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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  An excellent "driver" - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Glenn Laycock - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 Neons now, and both were extremely good at doing their job however I was surprised as how much improving Chrysler had done with the new model the Neon has definately moved upscale, trading in some of its handling in favor of a much nicer ride, refinement, and comfort. My first impression was that of a German sedan with the excellent seats, quiet torque"ie" balanced powertrain and quality of materials and finish. The original Neon missed it target just slightly (particularly early models) but this one is dead on its only handicap is the association to the name of "Neon" which does not reflect the high value of the new model.

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  Great Car for Us - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ed Ely - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Excellant handling, roadability, driveability. Looks was one of the primary reasons for the purchase of this vehicle. However, once it was driven, we were sold on it. Got the best deal we could find and signed on the dotted line. We are glad that we did.

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  2005 Grand Caravan SE - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Larry - April 30 - 9:16 pm

  Bought used with 24,000 mi. on it for daughter and 3 boys after divorce. Mostly highway miles. Transmission only problem, but was repaired under warranty. Now Im selling it with 92,600 mi. and expect to get $7,000 for it. Great road trip vehicle. Great car for a family on the go. This was my fourth Caravan/Voyager and all have been great.

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  A Future Classic - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By luvmyintrepid - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought it as a program car, 3 months old and 10K miles. It runs so good, so smoothly, and so reliable, that its almost boring. I recently bought a new car (for tax purposes) but cannot part with this one, so I kept it.

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  Great car! - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By AUF_Outlaw - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent and reliable car. Only problems I have had come directly from previous owner (a/c was damaged from a shop it was taken to for a recharge). Oxygen sensor has gone bad, but easily fixed. The car is fun to drive, has an excellent amount of power for a 4cyl... Can even burn some rubber (front wheel drive as well). Handling and breaking is awesome. Overall, it drives like a higher-end car. Interior is roomy, and easily accesable and easy to store (hatchback makes it a whole lot bigger to play with). Only thing I wish was that it came with a center arm-rest :D

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  I Love This Car!! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Knightmare 65 - April 27 - 7:26 pm

  Even though my Charger has the 3.5 liter, it still kicks major butt. I bet it can mop up a lot of cars that have V-8s. I fell in love with this car when I first saw it with my eyes. The new Charger is an eye pleaser and looks very intimidating.I have gotten many compliments on its looks. My neighbor keeps giving me the thumbs up everytime he sees me driving it. The Charger is the best driving vehicle I have ever driven. I try to find excuses to go out somewhere just so I can drive it. I have never been that way with any other car. Everything rocks with this car, even the stereo. The 2006 Dodge Charger is an awesome car. I cant get enough of it.

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  Scat Pack = NASCAR For The Street For 40k - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By G. Simon - April 24 - 4:18 pm

  All I can say is WOW! I researched this car forever! Finally got one I had my eye on as they closed out 2016 inventory. Driving this thing can be insane but also subdued for daily driving but always ready to ROAR into action. Mine is black and due to its appearance most people think Im a cop and move out of the way, its awesome, no speeding tickets yet with 6000 miles on it after 3 months (I cant help but drive this thing, its Charger after all, not a Bentley). Cruising in this 4,400 lb monster at 90 mph is very easy to do on a smooth freeway, feels the same as most cars at 55mph. It begs to go fast! Pros: mad acceleration and absolutely amazing soundtrack to go with it (neighbors who like quiet may not be your biggest fan after you purchase this car), people will stare at you in this car (maybe they think its a Hellcat), good tech inside, base Alpine sound system is decent, 20 inch wheels are sick, drive feel is simply great. Cons: gas mileage is bad (go figure with 392 Hemi and 485 horses - I get average 19 mpg), premium fuel required, super premium synthetic oil recommended (prob $125-150 at most shops every 6,000 miles with tire rotation needed also), visibility is not great (just look twice). This car is simply amazing, after reading this post go and get you one!!!!!

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  Good value - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Greg Hroch - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I recently pulled a 91 Stealth ES out of the junkyard for only 500 bucks. Im only 16, but the car was easily fixed and I had it running in two days. Even if this car was suppose to be about $3000 to $4000, it is a good buy for those street racers with a low budget. I have beaten all Hondas undefeated and the car is stock.

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  Stealth R/T-Under valued - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By dkguss - April 24 - 2:00 am

  My 91 Misty Blue Stealth R/T is awesome. Its not only fun to drive, but its practical and fuel effecient. I dont have the Twin Turbo model, but the 3.0L 24V engine rockets the car down the road. This car is "Under Valued" and is an excellent sports car. It beats the Vette hands down!

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  excellence on wheels - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By pibound - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Dakota that I have owned (first was an 88 model). Both were excellent performers and maintenance free other that the scheduled maintenance.