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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  My car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Just y - August 22 - 5:11 pm

  I bought my Neon during the spring of 2003. I drove it out to Houston and from there to southern California as well as all the driving around the cities. I also drove it 50 miles one way to work 5 days a week. I have 108,600 miles on my Neon and it is still running like it was when I bought it with 33,000 miles on it. I have never had to do any major repairs. It is the best car I have ever owned. I really enjoy it.

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  Great car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Izzy - August 21 - 6:33 pm

  Love the look and it is fun to drive. A very smooth ride. Great handling. People are definitely interested when I drive around. I see more Magnums around the city now and wave. Watch out when you have a lot of cargo because it will cause you to bottom out. And make sure the tires are inflated properly. The only things Ive had problems with, is the sensors going off; the "Passenger Airbag off", the "ESP not working" light... things like that, but they werent permanent and nothing to go crying to the dealer about. (I did call them though)

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  Magnum RT 2005 - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chamras - August 21 - 2:26 am

  The engine rocks. The transmission enhances the engine performance. Its a very powerful, practical, fun-to-drive, stylish car. I still drool when I look at it! However, the cosmetics in the cabin are not the most durable ones. I have had the visor clip, the sunroof, and the seal for the back spoiler changed. The quality of the paint is also poor.

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  We got a lemon!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By ashlnsmom - August 20 - 5:11 pm

  We are VERY disappointed. Yes the HEMI is great & tows our boat effortlessly, but we have had SO many problems that we are in the process of a buy back with Chrysler. Immediately, we had the air conditioning compressor replaced hoping to correct the horribly rough idle(it still idles rough today)The spark plugs were corroded & incorrectly gapped The drivers seat mechanism was replaced, the tire rim replaced for air leakage,rear differential leak,the transmission is now leaking for the 5th time overqualifying us for the buy back, an undiagnosed check engine light,a bolt under the front bumper unscrewed itself thru the bumper TWICE,theres now a grinding noise in the rear.Theres more but no room.

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  A great car for the money - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By TracyC273 - August 20 - 1:46 pm

  I just got my van and it is great. It drives so well. I did have a 96 windstar and this tops the cake. The only thing is the gas mileage is not so great. And I did not like the fact that I was told by the dealer that I could not program my key to open the other slider /lift gate. But overall it is a great minivan. Mine came with the DVD which my kids love and the radio is good w/ 6 speakers

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  Worth the money - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By thabear - August 20 - 12:47 pm

  This vehicle is full of comfort and style. It is far more luxurious than the 1999 Durango I traded for it. It also gets fair gas mileage for an SUV. So far mine has gotten about 16.5 miles to the gallon. The Hemi engine will fly, so you will need to pay close attention to your speed when you get on the open road. I opted for the DVD which, if you have children is a great choice. I also got a year of Sirius. The leather seats are very comfortable for short or long trips. I would definitely recommend this vehicle, as I have been very happy with mine.

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  A few problems but I am happy! - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Adam - August 19 - 2:08 am

  Right when I bought the car I had to put an alternator on it. There are a few other things I had to buy, but what do you expect, the car had 151,000 miles on it. The road noise is very loud. To fix it I bought some better speakers to quiet down the noise. The power steering pump makes al ot of noise as well. That will be the next thing to go out. I think the rims should be recalled, the clear coat is peeling off and looking really nasty. If you like the outside of a car buy it. That is what I did, and I am glad I did!

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  Love it--source of wind noise known - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By apstockley - August 19 - 1:13 am

  I love ours! Two kids= dual DVDs, game plugs, Sirius radio/Backseat TV a lifesaver for our long, long road trips. Bucket swivels in 2nd row. Plenty of room for four adults, 2 kids on trips! Lots of storage! Back camera perfect for city/parallel parking! Toyota/Honda users always want to check out our Dodge (we paid so much less for so much more!). Wind noise/rattles = reseal the front window! Done! No noise ever again! (Warranty covers it.) LOVE our DGC!!

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  Glad I bought it - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By InnAtVt33 - August 18 - 9:24 pm

  I bought my 1998 Caravan SE a little over a year ago and have had no problems at all. The first thing I did when I got it was to have the tranny flushed. With Dodge, my mechanic recommends every 20,000 miles. Lots of cargo space with the seats removed. I do wish the gas mileage was better. This is my 3rd van but the first with 4 doors and I love it. It may be almost 8 years old, but it still feels new when you get in. The interior has held up very well. I have thought about going back to a car but dont think I can. SUVs feel too truck like for me. My van gives a very comfortable ride. With less than 50,000 miles on it I think its a keeper.

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  Good fun for the buck. - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By anthjaco - August 18 - 5:06 am

  Dodge hit a triple with this car! Good road feel and lots of get up! Good spacious interior and great sport look.