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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  Awesome car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By renee - January 7 - 12:27 am

  Single mother of small child. Plenty of room for all the toys in back everywhere. Easy to keep clean and detailed. Great on gas and wonderful for long trips. Smooth ride.

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  Pleased - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Nathan Whitney - January 6 - 4:09 pm

  It has some pick up and is reliable. I heard so much negative about Dodge but I am very happy and will buy one again.

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  Most Fun Ive Had Driving in 20 Years - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Leo - January 6 - 8:13 am

  Simply put, it has been the perfect car. Incredibly fast and smooth, very comfortable, plus loads of utility. Had an 03 Explorer before and sold it to a family member. Recently drove it again and couldnt believe the difference between it and my Magnum. The Dodges handling and ride are incredible and you feel so much more in command when driving it. Now Im spoiled for life! People seeing it think that because it sits lower and the windows are narrower, theres not much space inside, but the interior is incredibly roomy and comfortable, and you can easily seat three in the back. This car has made station wagons cool again!

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  Fun & Cheap - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry s - January 6 - 6:32 am

  The car cost me $11,500 about $6 grand LESS than a Honda Civic! OK it doesnt hold its value like a Honda...picky, picky. So far the car has been great, but the last review scared me(electrical short at 50K miles). Dodge has a nasty habit of not taking care of customer problems after warranty over and not fixing them on a timely basis. I say this because I also own a 98 Neon Sport(150HP engine). The early Neons (first 3 model years especially) had engine head gasket oil leaks due to imperfection in metal, not the gasket. Too many customers had to pay $600 to over $1000 to get it fixed. Dodge needs to fix design flaws at no charge or its going to lose customers like me.

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  Front-drive sports car! - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Marcus - January 6 - 2:00 am

  An enthusiasts machine for Dodge dollars. Great handling on tight mountain curves, even in snow (#1 ski car). I just wave politely @ Subarus and SUVs when I pass them to get first tracks. Classic exterior, nothing else like it. 210 horses before the K&N air filter and 3 in. exhaust. So fun it makes commuting a blast. The bad news: expensive maintenance/repair, especially parts (timing belt, water pump, throttle body...). Needs premium gas to reach its peak. Mine has 89K miles as of 1/06, has needed choke repair, T belt/water pump, dome light sensor switch on door, currently has small leak in clutch hydraulics. Not much considering the daily pleasure of cruising it around in all conditions.

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  Its realiable - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By pj - January 6 - 1:29 am

  I got this car in the summer of 05 and its a 99. It came with the best sound system Ive heard in a long time. I havent had to do too much but replace the battery. Its got power but not enough for the body style. On top of that its fun to drive and with my 18 in rims on it I get lots of looks. If you like the body style I suggest you buy this car. Its reliable, sporty looking, good gas mileage, and most of all fun to drive

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  Great Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By metrostreet - January 5 - 11:43 pm

  I just bought my Intrepid and was very happy with the performance. I have the 3.5 v6 and it is a great car. Well balanced comfort and speed. A good sporty look and great reliability. Recomend it to everyone. 30MPG!

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  Love that Hemi - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Buddy Rowles - January 5 - 1:10 pm

  My Wife was hit head on by a drunk driver in our 05 Caravan, air bags saved her life, good design by the Chrysler team. We purchased a 04 Durango and absolutely love it, the performance from the Hemi, the interior and exterior and the safe feeling my wife has based on the overall size and how high the Durango sits. We were well aware in advance we would not get the gas mileage We were getting in our last 3 Dodge caravans but we do get a lot of positive comments on the look of the Durango, waiting for spring to trade into an 06/07.

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  The baby Viper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By baby viper - January 5 - 12:38 am

  My SRT-4 is the most fun car Ive ever driven. Two thumbs up to Chrysler on this one. It scares me every time I crank it over. Its extremely fast for a $20,000 passenger car.

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  Own it, but dont care for it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By car - January 4 - 7:32 pm

  The Dodge Stratus is a nice car, but when it comes to it being the all around vehicle I wouldnt own another one. And trust me its no fun climbing out of your own vehicle anymore. I should have bought a truck.