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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  Fun for the money - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By diancarr - September 28 - 3:23 pm

  I have a 96 Jeep Cherokee with 262k miles and was looking for a RAV4 when I stumbled upon the 2.0 Caliber SXT. For the money, I couldnt ask for more. It rides very well, plenty of leg room in front and back. With 2 grown boys I needed head and leg room. I do wish the console/armrest was a little higher and cushy. I thought the chill zone was a cool idea, but should be colder. I am loving my new car!

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  Dont buy Dodge Van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By shenlg - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought SE plus stow&go a month ago (9/2005), just after 30 miles of driving, the muffler began to make big noise, went to the deal for a fix, they told me its the design problem, they couldnt do any thing about it. I should have bought a honda or toyota.

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  Dodge Neon 05 4D SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By rochfiriel - September 27 - 4:22 pm

  Originally had a Stratus, needed to downsize. The cab room for driver and shotgun passenger side very similar. I like that. Back seats a bit smaller. Much better fuel economy for a Dodge. Sporty and neutral interior colors make for an enjoyable trip around town. I not only save on gas, I have fun driving it too.

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  Good Van For The Money - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Billy D - September 27 - 1:33 pm

  I bought a 1992 Plymouth Voyager and put 137,000 miles on it and only had one problem, the head gasket needed replacement at 32,000. So in 2003 I decided to retire that great baby to the purple heart and buy a used Dodge. Price was very good. After getting the shift solenoid seal fixed under warranty and pan gasket (within 1 month of buying so repair was free) have had no problems. Ride is smooth and corners well with HD suspension. Has great power. Mileage is better than advertised, with cruise and sensible driving can get 28 mpg on hwy. Great room and flexible too. Is very easy on tires and brakes. I have the 3.3 L which is a plus. Paint and exterior are very durable. Paid $11K in 2003 w/26000 on.

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  Great but unreliable - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Roo - September 27 - 12:16 pm

  This car is a hunk of junk. Not even 40,000 miles on it and Ive had to spend thousands of dollars doing repairs. All the repair shops are crooks to make it worse. So far Ive replaced the steering rack (got swindled on that), water pump, rotors, etc. Sad thing is this if my first American car after many reliable Japanese cars. I really wanted to like Dodge, but never again.

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  First Month - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Robert - September 26 - 10:00 pm

  Have owned a Grand Caravan in the past. Like the looks and the size of the standard. SXT model came equipped with all of the desired options. Appreciate the comfortable mid-row bucket seats. Keeps the kids seperated and happy (and that makes me happy). Looking forward to many family trips.

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  Nice overall - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Richard DiCosmo - September 26 - 3:33 pm

  The car has great pickup. 0-60 very fast. Comfort good. I like the autostick feature. The fuel mileage is OK, approx. 18-21 average. The braking is excellent, noise factor minimum. It has a great look, the front is slightly throw-back in style. I`ve gotten a lot of nice car comments from everyboby. The only issue I don`t like is the noisy auto steering, only when pulling out or in or parking. Overall good value, styling, and performance.

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  1996 Dodge Grand Caravan - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Patrick - September 26 - 7:43 am

  This is not the first Chrysler Van that we have owned. All in all the only thing that worries me about the van is the transmission (4-spd auto) whichis known to be trouble. Fuel economy is very poor, well below the Chevy Venture. But all in all, this van is worth the extra money at the pump. Ride quality, design, and comfort is tops with us. We have owned 1993-2002 Chrysler vans and have enjoyed and have had good luck with all (trading most in with mileage above 150,000). We all reall love our Caravan!

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  Best truck I could buy - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By curt - September 25 - 11:30 pm

  I wanted to get a little truck hoping for good gas mileage, and when I found my Dakota SLT 4x4 with the 5.2 V8 I fell in love. Since I got this truck all I have had done was put dual flowmaster exhaust on it which increase my fuel mileage 3 miles. I love the horsepower it has, and I feel this is the best looking Dakota model out there, and my friends agree.

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  Lemon? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chrissy - September 25 - 2:37 pm

  Am I the only one that has had nothing but problems with my car? Multiple transmission problems? Radio replaced because the buttons just stop working? Horn works every once in a while and no one can seem to solve the problems. I had to have it when it came out since Im not am SUV kind of gal but I am so dissapointed. For the amount of money I spent I am not pleased with the way this car has performed.