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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  Very good van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By idnpeg - July 9 - 10:00 am

  2002 Grand Caravan Sport. Purchased in Nov 2001, now with 8000+ miles. No problems! Great ride, quiet, smooth, plenty of room. I will admit I feel more secure with the 7/100 warranty they threw in for free. I would have liked to purchase the Honda Odyssey, but I feel very good about the $$$$ I saved. The customer service I got at purchase time was fabulous, and that sealed the deal for me; I worked with the fleet manager. My next door neighbor bought one; and another family friend too. I have heard a rattle or two; under the dash driver side, and back near the rear bench seat; they come and go. But hey, I did not buy a $40,000 luxury car.

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  Poor vision Trunk leaks - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Greg - July 8 - 10:12 am

  Have had my Avenger for 18 months and really like the car but for two issues. The vision is terrible, rear and side vision is hazardous, especially on busy highways and around town. The RT head rests blocks any hope of seeing what is just behind you or beside you. Also every time you lift the trunk lid when it is raining all the water pours into the trunk, no it is not just an alignment issue some one get this design wrong. I have contacted Dodge and they have no excuse.

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  Should have bought a jeep - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By shadow - July 4 - 11:15 am

  When I first purchased the car I thought it was wonderful. But now I cant wait to trade it off. There have been numerous recalls, and now the electronic Throttle control is having issues. The front seats are very uncomfortable, I cannot imagine a larger person sitting in them, the blind spots...No you do not get use to them. There are some good points, smooth to drive and roomy and does have pick up and go. Interior is plastic, hard to clean and difficult to get things that have dropped between the seats. A new vehicle will be in my future very soon.

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  Our neon named "Dimples" - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By koneill - July 3 - 8:30 pm

  Bought it new back in 2005 and now in 2009 it has 115,000 miles and have had no problems so far (knock on wood). Take yearly trips cross country with the kids and get good gas mileage. The only complaint is all the dents from wildlife running into it, polls jumping in front of it and carts that are attracted to it. I am waiting for everything to start falling apart on it Dimples, but so far, I have love this car and am attached to it.

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  dodge durango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By pc - July 2 - 7:08 pm

  I purchased a 2000 dodge durango as a certified used truck. It came with a warranty . It hav been 5 years and I have not put one dime into this truck (excluding reg. maint) untill today. I have recently purchased a new warranty with U.S fidells and today I am replacing the evaporator (121000 miles.) Great truck very dependable.poor gas mileage. well built and fun to drive.It could very well run forever with the new warranty.covered until 210000 miles.

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  Love my truck but mileage stinks - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Broken Hearted - July 1 - 10:48 pm

  To start with I love my truck but milage stinks. I only get 10 to 12 miles to the gallon not 15 like it say in this review. In the last four years that I have owned this truck I have put three raditators, a water pump, new heater and thermisate. Also problems with transmission locking up in reverse. But I still love my truck and still feel it is worth more than the retail value they are listing for it.

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  Sad to see it go - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By LuvMyNeon - July 1 - 11:13 am

  I have had my Neon for over 8 years now. I love this car, most of the time. I would gladly have purchased another if Dodge hadnt stopped making them! In the 8 years Ive had it, Ive put 108,000 miles on it(currently at 121,000+). Other than routine maintenance, I had very few problems with this car. I replaced the front brakes twice, back brakes once, replaced the timing belt and the alternator. The car always idled a little roughly, especially when it was getting close to needing an oil change. The locks on the car did freeze frequently in the winter and the drivers lock broke completely earlier this year. Im sad to see my baby go!

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  Satisfied in PA with black R/T AWD - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By ACM - July 1 - 9:58 am

  Traved to Michigan from PA to by this car used with 28,000 on it.Downsized from a 01 AWD Towne and Country Limited.This car is fast without a doubt and functional to boot. I have hauled my 20 extension ladder and wheelbarrow in the back with the seats folded down. More than enough room for the dog. Had to replace both outer tie rods(under warranty) and o2 sensor (warranty ran out) but still happy with the vehicle. Will add roof rack.Great in the snow with snow tires as I have owned 4 wheel drive and AWD before.Got to have it here in this area. Have to wait and see how it holds up but so far so good.

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  My Grand Caravan is crappy - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mchivers - June 30 - 6:50 pm

  Many, many, many little problems. Automatic doors not working, burnt out taillight, automatic doorlocks not working, stuck headrest, brakes had to be replaced at 17,000 miles, random noises, AC blower not working, driver side electric window not working. We had a 96 before, drove the wheels off of it and had no problems. Someone at the factory must have been drunk when this lemon rolled out the door.

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  Good car for me. - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Sami - June 30 - 1:14 pm

  Bought new at the beginning of 2003, now have 110000 miles on it. Havent had to much trouble with it in 6 years, had transmission replaced at 60002 miles under warranty, had to have steer rack replace six months ago since there was a loose passenger side tie rod(it was probably from hit a curb in a parking lot several years), and am currently have the alternator replaced. Im not one to keep up with the maintenance schedule, fix it as it needs it. Most of the few other things that I have done are all normal things that wear out with mileage. Over all been very reliable, did have to have in towed a couple of weeks ago, one of the original rear brakes locked up, but it has been 110,000 miles.