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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  Love my Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By veepersgirl - February 26 - 11:36 am

  I never thought I would go back to a car after driving an SUV, but this car changed my mind. It is fun to drive, sporty and comfortable. The only downfall that I have found is that the fuel mileage is not so good in town.

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  Compromise - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mustle Seeker - February 26 - 10:00 am

  First of all, this car is really good value for its price. but 2.7litle engine is a bit smalll to maneuvers around in the urban area. with your full accelation you will lose A/C power. so I have decided to buy a RT next year. This car is the car which I expect all SUV boomer to come back to old school station wagon style.

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  Happy so far - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ikarus - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Replaced my 1999 Montana ostensibly since I couldnt wait for GMs new model minivans. (always have been a GM family.) In addition, GMs minivans while adding a "nose" to their 2005 models did not offer anything new in the seat "stowage" area. The Grand Caravan SXT is undoubtedly a larger car in all respects than GM offerings. Only have had the car two weeks but satisfied with ride and engine (3.8)so far. It will take a little mileage under its belt to fairly evaluate the car but so far so good. Ill let you know later as we drive 4000K back and forth annually to AZ as to comfort and gas mileage. Happy so far.

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  My 4th Caravan - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Maureen - February 26 - 8:17 am

  I have always loved Dodge Caravans and this one is no exception. It offers a smooth classy ride.

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  Must be one of the few - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MIchiganMiniVan - February 24 - 3:20 pm

  Wifes van w/ 3 kids. Power side and rear doors are great when they shut. Drivers side door will not shut all the time. Been into the dealership for this and for a broken latch on the lid for front stow n go seat. Original brakes (17,000+ miles), original tires. Have hauled 1000# of lumber, inside, and about 1000# of landscape edging bricks. No damage to inside seats when down. Handles great in the Michigan winters (above average last year). Van is driven mainly city driving, but weekend trips are over 50 miles, one way. Just got back from a 240 mile round tripper yesterday. Averaged 23-24 mpg on turnpike. Very pleased. Seats, at head rests, seem to be coming apart, though.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Chaz - February 24 - 2:13 pm

  This car has everything I need comfort, style and performance. Not all of us are in the market for a BMW. Having read the Edmunds review, I have to say that this car is under-rated and that Edmunds has a certain snobishness when it comes to rating cars. We are not all "Speed Racers" or "Track Demons". This is good solid transportation with style, comfort and a host of convenience features. A lot of what is out there is in fact "over engineered" for the needs of the average driver. Dodge and its parent company have tapped into a market segment where their car does not look like a cookie cutter in style and stands apart from the rest. I have gotten many, many compliments on the car.

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  MINE WAS JUST TOTALED AND IM MISSING IT - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Holly - February 24 - 3:36 am

  My Grand Caravan met an ungrand ending a few days ago (we were hit) and Im already searching the net for its twinkie. It was by far the best, most reliable "car" Ive driven. My only complaint would be that a sensor went out around 50,000 that would not allow one of the side doors to close with the click of the auto key. It was $350 to fix, so we made due and got used to it. I also had a problem with the turn signal that would not work, it was covered under warranty. We have five children and really liked the stowing capacity. It was also very comfortable for long trips. (I say that as a driver. 3rd seats not as comfy - but that is true with most vans.)

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  Great SUV - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Bart19 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I got just what I wanted. It is a bit more like a truck than say the Montero But it is powerful, roomy, Comfortable, Nice looking, etc.. I had a 96 4.0 Jeep cherokee sport 2dr and this is a big truck compared to my old jeep. Liked the new Jeep Limited but scared of the transmission problems and now that I compare this truck with the limited I love my final choice. Much bigger and better looking.

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  The Worlds Greatest Minivan - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DodgeFan - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle looks and drives as great as a sports car. The stereo is awesome, and the power- operated sliding doors and liftgate are useful and fun to use. If theres one thing that could be improved, its the flexibility of options. First of all, the base SE model has a very limited set of options. I would have gone for that, if rear air and power locks/windows/cruise control could be combined. Its good that this is possible for 2003. The Sport has many options, but the value is poor, and my wife wanted the power doors and liftgate, so we decided on the eX. Still, this van outclasses the Honda Odyssey in EVERY area but safety, only by a small margin.

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  The Worlds Greatest Minivan - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodgefan - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle looks and drives as great as a sports car. The stereo is awesome, and the power- operated sliding doors and liftgate are useful and fun to use. If theres one thing that could be improved, its the flexibility of options. First of all, the base SE model has a very limited set of options. I would have gone for that, if rear air and power locks/windows/cruise control could be combined. Its good that this is possible for 2003. The Sport has many options, but the value is poor, and my wife wanted the power doors and liftgate, so we decided on the eX. Still, this van outclasses the Honda Odyssey in EVERY area but safety, only by a small margin.