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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  Not too bad, but not too good either - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stekicar - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 96164 miles on it. Except for intermitent wipers I didnt have a sinle problm until I reached around 120000 miles. First, my engine started to leak oil, every 300- 500 miles I have to add 1 quarter. My AC compressor died (dont know whats wrong with it, maybe its just bearing), power windows electric motor on passenger side burned out, . Dont have problem with transmission.

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  Better than its reviews - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Jerois - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a better car than it gets credit for. It is not as refined as others but the bottom line is that it is a good car and it is more fun than a Honda or Toyota. We got a new one for $11,500, well equiped, and its way more than 2/3rds of the other cars in its class.

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  2004 Neon SXT - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Morticia - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2004 Neon this month and I love it! It handles great and it rides smooth. It is sporty but yet a family car. All my friends love it!

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Cracked-Out Neon - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Test drive this car, and you will fall in love with it. Very fast car for 21k.

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  neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By joepa2002 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  beatiful car could be more powerful but its good for commuting to and from work

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By texdew - March 8 - 12:00 am

  Purchased the Charger SXT last week and have had a ball driving it. Favorite Feature: The style of the outside and practicality of the inside.(4 doors and large trunk) Improvement: No sunroof/moonroof. Suggestion: Go buy one!

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  Charger Notes - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Cusefan80 - March 7 - 5:00 pm

  Charger with 3.5L is a good balance between performance and practicality. Since I do a lot of city driving the HEMI scared me if gas prices go much higher. Have been an import owner for years so this car is a bit different. Love the exterior styling. Definitely could use more "gingerbread" features on the interior. The dash is nice but the interior is loaded with cheapish looking materials, even the "leather" seats appear to be more vinyl. Drives beautifully, nice and quiet and good pick-up. I got the power sunroof as to not feel closed in by its low windshield as I am a taller person.

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  4.0 WITH 6 SPEED - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ETP - March 6 - 8:43 pm

  My minivan looks great inside and out, and has a rock solid build. The van seems to be rock solid on the road also. Dodge has been doing this for 26 years folks and they got it right again. As a former mechanic I check a vehicle out before I buy and this was far superior to the 3.3 and 3.8 vehicles on the lot. 12 months from now I can update this for you folks with long haul driving. I was reluctant to buy during this crisis but strongly feel we should support our manuafacturing base and most likely the worst that will happen is a reorganization of the industry.

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  Pretty dissapointed - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Justin - March 6 - 7:42 pm

  Got the truck 4 years ago with 29k now have 100k...Get the 5.2 or 5.9 if you get a 4x4. Have a extended cab 4x4 with the 3.9 and it is terrible, wont even stay over 70 in hilly areas or long trips.The design is beautiful and the build qaulity is good. no rattles, things broken etc...been in two wrecks and both times totaled other cars and simply busted my bumper (Mitsu Montero suv and a Toyota Camry. I have had a problem with the speedometer going crazy and the dealerships cannot figure it out. been in and out for 3 months, I am selling it....

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  First Time Mini Owner - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Ted D, - March 5 - 11:17 pm

  Great ride. Smooth and very comfortable. Very steady steering and responsive handling. Plenty of power. Form, fit and function excellent. First time Dodge owner and minivan owner. Only question at this point is why I waited.