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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  2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4X4 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge Man - October 9 - 10:03 am

  This truck is the best on ive owned. The truck before this was a Ford exporer and I cant believe the difference. Dodge has done a wonderful job with their SUV and Im a buyer forever

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  Over 6 tall? Drivers seat is like a squat toilet - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jason Schaufenbuel - October 8 - 11:42 pm

  This is my first Dodge mini-van (Ive had a 2nd generation Odyssey). While Ive only had the vehicle two days, the drivers seat (power adjustable) is intolerable. Im 62" tall. To maximum the leg room, the seat has to be all the way back and as low as it will go (raising the seat brings it forward - so tall people get a low seat and short people get a tall seat). So its literally like using on a squatting toilet - as your rear is low and there is then no thigh support. My knees are far above my elbows. Yes, I should have taken a test drive in the vehicle before accepting it (it is a company car), but Ive never seen such a poor drivers seat in any vehicle Ive driven in almost 30 years. Ive always been able to adjust vehicle seats to a tolerable position before, not so far (Ive driven the vehicle 7 hours already), thus I didnt think it would be problem when I approved of receiving the vehicle. Otherwise Ive found no other major issues with the vehicle. No issues noted with fit/finish or noises. Acceleration is good. The cruse control can be up to 4 mph under your desired speed on hilly terrain - I dont remember that from other Dodge/Chrylser vehicles Ive owned. The Uconnect system is nice (takes more steps to do the same functions, but has similar capabilities to GMs system), however it seems slow to answer bluetooth phone calls. Yes, the 2nd and 3rd row seats are thinly padded and low, but I rarely have passengers. About a year ago I test drive a Sienna. Its driving position wasnt great, but entirely usable. Based upon that fact alone, Id suggest something other than a Dodge Grand Caravan.

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  Goodbye Old Friend - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By EKnigmah - October 8 - 4:14 pm

  I bought my Spirit new in June of 1994. I was desperate for a dependable car and could not afford one of the higher rated imports. My Spirit was exactly what I needed. It has been a great car. It has carried my family of 5 snuggly but comfortably. I have driven it 310,000 miles in 12 years. During that time, Ive had the transmission repaired twice. The first time was my fault (poor maintenance). The second time was because the first shop did a lousy job. Now, sadly, the engine is finally going out. It has developed a coolant leak and the repair is too costly for its age and number of miles. I just hope the replacement is at least half the car my Spirit is. Goodbye old friend. Ill miss you.

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  The new Dodge, same old same old - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By James - October 8 - 12:16 am

  I bought this car from an individual. I paid just $500. I found the acceleration with the 3.3 to be more than ample. The drivetrain is good for the engine, and shifted smooth. Even though the car has never left me stranded, I have poured quite the sum of money into it. When I bought it, it needed brakes. Thats maintanence. After driving it for a month, the inner and outer tie rod ends on the drivers side are going bad. Map, and O2 sensors went bad. The rear transmission mount is broke. The downshift linkage in the transmission is sticking. Dodge did a horrible job on fit and finish. Same old Same old.

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  Moms little hot rod - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By janet thomas - October 7 - 10:07 pm

  The first time I saw a Dodge Magnun, Ithought I was in love.I was so happy when I finally was able to purchase my dream car. My first long ride in my blue beauty was a trip from Rockford,Ill to Waterloo, Ia, to see my mother. Through the hills and curves it was so smooth.It was like riding on a cloud. There were a couple of times I had to pass some semis and I had the power to do so. I do not have the Hemi engine in it . For me, It is the finest riding machine on the earth. There is so much room for me to haul the thing I need. My kids like to call it,"Moms little hot rod". Yes, I am one very happy lady with the prettest blue magnum in the world. Thank you,Dodge for my car.

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  Great car for the money - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By ambersheree - October 7 - 2:55 pm

  I bought this car almost 2 years ago with 27,000 miles on it for $4500. A Dodge Neon was the last thing that I thought I would buy, but it was in my price range, and I didnt have a lot of time to shop around. My Neon now has about 55,000 miles on it, and the only thing that Ive had to do to my car is new front brakes (normal) and new tires (I live in Michigan, Neons dont like snow). The tires were pretty expensive, but theres usually a less expensive option for them. Right now my car is making a pretty loud noise from the front axle, which ill be fixing soon (Im pretty sure its the wheel bearing). Overall Im very happy with my car. I only wish that it wasnt purple!

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  Great Van, Quite Smooth and Reliable - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By tiger850 - October 6 - 10:42 pm

  We have had no problems with our 2005 SXT. It gets great mileage, 25- 26MPG on hwy. Love the power driver seat, and all the features for a van we paid only $19250 for! Rest of seats are good since it is not the stow and go lousy seating. Radio treble and bass controls dont do much. It could use a better radio/speakers. Van looks great too. Best feature, zero problems so far. Great value, enjoy the van very much.

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  Dart - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Ricardo Lara - October 6 - 8:28 pm

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  2006 Dodge SRT8 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By John Metcalf - October 5 - 8:06 pm

  This is one of the finest cars I have ever purchased. It has a great ride and great feel to the road. The fuel consumption is actually pretty good considering the horsepower this car develops. Ive taken it on one trip and got an average of 21.7 mpg. Please note that 98% was freeway driving at 68 to 72 mph. This car is a great value for its price.

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  My very first new car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Gil Davis - October 5 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this car after owning a full- sized Dodge van. Im 63" tall, about 340 pounds...and I FIT! My girlfriend has a Hyundai and Im cramped. Ive taken the Neon on long road trips, the AC is FANTASTIC, get a little better than posted mileage (about 34 on a 4sp auto) on road trips, and have had no problems, other than some annoyances when it was new that were fixed immediately by the dealer. Because of the engine design (short piston skirts to save weight), however, it does tend to get a bit of piston slap when its really cold outside, but it does go away in about 30 seconds or so after the car idles. Not harmful, just annoying. It gets lots of attention when it does that! :-)