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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  Nothing but trouble - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By hatethiscar - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has been one huge disapointment. Chrysler has ignored my complaints about costly major repairs than began a few miles after the warranty expired. I replaced the rack and pinion system right after the warranty was up. It has mysterious front end clunks that nobody can explain. Ive replaced tensioners in the drive chain. The electronic door lock on the passenger side is squealing loudly. Ive already replaced the rear lock actuator. The seals around all the doors droop and fall down often. I also get a lot of water under my feet that soaks the mats but dont know where its coming from. My seat frames are now rusting.

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  Nothing but a headache - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TAYLERSDAD - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We Wont make this mistake again!The AC compresser went out 100 miles after warrenty, but it was extened. WE still trying to get our money back. but dodge wont pay.many problems with extended warrenty they did not transfer it from orginal owner, yet somehow this is our fault.horriable customer service the automatic window motors went on both doors the ignition had to replace the auto door in back doesnt work and numerous electrical problems (been in at least 4 times for repair)that have never been repaired. Cheep parts.NOT worth the money or your time

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  dont get this - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By nikkihamby - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have just a regular caravan. Last year at 50,000 miles it started leaking oil, ended up 1500.00 later and after taking it back and forth with the dealer over 5 times it has started to leak oil again. On top of that had to replace cam shaft pulley pin when the engine made a horrible noise--that is broke again as well. I am a woman who doesnt drive cars to death but this car has been a nightmare. The dealer was even worse to deal with. I am fixing to trade it in and take a loss. Dont ever get this if you can possibly!!!

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  Dont make this mistake - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By fhjsifhwiehfnsdf - December 4 - 2:00 am

  A completely aweful vehicle. The reliability is horrendous and the service from the dealerships will blow your mind it is so bad. I finally punted mine and am so much happier with the Suburban now. Check the reliability ratings and reviews and heed their advice: Stay away at all costs. Dodge doesnt receive poor marks for nothing. If you buy a Durango you will regret is for years to come.

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  dont buy the neon - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By antidodge - December 3 - 2:00 am

  during the three years that I have owned this vehicle Ive put over 6,000 dollars in repair. Ive replaced the head gasket, transmission, and the motor. This car does not even have 85,000 miles on it.

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  mechanics special - 1991 Dodge Daytona
  By kompilashun - November 27 - 2:00 am

  MY neighbor owns a 91 daytona and the car has nickel and dimed him to death alot of the problems start with the poorly designed 3 litre v6 just about everything in the world that could go wrong with the car has. I would steer clear of this vehicle if at all possible. But the vehicles dependability & performance depend on the maintance recieved. Helpful hint be careful when buying this model of car.

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  First &Last - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By First & Last - November 22 - 2:00 am

  First Dodge I have owned. Bought new 10/99. Summer of 2000 I discovered the airconditioning stops working on trips over 100 miles. 1st dealer both unable and unwilling to diagnose problem. Out of town dealer discovered problem was a frozen recirc switch. Fix lasted 1yr and the problem reoccured. Now with 55,000 miles wont shift out of 2nd gear and the dealer says it needs a new transmission.

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  Shiney Lemons - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Lindsay Hoffman - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van because we needed reliable transportation to take our kids to the doctor. Its been in the shop at least 6 times for warranty repairs (ac leaking, ac fan broke, rotors needed turning, catalytic converter, muffler, lower control arms, Im sure Im forgetting something). Some of the stuff is finally fixed after several returns and some of it is not fixed yet after several returns. Weve never been given a rental even though theyve had it over night, so I am forced to bum a ride from a friend or sit in the dealership for hours with two children.

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  Not Too Happy about Dodge - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Not Too Happy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I am a sucker 3 times over. Several nagging problems. It started with the power steering. It started getting really loud and whining and I took it to Dodge and they said there was an issue with some hoses that needed to be replaced. Later it came out as a recall. The back power liftgate is quirky. Sometimes it opens and sometimes it does not. The drivers seat squeaks horribly when you go around turns or your body shifts in the seat. The brakes were done at 27000 miles and I have had to take it back 3 other times. What a ripoff!

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  BAD DODGE - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Chris Wesendorf - November 16 - 2:00 am

  DONT BUY ONE!! I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. iT STILL HAS A VIBRATION THAT ITS HAD SINCE DAY #2.