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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  unsatisfied - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By unsatisfied - March 19 - 10:23 pm

  I was happy with this van for the first year and after the 3rd year it seemed every thing went wrong .The air bag sensor went on twice after repair, abs sensor went on, my rear window shatter on its own, my automatic doors had to be fixed, front both tie rods loose had to replace, steering/suspension went bad had to replace lots of money went into to this vehicle after the 3rd year I dont even really drive this vehicle that much as you can see not so many miles. I had to take it back in after one week of driving because my engine sensor failed go figure! NOT HAPPY AT ALL. Had to fork out more money.

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  Very Good - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By MaryPaige Anderson - March 19 - 11:49 am

  This is my 2nd Stratus and I love it as does everyone who has rode in it. Its sporty looking and great on gas. Would I buy another one? Perhaps. But Im looking for something a bit larger now as in the new Dodge Charger. Although I love my Stratus. Dodge builds great vehicles I have 5 Dodge vehicles now that includes the Stratus and 4 trucks. You cant go wrong with a Dodge built vehicle they last forever!

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  Mean Machine! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By amannuel - March 19 - 7:36 am

  Im very impressed wth my new Caliber! Ive had it for about 3 weeks, and it has treated me very well! As with any new model car, there a a couple small kinks that need to be worked out, such as the leaky rear window washer, but that will iron itself out with time! This car is a lot of fun, versatile, and its easy on the fuel! Its definitely worth a test drive!!

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  Dakota Laramie - Almost Purrrrfect! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Bob531 - March 19 - 3:35 am

  I was looking for a vehicle which would replace my Ford Ranger and my Monte Carlo - Enter my Dakaota Quad Cab! Its everything I need. It has the comfort and about twice the interior room of my car and about the same payload as my Ranger. I was a little unsure of getting the V-8 because of the gas mileage, but hearing those 8 cylinders purr as Im cruising down the highway almost makes me think Im back in the power days of the 60s!! And the gas mileage is within a gallon or so of the V6s!!

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  Great car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim - March 18 - 4:49 pm

  I wanted a decent-sized 4 door, and the Intrepid is more than I expected. The engine is just the right power, the handling is superb, seats very comfortable, styling is pleasing, good brakes and its very roomy in front and trunk. Visibility is ok - driver side blind spot needs some attention, and front of car is invisible. Otherwise excellent.

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  Dodge needs to rethink - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Tom - March 18 - 1:30 pm

  When I purchased this truck I had visions of the continued performance and reliability I had experienced with my 2000 model Dakota Quad. Boy was I in for a suprise! The speedometer sticks, the steering & brake pedal squeak, the LCD of the radio is so dim it is almost impossible to read with sunglasses on during the day. The drink holder is located so far under the dash that anything larger than a 12oz. can will not fit. The 6 cyl. engine has reasonable power, but the transmission needs to be a 5 speed. The truck looks great, but the designers need to rework the interior, and the workmanship has fallen on hard times compared to the 2000 model I traded in. I am very disappointed.

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  Is this a prototype? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Caliber owner - March 17 - 5:43 am

  Overall, I like my Dodge Caliber. There are tons of neat little storage places and innovative interior features. The body design is new and different, and I love it. The engine bogs down a lot on inclines and from a stand still. The design has way too many blind spors especially when backing up. I was nervous about buying a vehicle in the first model year, and I dont think my skepticism is unfounded, but I dont have nearly as many issues as I had feared. The AC is having some issues along with the rear defroster. Overall, the car is good and I will definitely drive it for years to come.

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  2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jan - March 16 - 9:20 pm

  This car is roomy - especially the trunk - its very large. Even the back seat is comfortable and the driver doesnt have to reach for the radio and other controls.

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  viper reveiw - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By kyle - March 16 - 10:47 am

  MY expierence with this car was great it was beautiful handling and great speed the quality of this car was perfect.

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  3RD GRAND CARAVAN - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JNELSON973 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th caravan. The last three have been Grand Caravans. The latest SXT has a 3.8L engine and has greatly improved its performance. It appears to be much quiter. The 16 inch wheels have improved the ride and handling. And this is the only Minivan that can be equipped with a handicap scotter hoist mounted in the back, because of all other models have fold down seats. I base an excellent rating on my years of Minivan experience. The only con- While the seats are well padded my spouse with back trouble has made a comment about the lack of good lower back support.