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 looks - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By mike - July 3 - 3:20 am

  I previously drove a 2003 Honda Accord coupe with a 4 cylinder. While the Dodges acceleration is not quite as good as the Hondas, its handling is far superior, and it has a lot less body roll. The tires are too eager to squeal on the Accord on turns. The interior of the Accord is nicer, but the Dodge looks a lot better on the outside. For as long as I have had this car, nothing has gone wrong. This car is an overall good buy and very sporty, if thats what your looking for.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By chris - July 3 - 1:36 am

  Was very excited about buying this car but now have been let down have had the brakes done 3 times at 48,000 and they tell me its the way I drive. Both visor mirror covers broke off. Passenger window needed to be fixed 3 times. Diver door needed paint because the tape was peeling off. Had to have it brought in because the car would start but no lights, radio, or signals would work. And never mind bringing it in for the recalls. Will never buy Dodge again

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  Known engine problem - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By mh - July 2 - 1:02 pm

  I always enjoyed the car. It was comfortable, roomy, and the 2.7L is economical. It was reliable in Chicago winters, and only had minor repairs. At 70,000 miles it threw a rod. Dodge wants $6300 for a new engine. Turns out small oil ports sludge up and kill the engine. Dodge says the problem is poor maintenance, but dealer changed the oil every 4-5,000 miles without warning me that 4-5,000 mile changes are only good on the Hondas, Toyotas, Volvos & Pontiacs on which weve put 125-150,000 miles each in the last 20 years. Who knew? Oh - wait - Chrysler did. If youve got one, find out what you can do to de-sludge it, or trade it in by 50,000 miles.

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  Great long lastingvrid - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Romm romm - July 2 - 12:00 pm

  2004 with 210,000 miles and running like day one

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  Hot Red R/T by Tom in TN - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By TVBAR - July 2 - 2:36 am

  I bought my R/T new 16 months ago with 87 miles on the car. I now have a total of 50,000 miles on it. I have not had any repair issues with the car. I change the oil every 3000 miles and follow the required maintinance schedule. I just changed my first set of tires at 48,000 miles. The car runs great, and has a dependable 3.0 ltr engine. This is my 2nd Stratus. I had a 2000 stratus and put over 150,000 miles on it, and it ran great.

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  Had some bad luck. - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By IdahoBogeyBoy - July 1 - 2:50 pm

  Bought as a "program" car with 27K miles. Kept up all routine maintenance. At 103K I had to replace the engine, found a 70K mile engine and had it installed. The timing chain failed at 126K, with 23K on second engine. I have heard from 2 different mechanics that the 2.7 liter engine is not a reliable model. It was a good car until the problems began. I would not recommend this car to buyers looking at used cars.

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  Great car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Dean - June 29 - 6:13 pm

  I now have 90k miles on my Stratus and have had only one problem so far, and thats the head gasket leaking oil, which seems to be the norm for this car. Its fun to drive and looks good. I love this car, and am thinking about getting a new one.

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  I love my Dodge - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Jen - June 29 - 5:11 pm

  I have five kids (and a husband) and this car is large enough for all of us and our stuff. It is very reliable, I have only had to replace brake pads and tires. Finally, unlike other minivans, it looks good. I dont feel like a frumpy mom when I am in my sporty van with sleek lines. Now if we could just get an automatic french fry remover!

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  Love my Intrepid! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By azjoyce - June 29 - 4:56 pm

  The only problem I have had was the cooling fans being replaced at 60,000 miles. I had a 96 and loved it, bought my 2001 with 12,000 miles on it and have had no problems at all. I love the air conditioner - the best- especially in Arizona! I think the gas mileage is horrible! Window has always squeaked - map lights go on and off by themselves while driving. Of course it wont do it for the service dept.

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  Great buy - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By John - June 29 - 3:32 pm

  We went down a step, previously had a Grand Caravan. I was worried about space, but this van is surprisingly roomy for the size. Recently took it on a 3,500 mile trip and had plenty of room for a family of 4 and all our luggage. With the smaller engine, it doesnt accelerate as fast, but cruises just fine. We werent interested in a van with lots of bells and whistles (no need for automatic doors, etc. just more that can go wrong). This van has everything we need. A/C, AM/FM CD/cassette, cruise. Fuel economy is a plus. Also, my wife and daughter were recently hit by a red light runner in this van, it was easily repaired, and more importantly neither were hurt. Safety is a plus.