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:

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By EmersonC - November 30 - 3:57 pm

  With the exception of the trans/engine "stutter" between 45 and 58 in OD, the truck handles and drives great. So fun to drive, and everytime i see an open field or a big mud hole, i cant help but want to drive in it. Have never gotten stuck once. Interior is not overly done, but not plain. Very reliable, only problem i had was with the O2 sensors when i first got it. None sense.

• 

  2001 Dakota Quad - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By tcsmpsi - November 30 - 3:09 pm

  From the day one, we experienced exceptional service and pleasure from this vehicle. Driven in many different conditions, we never experienced any unpleasant surprises.

• 

  complaint - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Don & Loretta Pontri - November 30 - 2:13 pm

  Ever since we have had this vehicle one thing or another has been happening. The mirror where you can put you glasses dropped down and would not stay up. We have had to have a new part ordered for that. The prop that hold the hood up came out and a piece came off so we have had to order a new piece for that. They tried to put it back three times so we finally took it to another dealer and they ordered a new part. Just this morning my husband raised the hood and a piece fell off that cushions the hood when it goes down. It is minor things but we are really unhappy with all these happenings. We have to drive about 40 miles to the dealers to keep getting it fixed.

• 

  Its Just Great!!! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Yogi4 - November 30 - 1:15 pm

  This is just a great vehicle. I just have the SE model, so I dont have all the goodies, but nontheless it performes great. The gas mileage is good, runs quiet with just a little road noise. It handles well and the 4 cylinder is peppy and made for the do-it-yourself tune-ups. The engine warms up unbelievably fast and the heater will blow you away. But the A/C could be a little colder. You can use your cup holders without your cup getting in the way of anything. The seats are comfortable even on long trips. Use semi-synthetic oil, I find that it improves mileage and smoothness in this engine. Dont use high priced brake pads. Just use the cheap semi metallic pads or it will eat your rotors.

• 

  Dont buy this car! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Robin W - November 30 - 9:44 am

  The engine went on my well maintained 3.6L engine at 59,000 miles- no warning- no (reliable) explanation. After LOTS of headaches Chrysler paid half the repair bill directly to the dealer- refusing to speak directly to me at all- and I had to pay the remaining $4000 bill for a car that was not even 5 years old! I have been told that this is COMMON in this car but no one (Chrysler, BBB, Attny General, etc.) will do anything about it.

• 

  Just an $80,000 Dodge.. - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By sds130 - November 29 - 11:20 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. The car is beautiful and fast, but that is where it ends. Dodges customer service and dealerships are the worst. After getting caught in a rainstorm during a 5 hour trip and having the seals replaced 6 times, I was told by Dodge "dont drive the car in the rain". Battery constantly dies...replaced three times...was told by Dodge..yeah, they have a heavy drain...the owner (of the dealership) has the same problem..just unplug it (invloves taking wheel off). Melted exhaust manifold, plugs, and wires at 19k...told by Dodge "these cars run hot"..door panel repeatedly falls off...all this from an uncomfortable and tempremental car to begin with!

• 

  Just got it & so far love it! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Ammy - November 29 - 5:43 pm

  I had test drove a few different suvs. Had my heart set on the Chevy Trailblazer SLT. Wasnt even going to drive the durango but thought Oh Well Ill try it. Loved It! More roomy and rides geat! Experienced the first snow already with it and it handled great!

• 

  Like it, but... - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TxUser - November 29 - 7:56 am

  For the most part Ive been very happy with this vehicle, I like the basic design it has a lot of room compared with other minivans, comfy, and handles well. Few mechanical problems except the belt tensioner went out once and the mirror folding detents all sprung. A/C condenser and evaporator coil need replacement now after 70K miles. Odd electrical intermittent bits including: fuel guage, ABS light, front door key lock, delay wipers. Too many!

• 

  Lemon with no value - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By huskerlew - November 28 - 11:32 pm

  At 65,000 miles, head gasket blew. Trade in value is very minimal. Reliability and resale are two most important items and this lemon fails in both categories. One would have to ask themselves why they would even consider a 2005 model. When I purchased, my expectations were to exceed 100K without a major repair. Looks like I was led astray.

• 

  Hey, its 12 years old - 1992 Dodge Dynasty
  By Jimmyd - November 28 - 5:23 pm

  I work at a car dealership and took this in trade. Looked like new, 44,000 miles on it. Ive driven it 10 miles and am most satisfied with the fuel economy, 20MPG in town, 28 on the road, with the 3.3. A/C was blowing warm, had one can of R-12 coolant and put it in, now the A/C is cold. Better than the A/C on my 02 Altima here in the Las Vegas heat! Sports car? No, but it looks like cars used to look, boxy, and has been very dependable. I see far newer and "better" cars on tow trucks day... as I pass em coming and going to work.