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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  Sounds like a bird - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By sad - June 14 - 6:44 am

  I got this van in November it had 6 miles on it. Brand new! And the bird noise started then. I thought it was just the newness and would stop after I drove it a while. But, it didnt. Ive had it in the shop just about every month. They have replaced the belt and have put on a new pully, they even used duck tape (that worked for a while..longer than anything). I dont like the looks from people as I drive down the road. I do like my van I just dont want the noise. Its going back to the dealer today to see what they think. Id like to know if anyone else has had this problem.

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  The Durango Expierence - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By RETreeFrog769 - June 14 - 1:10 am

  The driving is great it is comfortable, but the plastic parts inside are already breaking like around the outside of the drivers seat where the electric controls are for the seat! The plastic parts seem cheap!

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  Gotta love this wagon! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Steve S. - June 13 - 12:34 am

  Have had the vehicle for only a few weeks. Had to sell 05 Mustang and go practical. The Magnum gave me practicality and fun! Really nice car, drives very well, nice and tight. Love the low cut look, very aggressive. My wife really likes it too. Can actually be cool in a wagon.

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  Not a good experience this time around - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Reliability Issues - June 12 - 8:53 pm

  Had this van for about four years now, had a lot of trouble in the beginning with small things like the rear htch opening at will. Since the waranty ran out we are having trouble with the transmision (shifting back and forth between gears as you accelerate) water pump has gone, front end is loose and makes strange noises - I suspect the ball joints are shot, transmission hose broke and dumped transmission fluid all over road. Engine is loosing oil like crazy. Does not seem to be leaking so I can only assume that it is burning oil. This is my third Dodge Van... first two were good but this one has had problem after problem. I suspect I will not buy another Dodge van

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  My Wagon - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By rjohn6 - June 12 - 7:46 pm

  An excellent family vehicle. Dependable with no worries. Clear vision all around and plenty of interior room. Ammenities such as cup holders, 12 volt power outlets and interior lights are plentiful.

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  Excellent Pick - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jaime - June 12 - 4:12 pm

  I bought this car only three days ago and I am in love with it. Took it straight to the mechanic and the only issue was a tie rod that was easily replaced and the car is in perfect condition. Got it for 3200 with TTL at the dealership. Interior is in excellent condition and the only think I am going to have to replace is the CD player. Not bad for a great buy.

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  Ongoing problems - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By joan - June 11 - 9:31 pm

  Mechanicly sound , fun to drive, but many ongoing problems. Front seat trim keeps cracking , headlights come on on sunny days , ac cuts out. Dealer keeps saying no problem found. Also the Goodyear tires are poor in rain or at highway speeds .

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  Petes Stratus - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Pete - June 9 - 9:00 pm

  Very reliable car.150,000 miles and still going strong. Handles decent, great fuel economy. Its a good car car if you want the basics plus a few extras like AC, power windows and locks.

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  A basic people hauler - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Duff - June 9 - 2:52 pm

  Performance is fair to good. Acceleration from a stop is mediocre, but at highway speed passing acceleration is very good. Ride is good and comfort is very good. The standard Caravan is more reliable than the Grand Caravan (backed up by Consumer Reports), probably because it has fewer creature comforts. If you are looking for a basic people hauler that is also comfortable for long trips, gets decent mileage (better than the larger engine of the Grand Caravan), is fun to drive and nice looking, the Caravan is a solid choice.

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  Love My magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By l. lyons - June 8 - 3:20 pm

  I bought my car site unseen, never even test drove it. What a chance I took, but there hasnt been one thing about this car that I am disappointed in! I love everything about my car except where and how the cruise control lever is located. I also own a C-5 Vette and I can honestly say I usually choose to drive the Magnum over it. I never thought I’d say that about any other car. The Hemi does justice to its name. Its got the looks, the comfort, and the power I look for in a car. Just dont expect it to get very good gas mileage, but I knew that was the price to pay for pure happiness whenever I get behind the wheel. It is one of the roomiest and comfortable vehicles Ive owned. Plenty of storage.