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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  Nice Appliance - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Craig - June 29 - 1:53 pm

  This is really a great appliance. Have had the van since new and pushing toward 100,000 miles. Very few problems. This is our 4th Chrysler van and we can see the improvements from the tie up with Daimler. More solid feel to interior. Weak points are brakes and tranny. But if you stay on top of maintenance, theyll get you by.

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  2013 dodge dart ralley - 2013 Dodge Dart
  By Storm thayer - June 29 - 3:00 am

  I purchased a 2013 dodge dart ralley, brand new in November of 2013. I love the style of the car and how it handles,however I have had quite a few problems with it, my first problem was with the fans,drought it to the dealership and they replaced the fan motor, then my low traction light would always turn on do to a bad sensor which I got replaced.now my e brake dose not work do to a rear callaper which is covered so it well only cost me $100 to fix, my air bag light is on and the dealship said it is because if my passenger blatter silicone thing is leaking and they want over $800 to fix! I have had the car for 2 and a half years it has 45000 miles.. And I have to put $900 worth of work Into it just to pass another inspection. Needless to say I and trading it in and never buying another dodge!!

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  Looks great,! but cant sell - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By gcooley - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Everyone turns their head while looking, but no one wants to pay anything for it. My 93 is slowly starting to fade, and problems are coming up everywhere. But has treated me great up until now.

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  excellent van - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By iwonajurek - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have my van 4.5 years and no problem. Excellent, easy car-like driving.

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  Great - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By myronlg - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Have not had it long but ride and handling are great for this size pickup.

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  Sport model - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BUSTER - June 28 - 8:53 am

  Two sets of tires, one set of brakes and one transmission sensor (warranty) have been the only repairs. 115,000 miles later, I am still getting 18.5 mpg in city, 24.5 mpg crossing the country with family and luggage.

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  Must have been built on a Monday morning - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By take it to junkman - June 28 - 2:00 am

  43K miles on the van in alittle more than 3 years. Started having problems after 1st month. Not enough room here for all, but major ones include replacing HVAC control unit because temp. control was stuck in HOT position, replaced gas tank & most of pollution system looking for a vaccum leak. Power steering pump problems caused noise & vibration at all speeds. Headlght switch broke & lights would just go out w/o any warning. Most of these took at least 2 trips to the garage to fix. Latest problem, tranny let go last Friday. Saturday morn, dealer tells me I cant get loaner car Im entitled to w/ extended warranty until a tech diagnosis the problem.

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  Time for change. - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Seahunt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Dakota and fourth dodge pickup. I ran the 2001 Dakota (4V8) 74,000 miles in 3 years and a side from oil changes every 4K the only other service was turn rotors at 46k (pads @75%+) and replace tires at 60k. Issues w/this truck over the other Dakota is the absence of an ash/garage tray, cup holders are useless, doors lock automatically, no power @12v outlet unless key is on, bucket seats do not fully recline, full size spare is not on an aluminum rim and can not be put into rotation. Due to these issues this will likely be my last Dodge.

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  Great Price, Great Truck, Thanks Dodge - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By jmichel62 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Sold my F250 Crew Diesel. Just too big. Looked for a long time at Colorado and Dakota. The 5 cylinder and small sieze put me off of Chevy. I have the 4.7 with the 5 speed Auto, 4x4 Crew. What a great truck, a welcome change from the big ford. MSRP was 29,595. I got it at dealer cost 27,200, then Dodge gave me 4500 cash back. Solid feel, great engine, big cab and bed. Fun to drive, easy to park, good on the highway. If you drive easy gas milage is good. Good luck on your search.

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  Dodge Got It Right - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Berks - June 27 - 10:26 am

  I bought my Road and Track Charger a couple of months ago and I just love it! The style in and out, the power of the Hemi, the Mercedes influence. It just all adds up to the best car Ive ever owned. So much fun to drive. You see and hear this car coming and you know its a beast. Yet someone actually thought it was a BMW, its so good looking (I got the Bright Silver). Interior seating and room is spacious and comfortable, which was a big deal for me with a family of four to tow somtimes. Stock 500W sound system is perfect. Theres so much good stuff. If youre thinking about this ride, do yourself a favor and just go test drive it. Youll be hooked.