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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  Been good to me - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Corsair - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I leased my Durango in Sept of 99. It was a dealer demo. I had a lot of problems with the dealer during/after the sale & they forgot to mention some details about buying a dealer demo vehicle. Overall I am very UNIMPRESSED with the original dealership & most Dodge dealerships in my area. Otherwise I love the truck. Yes, it gets poor gas mileage but I KNEW it would when I bought it! The only problem I have had was the drivers window regulator stopped working within the first few months. Otherwise I have had no problems. I must have gotten one of the good ones. The vehicle only has 28K miles on it and I baby it (maintenance, washes, etc).

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  2007 Charger 3.5 SE - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Andy - December 30 - 10:13 pm

  Coming from a 2004 V8 Nissan Titan, I have to say that Im impressed with the 3.5 V6 engine, and I can only imagine how the Hemi would feel. The gas saving is big, again coming from a full size truck, but is OK comparing to a regular sporty sedan. Lots of room inside, and very comfortable. The design could have been better, it looks "long", but its still nice looking! Maybe a 2 door like it should be? The rims on the lower packages need redesigning, I dont know why they still offer steel wheels with hubcaps. The wheels dont get better until you reach the R/T package, just not fear.

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  Little engine that could - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Redjaseak08 - December 30 - 1:41 pm

  I have enjoyed my Neon from day one, I bought it used when it had 43000 miles on it, I now have 80,300 miles on it. The only mechanical problem I have had with it has been the clutch, which was replaced for $700.00 and that was due to letting inexperienced friends drive my manual. I live in Alaska, and this car has done me well. I havent been stuck, it has great control and still drives likes its right off the lot. Its affordable in the following aspects, gas, inurance and general maitenance. I would reccomend this car to anyone who needs a commuter car or just an everyday ride.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By BRB - December 30 - 1:48 am

  This is my first SUV. Love the power of the Hemi and the room for my 3 kids. Got a great deal with my employee discount, plus another $8000 off of that.

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  EXCELLENT FOR THE PRICE - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By GH - December 29 - 9:41 pm

  the car is excellent for the price, no to mauch staff inside, but enought. Versatility and you can carry big famly, thing ,.,,..,.

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  2001 Dakota quad cab 4x4 4.7 v-8 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By mattew heddings - December 29 - 5:30 pm

  Truck has awesome power from the 4.7L v- 8, but you sacrifice gas mileage, I originally got 11.6mpg in town was able to increase it to 12.5-13mpg by adding an AFE cold air intake and a spacer ring on the throttle body to atomize the gas better. 3 of the 4 power windows quit working and truck only has 71000 miles on it, Dealer wants $250- 270 dollars a door to fix. seems it should be recalled.

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  In love with my Stratus - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Meg - December 29 - 4:16 pm

  I searched all over the Sacramento area to find my 4 door 2.7L V6 Stratus in the midnight blue. I drove it home and instantly fell in love. Wonderfully reliable, a nice aggresive acceleration, and so roomy inside. My husband was reluctant to buy it since he has a mustang but after about 2 weeks was totally smitten!

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  Awesome Truck and Great Value - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By CHIEFZUSAF - December 29 - 2:56 pm

  My brother and I looked for new pick up trucks for a few weeks when we came across our 2005 Quad Cab Laramie V-8 Dakotas. The dealer had a few left over 05s and they were fully loaded (except 4WD). We both purchased one each and the trucks are identical even down to the VIN minus the last digit. This truck has been one of the best vehicles I have owned. It is great looking in and out, has a very solid feel when driving with positive steering response , very good accelaration and stopping characteristics. The fuel economy is better than expected and over all we are both very happy with our trucks and would buy one again or highly recommend one to a friend or family.

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  Back to my youth by CB - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By CB - December 29 - 10:13 am

  I origianally wanted to purchase a 2003 R/T, but wanted to wait till 2006 to buy it and by then it was gone. The wife mentioned to me that the local dealer had another one, but it was a 2004 and we checked it out and drove it home. It has all the options you can get, including a 6 CD changer. Ive not been sorry and not problems to date. The drive takes me back to my youth when I could hot rod around and I call this car my hot rod. For an old timer, I really love it.

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  Neon SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Scott - December 28 - 9:00 pm

  I drive this car everyday. It is solid, no squeaks or rattles. I have a 5spd rated 29city/36hwy. My mileage was averaging 32-33 in mixed driving. Once the engine was broken in around 5k miles it felt quite a bit stronger.The idle speed solenoid failed at around 18k miles. No other problems to date. This is the last year of the Neon. The 2nd generation Neons (2000- 2005) are a big improvement over the 1st generation in terms of quality. I also have a 2004 SRT-4 and that has been an excellent car as well.