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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  One BAD ride!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By MRussell - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant about getting this massive SUV to begin with but we bought it as my husband was determined to have the HEMI. Im only 53" and can barely climb into it but for once, in 23 years of marriage, I have to say he was right! I absolutly love it! I love driving it, I love the way it looks, I love all of the room. Ive had a million people stop and want to see it or ask about it. We took a trip to the beach 4 days after we got it and it rode like we were floating on air! Ive always loved a Dodge but this time, they have out done themselves! Thanks Dodge for giving me "One BAD ride"!

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  second durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By stephen - December 20 - 10:23 pm

  I owned a 2001 Durango SLT Plus and it worked and towed very well, especially with the 411 gears. I traded it in at 60,000 miles and purchased a 2004 Durango Limited. This vehicle is far superior to the 2001 model as far as comfort, towing, gas mileage (even with the hemi), and options now available. Mercedes certainly has has a positive impact upon these vehicles. If you are looking for an SUV, pick the Durango, as I have had other makes, and they did not compare to this vehicle. In addition, the Dealer gave me an exceptional price, and I was able to get more for the buck with rebates. Good Luck and enjoy the four wheeling experience in this vehicle.

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  2000 Dodge Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By ealflyer - December 20 - 4:07 pm

  Wanted a crew cab style truck. Looked at all of them and settled on the Dodge Dakota. It came with all the bells & whistles that I wanted. Ive been very happy with its versitility. I can lig just about anything. The vehicle runs great with that big 4.7 V8 in it. Fuel economy could be better as Im getting about 16 mpg other wise Im happy

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  GREAT BUY - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By JIMMY - December 20 - 12:06 am

  THE DODGE IS THE BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY,WE JUST GOT RID OF OUR 2002 HONDA ODDY,AND NEVER AGAIN WILL WE BUY HONDA.THIS VAN IS THE BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY.

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  1995 Dodge Caravan - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Dodge - December 19 - 4:38 pm

  I bought the Caravan used & I am very impressed with the look the ride the comfort on long trips. I have moved twice since I purchased the van. It has been a pleasant purchase. I keep telling my friends that if they want a vehicle that wont nickel and dime them to death, get hold of a Dodge Caravan and dont worry about it. I also tell them a little TLC and it will be a member of the family forever!

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  Charger a good choice for car fun - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By michael fortner - December 19 - 4:10 am

  Wow what a car! I cant drive more than a mile or two without someone slowing down or turning a head to look at this pure muscle car. The cockpit is perfect, and the power is so cool! Gas mileage is more on the bottom range of 15 city and 20 hwy, but who buys a muscle car for the gas economy?

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  Dak Rock - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By AaronMiller - December 18 - 4:36 pm

  The new Dakota rides very well thanks to a new fronty suspension. I love that it has f&r sway bars, it makes a total difference when compared to the previous three generations!

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  Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Greg - December 18 - 3:22 pm

  The 2001 Stratus 4Dr. SE Sedan (4cyl) is a fine car. Although it a little louder than Id prefer Its still a nice vehicle. The interior is laid out good. The controls are easy to read and access. The front seats are comfortable. The 4 cylinder has decent power and acceleration.

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  Still Avengin - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Still_Avengin - December 17 - 11:47 pm

  My high school graduation present has never let me down. I fell in love with the car the first time I saw it and had to have it. It has over 150,000 miles now and it is still running strong. Never any major problems, only typical wear and tear. Almost traded it in 3 times, but decided to keep it last minute. Took a chance with an American car and got lucky!

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  Unreliable - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By p538 - December 17 - 6:19 pm

  Purchased new and if not for the poor quality and unreliability of major components Id love this van. The only reason I made the purchase was for my two Boxers. At about 16K miles I took it to the shop because of vibration/wooble in the brakes. $400+ for new pads and resurfacing all four discs. Took to shop Friday the 25th for its 20k service. Been having knocking sound (like bearings) when braking x 2 days. Sound at left front gets worse the longer its driven. Call from Service (Newark Chrysler Dodge Jeep): The Transmission !!! One of the gears is falling apart. Still in the shop. Pricing a Honda Odyssey & getting rid of this POS.