im 6ft tall. Just wish it had power windows and locks. My only complaint is the fact that you almost feel the road when driving, and the rotors need to be replaced. I love my Neon!

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  Love my man wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chuck Greinke - January 13 - 2:16 pm

  I have three kids and tow a little, I cant beat it . I average 17mpg city 22 hwy. I have a few aftermarket add on and will be doing more next year.

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  Dodge Dakota - Drive the best! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By john p. - January 13 - 10:38 am

  I have owned Dodge Dakotas since 1991. I have seen the evolution of this truck. I now have the latest 2006 Quad Cab Sport SLT 4.7 high output. What stands out - Heavy duty truck! Very strong and stiff frame, solid sturdy cab and body. Braking is good. Great styling, very comfortable interior. Ram wheels bolt on for instant 20" look. What it lacks - fuel economy, H.O. 4.7 lacks power (compared to the old 5.2 & 5.9 & some V6s) yet has plenty of grunt with bolt on upgrades. Trans is slow to downshift. Body roll on higher speed cornering. Changing oil is messy. The oil drains onto the trans x-member and creates a 15 inch cascading mess. None-the-less, a very impressive truck. Solid.

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  Stuck with the dealership - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Claire - January 13 - 5:10 am

  I am happy overall-not a bad value but- I noticed right away some little things on the vehicle that were not up to the quality Im used to. The "plastic" parts" (door frames, etc.) scratch and stain easily and are dificult to get clean. The rear window and trim do not come clean at the car wash, they need hand scrubbing. My biggest complaint is with the mileage I drive I require an oil change about every 4-6 weeks. I cant find anyone to give me an oil change (they dont have the filter) other than the dealer at 2x the price and the dealer is always a long wait. I am always late from lunch. I work long hours and have to take off work to go to a dealer.

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  2005 Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Navin - January 12 - 11:14 am

  The Dodge Magnum RT combines great looks with fantastic performance. With the tow package you can pull 3800lbs- a fair size boat or trailer. The car is far more comfortable than you would expect. Excellent seats for the long haul. We drove 550 miles in one day with a 4 year-old in the back and towing a jet-ski, no problem. Even stopped at a museum for a few hours. The luggage capacity is great for travel and with the back seat down you can load an enormous amount of stuff into the vehicle.

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  This car is just OK - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By phoebeK - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Although I like driving my Durango and it hasnt had any major problems, the car has some drawbacks. 1) Air circulation- this car does not allow you to select fresh or recirculated air. 2) Power windows stick- intermittently- by the time you get it to the dealer itll be working again- and they wont fix it until they can replicate the problem- even though Durangos have historically had this problem. 3) The PAINT SUCKS! It chips VERY easily.

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  Great Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike - January 12 - 8:38 am

  This Magnum was a dealer demo with 4900 miles on it. I have had it for 8 months and it now has 19000 miles on it. The car has been great and has required no repairs. Very comfortable to drive the long distances that are required, at times. Getting 22-26 mpg. Would not trade it for any other wagon on the market in its price range. First wagon that I have ever owned that my kids even liked!

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  Dodge Intrepid 1999 - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By penman - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 3 years. Previously owned 3 Fords (Taurus). Liked the Intrepid very much, very roomy inside and large trunk. Car handles very well, with good power and great highway mileage. I would buy another Chrysler product.