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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  Love Dodge - GREAT minivan - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By wilsker - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Long trips smooth ride convenient for whole family. comfortable for whole family. Versatile with stow and go seats.

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  No Problems - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By soFarSoGood - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought by 98 Durango used in 2000 with 46,000 miles. Its now at 90,000 and I have had no problems with it at all (besides getting it stolen, then returned). Nothing has fallen off, nothing is loose, and I keep it looking like new. The only thing negative I can say is that the gas mileage is starting to hurt. But, who knew 4 years ago that gas would be so expensive. I must say, though, Ive not had the terrible gas mileage Im reading about on here. Ive been able to get 19 mpg on the highway with 92 octane, and about 15 in the city. Must be different driving habits. Oh, and change your air filter and keep your plugs clean... it works wonders.

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  Excellent - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Great Vehicle - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for over a year I bought it used with lots of milage so I thought Id need a warranty. Bad news is I wasted my money on that extended warranty. Good news is this car is awesome it is a great everyday driver. I love driving it. Unlike everyone else I have not experienced a high pitched noise.

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  Not the greatest car out there - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By chemsal - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 is a cheaper version of the 2002,2003. Dodge has cut some real corners on this car. The seats are shorter and not as wide as the past models. There are many other areas that have been cheapened from previous year models. This is a company car, so I do not purchase this vehicle. Free is a good price to pay for a vehicle. If it cost one penny more I would not drive an Intrepid

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  I love my Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By marcia mccoy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 bought new. I love the way car drives and is very comfortable. I am short and i do not have a blind spot problem at all, IT FITS ME TO A T . To bad they are not making them for 2005 or I would get another one.

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  FUN AND POWERFULL TRUCK - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By STEVE d - June 2 - 2:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK PULLS STRONG, IS FAST WITH THE 4.7 V8 ,18 MPG LOOKS REAL COOL AND IS THE BEST TRUCK iVE EVER OWNED....FORD SUCKS

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  dodge neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By maryehill - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have realy enjoyed my dodge neon. It has been a very good car for a wonderful price. There are only two things I would change about it: the car needs a bigger gas tank and the interior of the car need to be changed.

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  SRT-4 - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lovealot - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Me and my boyfriend decided on this car because he wanted a turbo and i didnt want to have to spend a whole lot. The exterior of the car could be a lot better. Neons in the past look like crap cars and this just has that look. Its quick and fun to drive, the look is just not for me.

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  great except the gas - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Monti-man - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The 5.9 V-8 is awesome! All the power you need and then some. But remember, each time the pedal hits the floor, thatll cost you a few bucks on gas for that split second. 3rd row seat is easy to fold and for adults under 6 feet tall, not THAT bad.

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  NOT FOR A FAMILY OF MORE THAN 3 - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By atashibill - May 31 - 2:00 am

  EXCEPTIONAL CAR LOVE THE STEREO SYSTEM THE TURNING THE PICKUP AND THE GREAT PAINT JOB. BOUGHT LEATHER INTERIOR AND IT HOLDS UP WELL CONSIDERING I HAVE 3 CHILDREN. DEFINATLY NOT A FAMILY CAR. WISH WE HAD THOUGHT ABOUT IT MORE BEFORE BUYING IT WHILE KIDS STILL IVING AT HOME. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT THOUGHT. HAD O2 SENSOR GO BAD AT 36K MILES WAY TO EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. $256 JUST FOR THE PART OUCH.