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:

• 

  All good but the engine. - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By vince - August 3 - 4:14 pm

  Bought the car new with 18 miles on it. Everything was great up until around 75000 miles and the water pump goes out and the water and antifreeze get mixed into the oil. Had it fixed for $1300. Then a few thousand miles later the oil light would come on at idle. Had to have the oil light indicator sensor replaced. And a bad rattle also developed and had to have the timing chain and guides replaced for $1500. Had them check the oil pump while they were at it, said it was okay. Oil coming on at idle again. Maybe Ill run it till she dies. Sure do love to drive it!!

• 

  100K, little upkeep and running strong - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Dan - August 3 - 2:02 am

  After 100,000 miles this car is running strong and has never needed more than the usual upkeep [oil, brakes, tires, etc]. Car is noisier than original condition but is to be expected after 100k. Car has never overheated. Air conditioner, heater, electronics, power, control - everything is working in great condition. I have to say for the value, this car is well worth it.

• 

  A Journey SE great value for the money! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Vince &Sara - August 2 - 4:26 am

  We purchased a Journey SE Plus 2.4 L (I believe model specific to Canada) we paid $22,973 for it. We feel a great amount of vehicle for the money. Its safe, roomy, quiet, decent build quality as well as fit and finish. The 2.4 is a little noisy upon acceleration and its not the fastest vehicle upon take off, BUT its definitely something we can live with. We drove it around 80 miles the first night we got it home (2 days ago=). We didnt want to get out of it. We find the seats to be supportive, with a great upright seating position,lots of leg and headroom both for front and rear passengers, ease of entry/exit, we like actually LIKE the basic uncomplicated instrumentation.

• 

  Fun Car To Drive - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By galleskater - August 1 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned the car for two years and after about 40,000 miles on the car I still love it. Went out and bought low profile Falken tires painted rims black and threw four 12 subs in the trunk. I have gone through seven cars from my two years of driving and my highly spirited driving style and this car has held up to most of the abuse... I had the engine replaced when purchased and tranny rebuilt, and with the help of 75 shot of NOS cold air intake street torque converted lowering springs catback 550cc injectors and billet fuel rail this car is FAST! Looking at a set of gears for even quicker starts. Definitely suggested buy.

• 

  GM Dependable. Who would have thought? - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By bdiddy1 - August 1 - 8:18 am

  I bought this as a used car with 40K on it in 2003. It now has only 68K in the last 5 years. Except for one splurge for new car parts which has extended its life, I have to say Im really pleased with this car. Its not great in the snow but it can handle most things. I really like the moon roof although there are some issues with the switch. If you dont have to drive a lot and just want a reliable car with some sporty features, then this is a solid, good car. Its not a clunker because of its gas mileage and thats another good feature. With some eco driving, its a fairly clean car.

• 

  Much better than expected - 1995 Dodge Avenger
  By Jack Flynn - August 1 - 6:47 am

  Not really a Dodge, but a lengthened Mitsubishi Eclipse. Bought as a well used temporary ride. Keep it for its good looks, reasonable trunk space and rear seating room. Also for its nimble handling. The 2.5 V6 has more power hidden in the higher rpm range and can be found by manually shifting the poorly-suited automatic transmission. Fuel mileage can be 30+ on the highway on overdrive at 65 mph. Low ground clearance and roof line make parking curbs a danger to the soft nose and egress something of a chore. But on, particularly, back roads, the car is a fine grand tourer and a 5-speed would have transformed the car and increased its sales. In the main, an enjoyable ride worth owning.

• 

  Good not great - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Dilin - July 30 - 7:16 pm

  We replaced our 1999 Dodge Caravan in 2005 for a brand new Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 with the 4.7L V8. Immediately, we began having problems with the passenger side airbag. It would always say that it was turned off, even if there wasnt a light load in the front seat. The 4.7L V8, with only 235 HP, is no match for this heavy, almost full-size SUV. Acceleration is strong off the line, but lacks mid-range and passing punch. The interior is made of cheap plastics, and the fit and finish is not very good at all. We averaged (we replaced it in 2008 for a Ford Taurus X) 15.3 MPG with it, and with only 235 HP, you would think it would have been better.

• 

  Great Truck-Poor MPG - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By MARMOPAR - July 30 - 9:22 am

  Bought this truck in 2006 with 60K. Currently at 84K. I have replaced the AC evaporator & compressor, PS pump, brake lines (rust), brake pads & rotors. I run synthetic oil (change at 3K) and trans fluid and have had none of the sludge problems that I read about. It has a full tow package and I pull a 20ft travel trailer. I love driving this truck - it does anything I need it to do and is easy to drive in traffic. I just wish the fuel mileage was better. I have gotten as high as 16 on the highway @ 55mph w/o the trailer (12 @ 70mph) but drops to 7 w/trailer. In town is 8-9. I would love to see if I could get the Hemi with cyl deactivation retrofitted to this truck.

• 

  Good Looking Van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Julie - July 29 - 7:20 am

  If you need a van, I like ours. Weve had this for about 3 years. No problems except power window went out on passenger side. Average mpg 20 plus. Power is good, enough get up and go. I think its the sportiest van around.

• 

  Still going strong - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By John - July 28 - 9:09 am

  Ive enjoyed owning this vehicle. I have had some problems with the AC and the electrical at times, but seven years into it, the car is still going strong and still looks good.