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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  Dodge Grand Caravan AWD - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mbh818 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  By far the best minivan available on the market today! AWD gives us the piece of mind and safety to get us through the unexpected storms that pop up in the Poconos. The kids love the DVD and Mom loves the Quad seating so the kids arent on top of one another. Its the 3rd Dodge Grand Caravan weve owned. Well nevewr buy another.

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  very pleased - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By vickery - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I too have had air conditioning troubles but consider that to be a minor problem. I have now more then 180000 miles on the car and it still runs extremely well. The body is holding together very well considering the car has seen a lot of gravel road. Excepting routine maintainance (oil changes, tires, windshields, timing belts and brakes) the car has cost well under .01 cents per mile to keep it running.

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  durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Pashka - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, excellent for towing. Nice for family.

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  Exellent Family Van - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Happy Customer - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Superb comfort,responsive engine,luxurious ride.Last but not least Exellent value with current rebates.

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  A Fun Ride - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By S.F. Dodger - April 17 - 4:56 pm

  Terrific car for the money. From the surround airbags to the responsive power steering it just doesnt seem like a base model vehicle. Ive had no problems of any kind so far. Car feels tight and solid, just right. The 1.8 liter engine is peppy enough for me, though steep hills will challenge it. Stereo sounds fine. Seats fit well. Headrests offer good protection. Tons of cargo room with seats folded down. (I bought some carpeting at hardware store to make my own floor liner.) Headlights give good coverage without blinding anyone. Not too big, not too small. Whats not to like?

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  Gotta have one - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By redhottneon2k2 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I was eerie about buying a Dodge Neon when in the market and accidently stumbled accross an ES Sedan with rear spoiler, Eagle LS tires, automatic, 2.0L V4. Has awesome power and easy get up and go. The only thing I have had it in the shop for was the damage done in a wreck which was easily replaced not repaired cause all the parts come off the frame and reinsures stability without having to weaken the structure. I was T-Boned on the drivers side, and can say that the car saved my life. The only other thing I was in for was a recall which took them 15 minutes to replace.

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  Very nice medium pickup - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By L.F.Hawkins - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle for several reasons:style,comfortable (62")both front and rear seats,capable of being towed wheels down(behind a motorhome) and dealerships service manager (fantastic reputation for service)I have been very satisfied with the truck,although fuel mileage could be improved,and would purchase another should anything happen to this one.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By dbadonis - April 16 - 2:00 am

  The car has never been a powerful ride, but has always been extremely dependable and comfortable. Ive only had to replace the belts and tires. Everything else is original and is in fine working order.

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  fast and powerfull - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By mitman - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is fast and powerfull. 3.5 liter engine. Hasnt broke down on me at all. Had a small oil leak once. Handles great. You can take this baby on the highway and find yourself going 80 mph and fells like your going 50. very smooth. No transmission problems like they say the 95 and 96 models had. This is the last year they created this design, they got all the kinks out the previous 2 years.

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  What a Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Chris Hussey - April 13 - 8:40 pm

  The Journey was the answer to all our questions. We didnt want a minivan, but wanted something with optional seating for 7. Lambdas were too big and too expensive. Love the design. Love the storage options. Fuel economy on a recent trip averaged 24.5, mixed city and highway, and I have the 3.5 V6. Built in booster seats are perfect for our two girls. It has plenty of power when you need it and handles great. Hanling is tight. Love the 19" wheels and the MyGig. Only negative is the huge blind spot, but I bought some spot mirrors and the problem was solved. I recommend everyone give this vehicle a chance. Dodge was right on target with the Journey.