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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  No, you didnt get a bad one - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By nomore dodges - November 14 - 8:07 pm

  My 4.7 engine blew at 74,000 miles with no oil pressure. Heater core failed at 40,000 miles, cost $800 to replace. If youre thinking of buying a Durango, my advice is dont!

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  Does the job, but not the best - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike - November 14 - 4:21 pm

  Regular cab is cramped for larger drivers. If youre over 6 and/or 200lbs (Im both) its uncomfortable. Ride is nice on smoother roads, very stable at hi speed. Gets very harsh over poorly maintained roads. Handles tight for a truck, but stock braking is not good. I highly recommond upgraded pads/rotors. Fuel economy is so-so, only 1-2mpg better than a V8. V6s power is OK. Will tow anything you ask it to, and pulls hard off the line, but passing power on the highway is a bit weak. Clutch is heavy and "grabby", but strong. Seems Im one of the few Dakota owners who didnt wind up with a lemon. Rotors warped at 27k, AC relay went at 35k, AC compressor went at 55k, and thats it. 60k trouble-free miles.

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  Problems with front end - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Chuck in IOWA - November 14 - 12:41 pm

  Was enjoying our van, when after less then 30,000 miles had to have bushings in front axle area replaced. Now, 25,000 miles later need to have them replaced again. Service dept. said company was using a different material on the bushings and wasnt a high enough quality. I have a brother with a Grand Caravan and hes experiencing the same issue. Always have had trouble with Dodge/Chrysler front ends, including a Stratus we had in 1995. Probably wont buy anymore Dodge/Chrysler products.

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  Durango R/T - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Ryan - November 13 - 7:34 pm

  No breakdowns except for standard service calls. One emission sensor failed during warranty.

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  My studly station wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By brenda peek - November 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love my new car. This car has so many features that make it a real deal. The power is awesome and the comfort is great. Great car for my family of 3.

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  Dont Buy! Dodge Grand Caravan - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Hieu Le - November 12 - 9:20 am

  We bought the 1996 Grand Caravan 2 years ago. when we bought it, its only got 65K miles on it. Now it got 81K miles on it. Transmission and water pump failed twice. Electrical problem, make me crazy sometime. We keep losing money for it every for like 11 months. We are afraid to buy a Dodge again.

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  2006 Magnum from Ontario - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By robbo68 - November 11 - 3:07 pm

  I am a lifelong Dodge fan. From the Dodge Dspen to Dakota now to the Magnum I am very impressed witht the structure of the whole car. I believe they spent time on this and made it right. Spacious in design with a whole lot of sport.

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  My Two Cents - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By A. PHILIP - November 11 - 11:15 am

  I bought it to drive it in the snow, but changed my mind and still live in the south. Im in the car business ( luxury sales) but fell in love with this car at first sight. One year and 16,000 miles later, I love it still! I have chipped it, and added a performance filter and exhaust. It is a blast. Wish I had the bought the RT though.

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  Great car to start with - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Chad L - November 11 - 1:14 am

  The Neon is a great little car if you are looking for something to get you from point A to point B and have a litte fun doing it. The handling is the best part about it mixed with the fuel economy. Road noise is an issue, and anyone that says the brakes are noisy is right. However, a quick spray with compressed air and that issue is gone. Only had to do that every 3 months or after going through high water. Otherwise I loved my Neon until I traded it in. This is a great car for teenagers!

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  Lots of Power...Lots of Gas - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By JakeD - November 11 - 12:32 am

  I bought my 98 Dakota 4x4 about a year and a half ago and it has been a great truck. The 5.2L 318 has plenty of power, and the limited slip rear end makes for great burnouts. The 4 wheel drive is unbelivable. Ive had it burried in mud to the point where the ground was even with the bottom of my window and I put it in reverse and it crawled right out to my suprise, and to the dissapointment of the angry hunters chasing after me. The only things that have been replaced in 63,000 miles are the water pump, ball joints, exhaust ( wasnt loud enough) and tires. The water pump and ball joints were a lot cheaper and easier to install than I thought they would be. The tires not so much.