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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  For the $ nothing better - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Justin - October 24 - 4:06 am

  I would go out and get one right now. Dealerships are clearing out inventory and looking to get out of these vehicles. I bought a sticker price 32,895 for 21,500. It has almost all of the gadgets and has been a joy to drive. I have owned vans from 2 other car companies and I am trying to figure out why I waited to look at Dodge as a viable option. If you are in the market for a van go check them out, you wont be sorry

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  I dont know - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By massachubbs - October 23 - 12:52 am

  The Neon is not a great car, however, for cheap transportation you cant beat it. Really, you cant beat it or it will break. but once you get used to the poor acceleration, which is a lack of low end torque, its an alright car to drive because it handles amazingly well. If you like to zig-zag in traffic, this car can be fun. The brake are kind of crappy, so watch out. And the car, not just as a domestic but rather as a Dodge, tends to break down a lot. I got the sport and blew a water pump as soon as I got it. Now the brain and the fuel pump have gone out, and its really not worth the fix. Good luck and God bless.

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  First Dodge - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Chris B - October 22 - 1:31 pm

  I wanted a Sienna, my husband wanted to save money. Wasnt even going to look at a Dodge but dealer allowed husband to bring it home overnight and I fell in love with it, we bought it next day! Kids love the DVD, I love the seating position and smooth ride.

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  From An SHO to SXT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Debera - October 21 - 10:20 pm

  After two years of trying to decide between an SXT v. an RT we finally made the move. Our SHO was slowly dying and we had to make this decision. After getting a speeding ticket we decided that the RT could become a problem for us. So the SXT won us over. Proformance is equal if not superior to that of the 1993 Taraus SHO. We have had the the SXT for less then a week now and have enjoyed the ride. Take off is there if we want to waste the gas. The seats fit like gloves and the heated seats are wonderful if you have a bad back. I can see why this station wagon is in such demand. A bit higher priced then others but you get what you pay for. Lets see if this will bring us many years of joy

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  Mixed emotions - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By 01 Stratus SE Sedan - October 21 - 10:12 pm

  My Status was a company lease with high highway miles. Im not quite sure what the deal was, but I had so many problem with the car. Luckily I had the factory and the extended warranty that I chose to purchase. I am currently on my third A/C & heating control module. The chrome lettering on the sides, "SE", "DOGDE", "STRATUS" peeled off. I t has very low head room, especially in the back seat. I was very surprised by the power it has for a 4 cylinder, but very disapointed in the gas mileage. I had the same mileage in my old Lumina 6 cylinder. I had a theory about first model year vehicles and a recent issue of Consumer Reports saying that they have more problems.

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  Not great, not bad - just right - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Sean Davis - October 21 - 3:10 pm

  Purchased IN July 05, out the door at 28,500 with Employee discount, rebate etc ... Traded Eddie Bauer Expedition in. Miss all the do-dads from the Ford but its been a great truck so far. Should have gotten the 2 speed transfer but still works well in sand etc

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  What am I doing in this car? - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Ray in Ohio - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I thought the last car I would be seen in is a Neon, but my opinion changed after looking at a Stratus at a Dodge dealer, deciding it was too much money (at my yearly mileage, leasing is not a good option) and test-driving a Neon SXT. With a power sunroof, 15" alloy wheels and an above average stereo, I was impressed. Very little wind noise with all the windows closed. Great handling, decent pickup and turning on the air conditioner didnt make the car bog down. I was aware of the other cars in my price range and was satisfied that this was the car for me.

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  05 magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By kzoomag - October 21 - 10:00 am

  handles like a dream, responsive v-6, and plenty of room inside. turn up the six speaker system and put the pedal to the floor

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  Dont by a Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Sue Able - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my new durango to the dealer numerous times for an air conditioning problem. They can not fix it and just give me back my car. Now I am have electrical problems. Sometimes my car will not go into PARK it says park but when you let off the brake he goes in reverse. Very hazardous!!!!

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  Wish it had a HEMI, the 1999 Dakota SLT - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By John Holtzclaw - October 20 - 9:36 pm

  Ive owned the Dakota SLT extended cab for 2 years now and it has been a great truck for me. In that time, it has only broken down once, and that was the battery losing a cell. Now, at 93000 miles the upper ball joints are starting to go out, which I hear is common on these trucks. Mechanically the truck is very sound. I have the V6 2 wheel drive and do not find it very off road worthy. I am a little disappointed in the lack of power when compared to other trucks of similar size and age. For a V6 with so so horsepower, the gas mileage should be better. Im pulling 18 on the highway. Overall I am very pleased with this truck.