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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  The Best Minivan Ever - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DollyPartonRocks - February 16 - 8:30 pm

  I have only had one "under" the hood problems, that was in 2007, fixed & no problems since. Everything is still like new, although like all older cars it does need new headlights. Driver side sliding door got jammed once in 2003, fixed and no problem since. This is by far the best minivan ever!!! You cant go wrong with this thing!!!!

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  Enjoying my Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Angela - February 13 - 7:33 pm

  Just got my Journey one week ago but I love it. I am a little upset over buying the convience group II and buying the third row seating and finding out that the cargo cover that is included in the convience group II does not come with it if you get 3rd row of seats. Why do they offer both and not list the exception. It is a rip off! I also ordered mine with a $500 owner loyality rebate but they would not give it to me when the vehicle came in. I think this is a breech of contract but I am investing both of these. I bought the first Journey this dealership sold and they were not aware of the cargo cover not being able to be installed with 3rd row seating till I ask about it.

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  Dodge got it right! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Brian - February 12 - 5:36 pm

  Just bought this van and I am impressed already. This redesigned 08 looks sharp and has all the features you could want without the mark-ups you get from Honda and the other guys. We got the 28N package which puts you into the 4.0L V- 6 at 255hp (Plenty of power on the highway plus more than all of the competition). Inside is great with two DVD screens and the swivel and go seating. Power doors and lift gate make this grocery getter easy to love. Dads dont worry about the minivan stigma because this thing looks and drives great.

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  Dodge Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By lou colabella - February 11 - 7:51 pm

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  SRT-4 is AWSOME - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Simon Starkie - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the ost fun Ive had for years.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Rebecca Tweed - February 7 - 2:46 am

  I have had my eye on this car for quite some time now, and when I got to the dearlership, there was no other car I wanted to look at. We are trying to start a family, and I do not like SUVs or mini vans. The Magnum is the perfect family vehicle and it looks and rides great too!

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  Were there already? - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By shipo - February 5 - 3:03 pm

  The driving dynamics of this van are very similar to the ones I wrote about for our 1998. The only real differences are the more powerful engine at higher RPMs, the slightly better gas mileage and the higher seating position for the driver (not a good thing). This van is pretty much a fully optioned van with DVD video system, Infiniti audio, leather, adjustable pedals, power doors and other goodies. With the DVD system, our kids often ask "Are we there already?" after one of our frequent 5 hour trips to the NYC area. Geez, what a pleasure.

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  Awesome on gas - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By chosenone - February 5 - 1:20 pm

  This car is awesome on gas. I drive a total of 90 miles round trip. I leave home on a full tank and return on a full tank. My last car I was putting gas in 3 times a week. Now I only have to put gas in once. My Caliber also rides so good its like a mini luxury car. I love the hands free. I could go on but take a test drive for yourself .

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  Neons rock! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Lis - February 4 - 11:23 pm

  Im one of those who must own a car every three years. All but one have been Neons, and the latest is definitely the best. Noise level is drastically reduced. Gas mileage is excellent. Its wide wheel base hugs curves beautifully. Its pep makes it so much fun to drive! You think its small engine cant do much, but hit the interstate and take it to 70mph, and youll see it really get up and go. Theres still some road noise, but the awesome stereo takes care of that. The recent exterior redesign makes it look sharper than ever, and I love my cars electric blue color. Its a great car for a low price!

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  Greatest Minivan! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Cindy123 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the minivan for everyone. I did alot of research, and comparing (13 Dealerships!) The van is far better than any other on the market right now. And with the rebates...Wow! Bergeys Dodge (The dealership I bought at) and the sales person Tom Frack, was very helpful. Grand Caravan 100% Dealership 100% Salesperson 100%