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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  So Far I Like It - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By timsmit123 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a black Caravan SXT and it is my first van. It actually handles and drives much better than I was expecting. With all of the power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise and tilt included in the base SXT, they leave little to be desired.

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  So Far So Fun! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Darrell - September 28 - 9:26 pm

  I have just purchased this vehicle, and recently hit the 100 km mark. This is the second Caravan I have owned and I am quite happy with it. It drives and handles great, cannot wait to go on holidays with this gem. price was right and so is the styling of this vehicle. If i could change anything it would be the almost white parts of the interior (very bad idea with those grubby little kids). All and all the is no other van like the Grand Caravan.

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  Love my car - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By tylerpalti - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for nearly six years now. The car has remained very responsive over the years, and reliable. I have been able to to most work on it myself although it has been extremely tight under the hood at times. I love my car, and I would and have recommended it to anyone who will listen.

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  All around great car! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By jhuk21 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything you could need. Enough power, comfort, and reliability. I have over 110,000 miles and it still runs very smooth and strong and the interior is practically brand new. Nothing has gone out on it, yet.

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  Nobody asks, "Are we there yet?" - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Paul - September 27 - 2:06 pm

  My 11 and 13 year old daughters love the Journey. They like to fold down the seats and stretch out during road trips. AC plug keeps all the electronic goodies charged. Beverages in the chill zone, snacks under the floor and movies playing on the DVD. I consider the Journey a good value. I paid less than 24K with AWD, 3 row seating, MyGig, Infinity Speakers and Sirius radio. I could not price anything within $5k that seated more than 5. I frequently recommend the Journey to others. PS I think the MyGig radio below the heating controls works better in bright light.

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  Too many problems too soon. - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Too Frustrated - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Speed sensor went bad at 14K and 60K miles (trans doesnt shift without it). New brake pads and rotors at 20K, more brake pads at 40K and 65K, master cylider replaced at 80K -- too many brake system problems too often. Drove the van for 50K before getting worried each time it was driven. Looking forward to trading it in tonight!

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  2000 Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jkzn - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Many misc. minor problems as well as major problems with 2.7L engine. Not very reliable.

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  Do Not Buy Dodge - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Fenway5 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had this van for two years. I am in the process of trading it in for a Toyota (I owned a Toyota prior to buying this van). At 37,600 miles the headlights started going out. I was driving in the middle of the night and the headlights went out on me. I am lucky I didnt kill myself. Dodge Dealer said it was an electrical short? The car is only two years old! Also had trouble with battery disconnecting from its mount at a 1 year old.

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  Looks great, but... - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Buy a Toyota - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought brand new in 2001. I am very unhappy with the quality and reliability of the vehicle. It only has 43K miles on it and I have already had to replace both rear U joints to the tune of $400. I have owned many trucks and never had to replace U joints at this low a mileage. In addition, we paid for an extended warranty, but the warranty company went out of business so we are stuck having paid the cost of the warranty but still have to pay for the repairs! Dealer says sorry but there is nothing they can do.

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  My new kid wagon - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mandarb - September 26 - 3:30 pm

  We have had the 2008 Grand Caravan for about 2 months now. This is our 4th Grand Caravan and by far the best one. I love the 4.0. Puts out plenty of power. The duel entertainment system has been a god send while traveling with our three kids.