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:

• 

  silver bullet dakota quad - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By blackdakota - July 11 - 2:00 am

  No problems after 55k miles. Plenty of room for 4 adults, plus bikes and luggage in the bed. Works all day then is stylish for a night on the town. Leaves all other compact and some full- size pickups in the dust.

• 

  DODGE DURANGO - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By MICHAEL P SWEENEY - July 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK DRIVES LIKE A CAR IT EVEN TURS BETTER THEN A CAR I NEVER REALLY PAID MUCH ATTENTION TO THESE SUVS TILL I TEST DROVE ONE I TOOK HOME THE SAME ONE I DROVE 2 HOUR LATER. P.S THE POWER IS GREAT FEELS LIKE A 4X4 MUSTANG

• 

  Reliable, but quirky problems - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By makattack - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Well I will have to admit the vehicle has 150k on it and runs like a champ, did have to have the trannie rebuilt and quite a bit of front end work done on her. Either way i have to admit she has never left me stranded on the road, except for maybe a tire going flat. The only key with Dodge is you gotta follow the recommended maintenence. Although the suspension isnt as smooth as i would like.

• 

  Be careful!!!!! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By rawolfee - July 9 - 2:00 am

  If you are going to buy this car, make sure it was well maintained. The standard 2.7L engine that comes with the car, will eventually fail if the oil is not changed religiously every 3000 miles. If you dont believe me, do a search on the interenet for 2.7L engine failure, youll be amazed at how many people, myself included, have had major engine failure at low miles. It happened to us at just over 70k. Its going to cost us $6000 to get a new engine, becuase they are in such high demand. That fact alone should tell you something. The engine failure will happen with little. BE CAREFULL or you might end up with an expensive lawn ornament!!!!

• 

  Good Family Car - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Missymoo - July 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car to tow a trailer on family vacations and drive kids around. It has been great for those purposes. The 3rd row seat is great for the kids, not so comfortable for adults. Love the rear air conditioning.

• 

  All around great truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By rjbruce - July 9 - 2:00 am

  One thing I havent seen anyone mention anything about is the optional AWD. Im not sure if maybe its not offered in all regions, but its another great feature that puts this vehicle one notch above the rest. One flaw of the Dakota is it seems to have a light rearend. No problems with AWD. Weve hauled 6000lbs of hay on a 16 foot trailer with the 4.7L 5 speed combo, and never had a problem pulling it uphill or anywhere. Comfortable and an attractive design. Especially for being 8 years old. The back seat of the club cab is not for adults but is good for children or storage.

• 

  I REGRET - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Mark Thompson - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Has a rattles from under the dash that the dealer cant seem to locate. Very poor fit and finish. Front brakes squeel no matter what the dealer does.

• 

  Neon Sport - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Beth D. - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Perhaps Ive had a bad experience because of the dealership I went through to get my car, but so far Ive paid for much more than this cars value. It worked perfectly the first 6 mnths. I had it, but now there is continually a different problem each week and it has become more of a headache than a joy. Im beginning to learn that purchasing this car was a bad investment. Ive had to replace the head gasket (which Neons are supposedly known for having problems with), and Im having continual battery problems (which may be related to the alternator). This was originally a great car, maybe I just got stuck with a lemon.

• 

  Looks Flashy...but the Powertrain Isnt - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Flyingcessnas - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car a little over 7 months ago. The first 2 months with it were great, however then things started to fall apart. In the last 8,000 miles, the transmission, water- pump, A/C, keyless entry module, shocks and tie rods went out. I have never had a car fall apart so fast on me. And the sad thing is, I actually take my car in for rutine maintenance. You would never guess. So if your going to buy this car used MAKE SURE you have a mechanic check it out and run a scan tool on the engine and transmission, otherwise you might end up screwed just like I have been. This really isnt the best car to buy used.

• 

  ecstaticaboutmyTrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By grabbedlifebythehorn - July 8 - 2:00 am

  bought used with 24000 even though its the plain jane SE i was surprised by 2.7 love the interior one of the most comfortable rides ive ever drove i like pass through back seats plenty of room got a pair 12" thumps in the trunk only compaint is on rough roads the road noise gets to intrusive oh well just crank the subs up a couple of notches havent had any problems whatsoever great looking car love the style with the factory 16" rims and tires this thing handles like a scalded cat climbing a curtain great driving dynamics put almost 20000 since last year aint got no stink from her and i dont expect any been a superletive driver love my Trepid