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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  Greaaat Car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By BigRickK - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car goes fast, gets good mileage and is fun to drive. No major problems, just do the maintenance. Goes thru brake pads quickly though.

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  Its just "OK" - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Countess - June 27 - 2:00 am

  at 34,000 miles the Cruise control had a problem that caused the rpms to go above 3000mph when sitting Idol. The car would try to move forward with my foot on the break. The car dealership had to replace the cruise control. Also at about 35,000 miles the air compressor stopped working and caused the fan belt to break while I was driving. I lost Air conditioning and to fix the belt and compressor it cost $1200.00 at the Dodge dealership. The car is big and comfortable but I would not buy another Intrepid.

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  Great family car - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Nick H - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first minivan and I love it. So much room and storage space makes going places so easy. You dont need much strength to fold down the seats. I checked a few other minivans and they didnt offer near as much for the price of the Caravan. I definitely suggest the SXT model w/DVD because the kids love it and it keeps them occupied on long trips. This is definitely a keeper.

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  ehh. - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By diggit616 - June 26 - 2:00 am

  This has not been my favorite car but it has done exactly what I needed it to do. No more, no less. It has had its share of problems though. Drivers window has never worked right, HEAD GASKET, A/C, radio, left blinker turns on when you brake, wears front tires uneven, door panel broke,... At this point I am just glad it still starts and that is one thing it has always done, start. It may not be the best car I have ever had but it gets me to where I need to go. Great car for new drivers and collage kids. Just dont fool yourself into thinking you wont have any problems with it. Neon quality is an extinct dinosaur.

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  Be Aware of 2.7 engine - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TamiinIndiana - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy this car! Theres a defect in the 2.7 engine and Dodge wont acknowledge. After 62,000 miles my timing chain needs replaced, but I cant find a mechanic in my area that will do it. They will only replace the engine and it would cost me overe $6,000 and a 6-8 week wait to find a motor because of the high demand. I had been very pleased with my car up to this point. But now Im without a vehicle and still owe $8,000 on it.

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  Nice style - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By brushwood - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Car is a Model Year 2000 company car, great styling and interior layout. Not fancy inside but has all the necessities. HUGE trunk with inside access - find me a bigger one on a mid- size car. And the interior is very spacious both front and back - more than my fathers Buick LeSabre.Fuel economy isnt great (20-24) but this one has the bigger engine. The Auto Stick is fun to play with but doesnt get used very often. A/C works great. It takes a while to get used to the sloping front end and very high rear when parking - usually leave too much distance. Thanks Dodge for a solid car.

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  Go For It - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Thom - June 25 - 7:46 pm

  The 3.5 liter is the best deal price- wise. It gets about 20 miles to the gallon, and is great on acceleration. Only uses 4 cylinders on interstate driving. Uses 6 when needed.

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  Dream Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By SSN719 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Everything Ive Always Wanted

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  Too Early to Tell - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dennis - June 24 - 10:43 am

  The design and performance are all they were professed to be. The mileage is what youd expect with a thirsty Hemi. Interior quality is a disappointment with plastic appointments. Interior visual field is a definite weakness with door columns and small rear window limiting. None the less, I love it. Its a great driving machine.

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  Worst Vehicle - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By GPTX - June 24 - 2:00 am

  The worst car I ever bought. Within a year , I have spent more on repair of electronic and mechanical problems. I cant imagine this being a best selling minivan with all these defects and poor quality. It may look good externally but the interior (engines and electronics) are, by far, the worst design in the history of the automotive industry. VERY POOR QUALITY!!!