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 think I found something special here - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mike C. - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a minivan that would easily carry my family and occasionally friends as well as packages. For me, car shopping takes a while, I test-drove all of them before making my decision. This Dodge was perfect for my needs and current incentives also were a big help. I test drove 3 trim levels, each with different engine configuration. Bottom line, if you are looking for value and you dont care about acceleration, take the base 3.3L engine. Its fine for the needs. 4.0L engine simply rocks, if you can spend an extra $2k, get that and never look back, its that good. Another thing, gas mileage is better with bigger engine. So, you can potentially save money down the road.

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  NEON - EXCELLENT, NEVER NEEDS REPAIRS! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By BNeon - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Car was bought new in 96. Car has never failed me yet. Only returned to the dealer once for the infamous headgasket leak at 47k miles. Even though the car was out of warranty Chrysler fixed it for free! Car starts on the coldest mornings, A/C blows extremely cold on the hottest days. Car is very quick with the manual transmission, and gas mileage is excellent, can get 40mpg+ over the highway. Cant be happier with a car, cost $9000 new and still going strong! What more can you ask for?

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  Completely Impractical & Just Right - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By Mark M. Rankin - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The Viper is hot, loud, cramped and difficult to buy if youre married, but its a heck of a fun car to drive and own. Since buying mine, I cant pass a red light without getting a thumbs up or an admiring nod. Thinking of owning one, dont think -- just buy.

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  Best buy for the money - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Eugene Hudd - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 1999, now has 45K miles, replaced brakes at 42K, needed new Oxygen sensor at 38K, still has original tires, they look to be good for at least another 15K. Needed new gas cap at 44K (gas cap failed emissions test), Sunroof needs a new motor, works but only in warm weather. Otherwise, no problems, very dependable, auto-stick is fun, cabin space is very good for a car this size. Power and economy is an excellent balance. I dont htink that I could get a better car for the money!

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  Compitition Has Caught Up - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By moogle - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We had a 99 Grand Caravan and the extended wheelbase was so much nicer than our 2005 with a short wheelbase and quad seating. The suspension sags a lot when loaded down too. The price was real nice at 19,490 although we feel we could have done evev better elsewhere. For the price I feel that it is a good van.

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  Disappointed! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Duffer - July 15 - 2:43 am

  Traded an 05 Liberty due to poor gas mileage. Not much better with this unless you have a tailwind or dont use the A/C or defrost. All 4 tires worn on inner tread at 20,000 miles. Dealer told me Chrysler would not do anything about it but I was welcome to call them. Had the dealer diagnose the problem and found 3 of 4 wheels out of alignment along with the trust angle. Told Chrysler they will fix it and replace the tires or I will never buy another Mopar. Scheduled to be fixed in 4 days. First car I have ever had snow pack in the wheels causing them to go out of balance. Shortly after purchase, car died at the grocery store. Unhooked battery to get started. Dealer replaced module.

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  96 stratus good car - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By jennig - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car so far for me has bee pretty good. I bought it with 107000 miles and it now has 113000. I have had no major problems with it execpt normal age/miles related problems (tires, brakes).

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  I think you all drove my car - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid John - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Transmission cooling problem around 60000 miles, most of the a/c has been replaced (half in extended warranty), a/c still doesnt work. lots of brake replacements, lots of headlight replacements. Think Dodge supplement their income with selling necc. parts. Funny rattle in steering took a while to find. Currently at 125,000. Suprised I had to replace rear engine mount and outer tie-rod ends. But car is still going strong. Ive had it since 1998 (& 50000 miles), with really no major problems since then, plenty of minor. Definately had to be a home-mechanic with this car. Selling garage had to put new shocks on at 50000 miles.

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  Great Sleeper - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By jamesrolander - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like a BMW. Quiet, fast, corners great, great mileage, faster, tons of room, and the Audi/ BMW crowd are not even aware of what just passed them. Love the car and the price you can get these used.

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  Great so far! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By chris - July 14 - 10:50 am

  Traded my 02 in on this van, its a base model. The 3.3 is great, as long as you dont push it all the time. Great mileage. Tires are terribly cheap and almost worn out already. Great in the snow. Too much white inside for sure. This is a basic cheap people mover. The wind noise is bad at times, and does pull to the right. I adjusted my tires to correct this. Lock beep is bad for late night returns home. Love the drive visability. Overall good a very good van. Not the best, but the price says it is