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:

• 

  Second Intrepid ES - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By RWalker - July 21 - 2:00 am

  One of the best looking large cars on the market, the Intrepid ES has room rated in the limo class in some areas. With 38K miles and only the front brakes serviced, its been my experience that Intrepids are very reliable. This is my second Intrepid ES, and the first one had only the A/C and brakes serviced. The ES trim package is well worth it.

• 

  The one and only - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By SabreWulf - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck is built like a Dodge. Unfortunately, an Untimely demise due to a 50 mph rear-end collision did manage to bend the frame enough to make it uneconomical to repair. I never had a problem with her, and tough? try running automatic transmission fluid in a Manual,(quality mechanic service) for 950 MILES with a 2000 lb trailer. yeah, so i flushed the tranny three times afterwards and tossed in a nice Hard drive magnet to catch metal debris. Never a failure, not even a clutch change after 87,000 miles. Ran like a dream. and Powerful for a V6. I loved her to death.

• 

  Nitro Rocks - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By AceRealtor - July 20 - 3:10 pm

  My wife and I researched and shopped for a replacement for her Suburban. We have found the perfect solution. The Nitro is absolutely sweet! I like to say it has some "that was nice of you think of" features. For example, the Load-n-Go is way cool for loading groceries. The reclining second row seats are something I always wanted in my previous SUV and now I have it in the Nitro. We got the sunroof with ours and it makes driving this thing big fun! I must admit, it has the typical handling and sway feel of a midsize SUVs but of course, I drive a Vette during the week and Im used to a very responsive feel. Overall, the Nitro is a total home run for Dodge. We love it!

• 

  Best comparable vehicle - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By D.M MILLAN - July 18 - 6:40 am

  Before I purchased this vehicle I drove the matrix and other comparable vehicles also I compared them for saftey and found that caliber was by far the best buy, now that Ive owned it for 3 years and have friends that have over 100,000 miles with no problems, Im convinced that my next vehicle will be another caliber I like the hard quality interior it stands up much better then the soft plastic. All about the car gives it high rating in my books. and unlike the others I feel safer driving it. Im glad I didnt listen to the so-called experts that judge a vehicle for interior trim.

• 

  tHE BEST MINI VAN IN TOWN - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By ARUN VERMA - July 17 - 2:00 am

  no PROBLEMS IN 4 YEARS WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT

• 

  What a Ride!!!!! - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By dodgelady - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who complains of the gas mileage should have researched their purchase first! I have the 98 model durango (SLT) with the V-8 engine. It gets 15mpg on average. I purchased it to pull my sailboat 5000 lbs. It does a wonderful job. The leather seats are easy to care for. I have not had any repairs other than routine maintenance. It is also wonderful off road. I would definitely buy a new one. If you want a luxury vehicle buy a cadillac. This SUV was definitely made as a tough truck.

• 

  A fun Car - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By scarter - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Neon. Its pretty comfortable, reliable, and fuel efficient. Ive had no problems with it (other than replacing the battery)in the past 3 1/2 years. The only things that they could improve: more trunk space and there is only one mirror on the driver side visor. The passenger needs one too!! :)

• 

  Best Truck in town - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By mullicamick - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Take the Dakota for a test drive like I did , and youll buy it .. Its fun , tough , roomy , and with the 4.7L it will tow my boat without a problem.

• 

  hott stuff - 1996 Dodge Viper
  By dumbass - July 14 - 2:00 am

  i love it more than any other car ive ever had. it is the most fun to drive and look at.

• 

  My Dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Bacspinner - July 13 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, then you have found one. I put mine through Hell , and it stood strong. The only bad thing about it was that I am 6 foot 2, and it is a bit small on the inside. If you are into quality sound, then the dakota is for you. It is incredible for pure sound because of how small it is.