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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  Extremely good car for me - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Neon Driver - March 7 - 7:52 pm

  I have had a 1995 Dodge Neon Sport since 1995. It now has 75,000 miles on it. It has fit every stage of my life perfectly, trunk was big enough to accomodate several moves, back seat has enough room for two large adults to sit comfortably. I have had CEOs in my car and received compliments. It has never been in the shop and I have had ZERO small problems (squeeks, rattles, etc.) Car has a surprising amount of power.

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  Dont Call it a Neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Floc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Lots of Power, excellent racing seats, nice looking gauges, great exhaust sound, fun to drive, great brakes

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  Very good car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By TommyBoy - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car. it handles very well. The fuel is awesome. you do not have to spend a lot of money on fuel. very very comfortable. The interior design is fun, sleek, roomy. Its a very good car and its price very well

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  Wow - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By prpaster - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing it smokes so many v8 it is unbelievable watch out for the other SRTs to come. Great job dodge

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  Dodge Grand Caravan 03 - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mjulian - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving Caravans and Grand Caravans for over 10 years now and have seen them get better in quality of build and dependability as well as comfort of ride. Usually averaging 15-18 mpg in the city and 23-25 mpg on the highway, I am more than satified with this vehicle and plan to stay with it for many years to come.

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  Great Car, but now Ive got a baby - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Kim - March 4 - 9:44 pm

  I loved this car, but just had a baby and got a 4-door sedan (NOT a mini-van). I knew I couldnt keep driving a sports car, but didnt want to become a soccer-mom just yet. I wish I could have kept the Avenger.

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  lot for the $ - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By roger c - March 4 - 7:29 pm

  We have a big family, so I needed a vehicle that would seat 6, but did not want a 2nd minivan or big boat. I wanted something with the room but still fun to drive. Quickly narrowed the search to the Impala, Bonneville and Intrepid. After long test drives, the Intrepid seemed the obvious choice. Great styling, good handling, fairly powerful engine. Its been dependable and for the price, you cant find a car that gives you more.

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  A good family car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By nthurber - March 4 - 3:44 pm

  The Intrepid so far seems to be a excellent buy, Handling and power are nice and the ride is excellent. Road noise from the tires at times can be a little loud but not a big deal. On sundays this car transports 4 adults and 1 child without a problem, there is plenty of room. Parking this car can be a trick sometimes though and backing up isnt always a treat, but with that aside it has proven to be a excellent buy. Just wish it had ABS standard

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  Its all I wanted - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dave - March 4 - 7:56 am

  I waited a long time for a car like this one. I had no desire for a SUV but I needed to carry things. I could never see myself in a mini-van but I needed to carry things and people. This is my dream car. Style, performance, and room.... its got it all.

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  1993 Dodge Dynast LE Recap - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By sunray - March 3 - 11:39 pm

  The best car I ever had. My co-worker bought one at same time (both cars still on road >110,000 miles. Solid ride, no squeeks, no major problems ever. Bought at "sale price" new in 1993 at a bargain basement price... loaded! Car doesnt rust. I would do it over again. This vehicle never left me stranded. Lookback crash tests revealed really good safety too. Seems 1992-1994 Chrysler products were really really good...I dont know about now though??? Good luck.