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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  2001 Dodge Durange Review - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By cathiek - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Dodge Durange 11 months ago, and have been extremely happy with its performance. The ride is quite smooth, and it is has lots of power. The power and heated front seats are very comfortable, and the sound system is outstanding. We have pulled a boat and trailer with six people and had no problem towing. We have also found it to get better gas mileage than expected -- traveling down a highway at 65 mph it will get between 18 and 22 mph.

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  used but new to us - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By kelleyb - May 5 - 2:10 am

  We just brought 04 Durango limited with all bells and whistles for under 7000. with 137000. In my 30 yrs of marriage to a ford guy,I stuck to my guns when buying this sweetie. LUXURY ABSOLUTELY !!! you name it, she has it.. Hubby argued wanted a another Ford, since Ford Explore engine seized. Nope I told my hubby my money my pick. car dealership had all the recall fixed by dodge technician before it came home with it. Most importantly I just brought a small used ero lite camping trailer and we needed SUV to pull it. The former owner took real good care of it. She did put some over sized tires on it, which make you think climbing into truck. love height and underneath clearance. safety for everyone riding in it. With grandkids and elderly parent that goes long way with me. We have had Nissan, Ford, Eagle, Chevy, Miata(still have) GMC all driven into the ground. But this is dream come true for this old woman. Cant wait to take to w/ trailer to Yellowstone next spring for our 30 anniversary .

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  I love my Dakota SXT - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Brenden Humbert - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Dodge Dakota SXT single cab 2WD back in November of 2001. It has the 3.9l V-6 mated to a 5- speed manual and a 3.55 rear axle ratio. I love this truck and highly recommend it. Ive taken it on a few long trips and it is fairly comfortable. Being that I am only 18, I admit to driving this truck extremely hard. So far, it is not giving me any problems at all. Every now and then it makes some weird noises but they dont seam serious and everything has checked out alright. I love this truck! It is very fast for its weight and considering that it is only a V-6. No Ranger, S-10, or any other truck in its class can even come close to comparing.

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  Most underated sports car - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Justyn - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I picked up a 91 RT the day it was traded in, by an older couple who were driving away in a new station wagon. The car was still dirty, and I dont think the dealership realized which model they had on thier hands. I had them throw some new tires, and drove it home. This was the most exciting sports car I have ever driven. AWD, All Wheel Steering, all the features you could ask for. And top of all that, it could not be beaten on the road. Stock! A wreck at over 100 miles an hour (which I walked away from) ended that cars life. If I could find another RT with low miles, I would pick it up in a minute. This car is worth 3 or 4 times its value!

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  Love this Neon - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By pcannon - May 3 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned. Hard to give it up! Really fun to drive and seemed like it was built just for me! It fits like a glove! Original owner and simply enjoyed ownership. I know many bad reports but in 7 years and 53000 miles all I had to do was replace a/c evaporator, exhaust gasket, muffler, front brakes and rotors, in addition to regularly scheduled maintenance. Also had an unrepairable wind noise problem with both front windows which Chrysler broadcasted a TSB for, so competant dealer should be able to repair but could not so I had to live with it! Few rattles beginning to develope at 53000.

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  I love this car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lax - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first Intrepid SE with all the xtras and I love it!! It is fun to drive, roomy. Gas mileage could be a little bit better. The car is extremely comfortable, very easy to handle. Rear visibility and car length makes parking difficult -- but easy to get over considering that this car is so great. I am happy I bought this car!!

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  Neons Rule! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By ThebigTommyC - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The dodge neon is a great automobile I would recommend it for anyone. Its cheap and is great fro messing around with. I put on neon lights and a new grill on mine and it looks totally awesome. Buy a Neon!!!

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  My crash test - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hoyte Bomersbach - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Three weeks ago, while driving my 2 week-old Magnum, I was sitting, stopped in traffic, on x-way when a Honda SUV rear-ended me at 55-60 mph. It spun me around and into the other lane. The drivers seat was laid back and the damage was so severe that the rear seats were laid forward and would not raise. I could not walk or breathe, and was taken to ER. 5 hours later, I went home with no broken bones, just internal bruising and very sore ribs. The car was totaled. Today I got my 2nd Magnum. I think the weight of the car and good construction saved my life. Hows that for a rear-end test crash testimonial? Thanks for making a good strong vehicle.

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  perfect - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By hulk444 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  perfect truck thanks dodge

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  The 2000 Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By lotusland6 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  2000 Neon. Purchased 3/2000. Presently 51,000 miles. Repairs: 2 recalls both minor Maintenance: Tune up, Brakes, Front wipers, Transmission flush 4 cylinder is a bit sluggish but the passing gear is low enough to provide added torque. I would purchase a standard in the 2.0 Ride is okay for a sub. Although wind noise is noticeable. Overall: With the 2000.00 rebate it is a good buy for the money.