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:

• 

  Dodge moving to the front - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By DODGE1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a joy to drive on short or long distance trips. It handles great at high and low speeds, plus the styling brings out positive comments from olld and yong alike. Very solid and dependable and with 30mpg on a trip an economical and fun car to drive.

• 

  Gas mileage and Road Noise - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Craig - August 2 - 8:43 am

  I purchased a 2008 Grand Caravan SE in February. I took it on its first road trip over Easter. The comfort was great but the road noise was horrid. You have to have the radio at the #16 volume to hear it. This could have been improved for a few dollars more by Chrysler. The gas mileage is awful! With gas over $3/gallon and maybe $4 by summer it will cost me over $300.00/month (another car payment). Chrysler could have built a more efficient engine than this one. If this keeps up, I will be forced to get rid of it this year. I have two kids which require car seats so unfortunately, I need something bigger than a car. Can anyone give me some gas savings tips.

• 

  02 Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By av8r - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good vehicle. Truck-based SUV handles rough terrain better than a car-based. Finally got needed face lift in 04 but the truck got heavier and has sacrificed power and some convenience (cannot get cass player anymore) Also, new seats are hard as a rock.

• 

  This cant be happening - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By FRUSTRATED - August 1 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased our vehicle in May 08 with 2200 miles on it. I have had nothing but problems with it since. From recall after recall, to the brakes and rotors having to be replaced at 24,000 miles, and now having a major stalling issue. Even after the dealership says there are no recalls and several disgruntled phone calls my vehicle is still hesitating and trying to stall. My advise to anyone who thinks of purchasing this particular vehicle. READ THE REVIEWS FIRST! You will be sorry if you dont!

• 

  MY RELIABLE SHADOW - 1992 Dodge Shadow
  By SHORTY - August 1 - 2:00 am

  MY SHADOW HAS BEEN WITH ME FOR 12 YEARS , AND IT HAS HELD UP PRETTY GOOD...IT IS A 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, EASY SHIFTING...HAVE HAD NO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH IT...STILL HAS QUITE A BIT OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT...HOWEVER, I PRIDE MYSELF IN THE FACT I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF IT...IT HAS ALLMOST 112,000 MILES ON ITS 4 CYLINDER ENGINE...THE FIRST FEW YEARS, I DROVE QUITE A BIT ON INTERSTATE H IGHWAYS AND THE MILEAGE WAS OK, IF YOU DIDNT FLUCTUATE YOUR SPEED UP AND DOWN...I WISH IT HAD BEEN A DIFFERENT COLOR, AND INCLUDED A SPOILER...HOWEVER, AT THE TIME, IT WAS IN MY PRICE RANGE...THE 2.5 ENGINE, HAS NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS...I WOULD BUY ONE AGAIN, IF I COULD!

• 

  Maintenence Woes - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Mishel - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I adored my Durango and stood my ground when my father tried to tell me it was poorly built. I have seen the light, Dad is ALWAYS right! It is 5 years old now(and I am still paying payments!), and goes in the shop an average of once a month. If I get it out for less than $500, I am delighted. I replaced the transfer case($3000), speed sensors(3X $300), power window motors, water pump, radiator thermostat, etc, not to mention the typical expected things. Have I mentioned I am on my 4th serpentine belt? I was told they should last 3 years! I think the mechanic has the truck more than I do Anyway, they look good, but Ill never buy another one!

• 

  My Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By nurseman - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Stratus as a used car in May 04. I love the car. It gets great milege for the size of the car and the power. Ride comfort is very good. Styling is a plus because it is easily recognizable compared to the imports which to me look much the same as one another.

• 

  Nice Car, just happy I leased! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jb - July 31 - 2:46 pm

  started leasing the car in july 08, from there the trouble started. first had an issue with the ac. brought it in, fixed it no problem. then the trouble with the steering when turning left started, Im assuming the same problem with many journey owners. brought it in 3 times, although it has gotten better it is still there. Now, for the past month and half, theres been a burning smell coming out of the hood. brought it in and service tech said that when i got an oil change they must of spilt some oil on the manifold and that it should burn off in 2 weeks. this was a month ago. besides all of this, we enjoy the car. Im just happy we leased it instead of purchasing it.

• 

  Fast fast fast - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Paul544 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is fast. Its rating of 214hp is way low. This thing moves out like a big V8. Fun to drive and race. The worst thing about this car is the front seats. Unless you have one skinny ass, you just wont fit. I am working on ways of "bending" the hip huggers down because it is downright uncomfortable to drive as it is now. But other than that this car rocks!!!! Cant wait for the upgrades to hit the market. I think Dodge has only scraped the surface of this cars real performance. SMOKIN!!!!!

• 

  Another Great Caravan - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By mulligun - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Drives more like a luxury car then a mini van.