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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  1996 Dodge Dakota - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By Bob - March 16 - 12:54 am

  This has been a very reliable pickup. it has the most room of any truck in its class. it takes the corners very well and handles great. my first road trip with it (600 miles) rendered me 27 miles to the gallon which was pretty good at 75 mph going up and down hills!!!

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  Nice truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By joe - March 15 - 6:15 pm

  This truck is fun to drive. The V8 is a must. Back seat is roomy for kids, but a little tight for large adults. The rear seat belts are the easiest Ive used for installing car seats. I replaced a poor fitting vacuum hose and need to take it in to take care of recall issues. Gas milege isnt the best. A lot of vibration when driving with the windows down.

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  Growing Family - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John - March 15 - 1:33 am

  Wow, what an upgrade from our SUV. This is out first minivan and Diamler vehicle. We looked at the Odessey, Sienna and Venture and felt the Dodge Grand Caravan offered more features per dollar than any of its competitors. We have a growing family and this car caters to our three children with space galore. Wed buy another one in a heart beat. Also the $3,500 cash back was nice.

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  Beats my Aurora hands down! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Trucklover - March 14 - 7:35 pm

  I had held off purchasing a Dakota Club Cab until they came along with the rear access doors and am glad I waited. The Dakota is a perfectly sized pickup, fits in the garage okay, and love the V8 power. Also am planning to purchase a travel trailer, so I got the towing package too. Good value for the tow package. Its a sharp looking pickup and sounds great with the dual exhaust.

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  Too many problems in such little time - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Keri - March 14 - 7:16 pm

  I purchased my Journey SXT in May and have had it in the shop three times. The first time was for a noise the car made when turning left. I got the car out of the shop and a hour later something went wrong with the transmission and I had to take it back. I then got the car back and noticed while driving home the car made a loud grinding noise when accelerating and then took it back the next day. It has been 3 days since I have received my car back and it is know making a loud popping noise every couple of miles. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Chili-Pepper Sweet - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Bob Gintoft - March 14 - 12:33 am

  We really have enjoyed our Durango! Its comfortable on long trips, has great looks, is reliable, and fun to drive no matter what the weather.

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  2005 Dokota - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Bill O - March 13 - 5:34 pm

  I bought My 2005 Dokota to replace a full size crew cab. It took a little adjustment to get use to smalled cab size because I am a big man. Only to be expected. I have adjusted and have found it to be comfortable. I live in a bad weather area so I got it with all wheel & 4 wheel drive which have worked great this winter. I also got the V8 & Tow package because I have a 5000 LB. boat. I pulled it 600 miles thru mountainous country. Seemed to handle it well.

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  happy with this car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By tam - March 13 - 10:46 am

  I love this car! I traded my Mustang for a more reliable vehicle as I travel often, and I love it, Ive had no issues with it since I purchased the vehicle with 28,000 miles, Ive so far put 12000 miles, traveled to las vegas and san diego back to new mexico with no issues! this has been a great car for me and my family

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  Luv my Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By msley - March 13 - 1:36 am

  Ive only had my Durango a short while, but so far I love it. I test drove other 1999 SUVs and my Durango beat them all, hands down. The price was right, the drive was right.

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  Dont Make the Mistake - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Unsatified fool - March 11 - 8:31 pm

  Poorly engineered mechanically. Gas mileage was my first disappointment, only about 1mile/gal better than full sized trucks. First thermostate lasted 11,000 miles. At 29,000 miles a ball joint required replacement. The factory installed CD quit at 45000 miles and the cup holder spring broke. Air bag module went out at 54000. Sensor for the rear brakes out at 72000. At 76000 the fan clutch, belt tensioner and water pump required replacement. In comparing this truck to previously owned Ford and Toyota small pickups I vote thumbs down.