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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  Magnum RT Magic - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Bobbydog - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is an attention getter with an admiring population that is totally inclusive. Young, middle aged, older, male, female....all ask questions, admire and comment on the car. In terms of the car itself, I have found it to be a dream to drive, smooth, powerful, responsive, comfortable, and it fulfills my need for hauling space for my dog, computer stuff and other belongings as I travel back and forth across the country. I am retired, a widower, and on my own. I need a car like this for my new lifestyle. The best car I have ever owned, by far.

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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum boy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  it looks cool going anywhere! This car turns heads everywhere I go and people come up to me where ever I stop to tell me how much they like it. i love this car!

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  Auto Satisfaction - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gene olson - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car---am very satisfied

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  I despise this van. - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By frustrated van owner - July 21 - 8:53 pm

  We purchased this car six months ago and have had nothing but trouble with it. Within the first two weeks we had trouble with the radio, as it would shut off on its own for no reason. It eventually had to be replaced, which took us 3 visits to accomplish. Since then weve had a knock in the steering wheel (3 visits), a rattle in the drivers door, and currently our anti-lock brake / stabilization light is on. I have 3 kids in carseats and bought this van for the conveniences it was supposed to offer - it has been an absolute pain for us, as there is no convenience associated with taking a car in every other week. We regret buying this van nearly every day.

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  Too much gas! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By itsmine59 - July 21 - 5:35 pm

  This thing is a sight to behold. Its interior and exterior styling is awesome. The flame red color is the best red color on the road. Nice exhaust sound. This thing needs its own gas station! I get an average fuel economy of 9.9 MPG. It has power, but it is a bit sluggish. It is a little slow and does not get off the line that great, but once you get going look out! An awesome car for the money. It is perfect just being plain ol factory stock. 17" wheels, beefy tires, nice exhaust. It turns heads.

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  94 Viper - 1994 Dodge Viper
  By viper 1 - July 21 - 12:32 pm

  The 94 is truely a classic, but you can not find a clean one at the price Edmunds is listing.This car appreciates every year. The car is brute force, has exceptional handling, and has a noisy exhaust. If you are tall ( 6 or taller) you might have a problem driving it as the windshield is low. The mileage is good considering it has a V 10. I get as high as 26 mpg on the highway if I keep it down to 70, City is around 15. The windows clip into the doors and for about $4000, you can buy a hard top for it. Some cars are lowered so you have to watch out as the cars clearance would then be less than 3.5 " Tires cost about $450 to $500 a piece so you want to buy one with good tires

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  Love the Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By flipper - July 20 - 12:45 pm

  Although I have low mileage on this truck, I think it is one of the best vehicles I have owned. Absolutely no initial defects, no trips to the dealer except for the ball joint recall. I tow a 3000 pound boat with the small V8 and have no problems. My only gripe is that I wish the rear glass opened. Its also hard to back up or turn sharply in 4wd on dry solid pavement. I hate the 2005 re-design. They killed the looks.

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  Nice - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jagfan - July 20 - 1:36 am

  I am very pleased to date with our Caravan. The DVD system with the remote headphones is a blessing on long drives. Had one problem with the drivers side window, dealership replaced a voltage regulator. Gas mileage is not quite getting what I had hoped, about 17-19 MPG.

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  Owner - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By John Ross - July 19 - 10:05 pm

  It is a good solid truck. There have been few problems with it so far - I was a Ranger owner before and I like this truck a lot better. It was a good choice for me I am very happy with it.

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  Love my 94 Intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Suzette Gregory - July 19 - 7:59 pm

  I bought my 94 Intrepid new, have had it 11 yrs. Ive kept it properly maintained, with tune ups, etc. When mileage became higher, I routinely had the oil changed with a new oil filter every 3,000 miles. I have purchased new tires 3 times, had some transmission and air conditioning work done about 3 different times. Considering the car currently has 121,000 miles, maintainence does not seem unreasonable over an 11 year period. I still drive around town, and on the freeway in southern California. Ive had 6ft plus rear seat passengers amazed at the room and comfort. I plan to sell soon, and was surprised at the unhappiness I read from other owners.