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:

• 

  Over all - Good Vehicle - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Ron - Silver Spring - May 2 - 12:33 pm

  Rides well on the highway. Brakes are not quite robust enough for the weight of the vehicle, in constant stop and go traffic.

• 

  Reliable, Sharp, Fun - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By SNN - May 2 - 3:30 am

  I bought this as a used fleet car at 16,000 miles. Its the 2.0 CVT SXT. I have had no problems thus far. The tires have been changed eliminating any road noise. AC is cold at 30 degrees lower than outside temp, chillzone stays at 65 to 75 degrees with ac on and vent open. I replaced the stock speakers but left the stock radio. I get avg. 28 city/ 32 highway mpg. Plenty of spunk for stop lights and city traffic dodging. Handles well, and will spin tires. Doesnt haul butt, 0-30 in 3 seconds and 30-60 in another 9 seconds. But, it is a clean looking car thats fun to drive with acceptable mpg and features. The new 2008s have more standard features now, but Im glad to own an original.

• 

  Test Driving Potential Replacements for My Envoy - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Zoo Dawg - May 2 - 2:55 am

  The Durango would probably be at the top of my list if the EcoDiesel V-6 was an engine option. I need something that can pull a trailer. Right now Im leaning toward the Jeep Grand Cherokee for that reason. Wont decide for a few more months.

• 

  2007 Dodge Caliber SE 2.0L CVT - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By caliberandy - May 1 - 4:43 am

  This car is the most fun and functional vehicle ive ever purchased. Great on gasoline, a real attention getter, and a blast to drive!

• 

  Easy Buy - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By rdyer478 - April 30 - 2:28 pm

  Our 1997 GC was used and only had an O2 sensor go out. We took it past 150k miles and it still had spunk but couldnt trust it to longer trips. After renting a 2011 GC three times I had developed an attachment. Still looked for other options but after talking to a rep at a great dodge dealer we went to look at a 2011 GC Crew fairly loaded and was blown away at the price, which was way lower than the msrp of $30k. The 300 mile ride home was sweet. Good milage, smooth, quiet and handled excellent. Shifting, acceleration and braking were not too slow or jerky. The transmission didnt clunk or give reason to fear. I just love it and need to plan a trip just to satisfy my need to drive it.

• 

  2003 Neon SE - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Nicki - April 29 - 9:28 pm

  I bought my car used in October of 2003 and it has had no problems. It runs smoothly & has a slightly gutsy sound when you accelerate...like a mini- muscle car. Its a great car for commuting to work, school, or just for a day around town. The only downfall with this particular model, the SE, is the little perks between the SE and the SXT. The engine and everything is the same EXCEPT for power windows/locks, paint-colored body trim mouldings, trunk release & trunk lighting. If you have the extra $2-3k, but dont want anything too expensive, go for the SXT. Either one is a good car to own.

• 

  I love it - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By jetbatt - April 29 - 2:39 am

  I actually have the 4.7L V8. Front and rear comfort is exceptional for a mid-size truck. I have noticed that the mid-size trucks of today are the the full-size trucks of a decade ago. Cup holders galore! Nice beefy suspension with a smooth ride. Dodge has the best Red!

• 

  Stay Away from this Model! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By blackstone114 - April 28 - 9:23 pm

  I just spent $988 to replace all four brakes on a Grand Caravan with just under 18,000 miles. The rear brake shoe was frozen and the front brake pads were 97% worn. This after the dealer told me last week to watch the front brakes, never mentioning the rear. This Canadian assembled from Chinese made parts piece of junk is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Their dealers are even worse. Dont be fooled by the American nameplate. Move on to another brand.

• 

  Pleased - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tall one - April 28 - 6:06 pm

  Bought mine new, use it on the highway in northern Canada. Great in ice and snow. Great family car, fits kids nice. Lots of passing power at highway speed. I am 65 and I find it to be a comfortable ride. It is a little bit of work to get in and out of though.

• 

  Very Reliable - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Matt - April 28 - 11:14 am

  176,000 Miles and still going strong. I still get about 25 miles per gallon ... not bad for being almost 10 years old. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for a reliable used car.