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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  I Loathe this car - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Historymaker - March 3 - 7:06 pm

  In owning several sports cars, I have found this to be one of the least reliable and most uncomfortable rides that I have ever experienced. I will never own a Dodge Viper again, unless maybe it was given to me.

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  First Year - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LEJ - February 27 - 4:23 pm

  This is a nice looking, but poorly engineered vehicle! The old saying about not buying the first year of a re-designed model is true. The torque converter, A/C compressor, and all 4 brakes were replaced (twice) by 35,000 miles. Theres a reason why the factory warranty for brakes is only 12 months/12000 miles!

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  Good price, good value - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Randy - February 19 - 11:14 am

  Excellent gas mileage and dependability. I think it has a nice sharp sedan look and it rides very well with great acceleration. I was impressed with its road handling for an inexpensive car.

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  Spend the extra money and get a Honda!!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By c_curry - February 12 - 12:46 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned. I have had it for a year and 2 months. It has been in the shop 8 times, going in for its 9th time on Thursday. Water pumps, belts, 2 power sliding door motors, computer reset, and the rack and pinion: these are just a few of the things that have been wrong with it. We will be on our THIRD rack and pinion on Thursday. Im trading this in for a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.

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  Problems experienced with my 2005 SRT 4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Charles - February 12 - 2:06 am

  I have not owned this car long but I have have had bad experience with this car.My first problems when i travling from L.A. to San Diego.Car started backfiring and losing a lot of power. This car had 1200 miles.The engine light came on.I was forced to leave the vehicle at a local dealership. I was stranded 50 miles from my destination.There roadside assistance was no help.My second bad experience when I was traveling to work same problem occurred.It appears the Barwick Auto Group tech did not fix the problem.I decided to bring the car to Rancho Auto grp. It apears the problems are coming from the crankcase sensor.I p/u car from Rancho Auto. Third time same problem-only 1800 mi on car.

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  Been a mess to own... - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jessica - February 1 - 3:36 am

  This car has been a mess to own. My parents originally owned the car and had to pour almost $3000 in the last 3 years into this poor thing. Weve replaced a good 3 or 4 batteries, a piston malfunctioned and cracked the cam shaft (that was 1500 right there), electronic throttle control went out (and its also starting to go out AGAIN), and a few other small things here and there. Now at the age of 18 I purchased the car from them so I could have it for college. Now im terrified to drive it. Ive had a few times where the car wont even start because the electronic throttle control is acting up again, and when its not doing that the car really struggles to turn on sometimes. Acceleration is not too great either. I understand that its not a huge truck and it doesnt have a huge engine, but its still pretty wimpy. Now the car is starting to make creaking sounds ALL the time, and with it being this car im not too surprised its happening. The car is definitely comfy, has a nice interior, and gets great gas mileage...but I would never ever recommend anyone buy this car. It is not reliable. Im looking to trade it in for a Toyota 4Runner ASAP.

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  great design, poor quality - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By candy man - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has had numerous repairs from the start. Most have not affected reliability, but performance and inconvenience are at stake. Many sensors, egr valve, and frequent battery replacements have been serviced. I like the design and space but cant reccommend due to poor quality.

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  2008 nightmare - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By terkray - January 25 - 7:33 pm

  This is my 3rd Chrysler minivan, dating back from 1994; 1st lasted 10yrs, 180K, 2nd one totaled in accident after 6 years - both of those vehicles had usual Chrysler issues, transmission, radiator. My 08 that I bought used from dealer 3 years ago, 30k miles - has been an absolute nightmare! I bought the extended warranty cuz of all the bells&whistles that came w/ this van; plus have a $150 deductible. This van has died on me at least 13 xs, stalled while driving @ 8xs, electrical panel gone awry, hatchdoor broke, slider broke, slider window broke, starter replaced 3xs, rear camera broke! If I did my research prior I would of NEVER EVER purchased van. Im 15k til end of warranty & I cry

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  Just wish I hadnt bought it! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Karen Kay - January 25 - 5:30 pm

  A car ownership nightmare! Ive had the car in the dealership 4 times in 8 months. It misses, hesitates, cant decide what gear it wants to be in....whatever you want to call it. They even replaced the transmission!! Now Chrysler says it cant be fixed & has declared the vehicle a lemon! Its still going to cost a lot of money cause they dont just take it back & give you a new one. You only get trade-in value & I wasnt ready to put out the bucks for a new car. Buyers beware!

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  From Happy ... to Crappy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By DLD - January 25 - 12:30 am

  I was ecstatic when my journey finally came in (took 10 weeks, was promised 8). I have had it for less than 2K miles and I have had it in the shop twice for the electrical system, when I start the car on occasion (about once a week) nothing runs but the engine, no lights, radio, turn signals, gauges etc) and am having a problem with the transmission skipping and hopping and also it is pouring transmission fluid on the ground when it is parked. Been waiting on a part for over 2 weeks. I have been told twice that the electrical problem has been fixed but it is still happening. I really loved this car in the beginning but not any more unfortunately.