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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  I love this car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Jaydawg - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with about 38,000 miles and have not had many problems so far. The car handles and accelerates well and is easy to find performance and aftermarket accessories for it. Mileage is good and so is the sound. I have noticed that sometimes my sunroof will not open and my rearview mirror rattles when i turn up my subs which is something that I need to fix. Overall I am very satisfied with this car.

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  My Dak 97 - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By My 97 Dak - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Exciting to drive, my favorae toy, realy enjoyed this vehickle. Another party came left of center and totaled this 97 Dakota, party went to sleep.

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  Good Looks, Bad Problems - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Chris B - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the van because I like the looks, but it didnt take long to find out that I bought a piece of junk. I have talked to other owners of this van and they all have the same problems. Here is a list of my problems: 1. I have had three sensors go out at $125 ea. (Car will not shift gears when the sensor goes out) 2.The driver’s side brake caliper has been replaced 2 times and still doesnt work right. 3. Most of all, even though I had the transmission serviced every 35000 miles, It still cost me $2000 to replace it before the van hit 100,000 miles. On top of everythings else, these vans have such lousy resale values I cant even get rid of it.

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  dodge stratus 2001 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jbreach - May 30 - 10:00 am

  competent performer for its tier - main complaint is poor rear visibility and uncomfortable front seats even with power seats - not a car to take on the road for a long trip

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  Its Not Good - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By big kev - May 30 - 10:00 am

  We love the way the van drives and handles - like a car. Very convenient features but no power doors. The biggest problem has been the transmission - two trans gasket replacements so far at 35k. Power steering problems too.

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  The Golden Chariot - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Vinny from Brooklyn - May 30 - 2:00 am

  A very fun and exciting car to drive. Handling is steady and firm, and the look is very sporty for such a large car (17 feet long...). There is more than enough room for my family (2 - Adults, 3 - Children), and the car can really move considering it is so large!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By rick773 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the styling of this car the first time I laid eyes on it. At the time we were out shopping for a car for my son and they were new. Seven month later I got one during an end of month sale. Being disappointed with the durabilitity of our four cylinder cars, I insisted on a 6 cylinder and was rewarded with Dodges 200 HP base 6 that ALWAYS averages between 23 and 27 miles per gallon. You cant beat power to burn and fuel economy! I am tall (6 1"+) and did need to get the power driver seat to increase the headroom clearance and it does the trick.

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  LoveMyCar! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Michelle1066 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Since the re-design, I have been an admirer of the Stratus R/T. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to purchase a new car. With three different models in mind, I test drove the R/T and my search was over! I finally purchased my dream car and I absolutely LOVE it! Very fun car to drive. I purchased the 2002 Stratus R/T. Black with 17 inch polished crome rims, automatic sunroof, 4 disc changer, grey leather and tinted windows. A lot of car for little money!

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  Great 7 passenger SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Great Durango - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the truck for 2 months and its a pleasure to drive. There is plenty of room for 6 adults. The third row seat is ok for adults on a short trip, Ok for kids on a long trip.

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  Lucky SRT8 Owner - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By RedheadSRT8 - May 29 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased this car over the phone sight unseen and am absolutely thrilled with its looks, performance, handling, and comfort. It is a limited production car that will not be a daily driver or driven in wet weather. I am keeping the car in brand new condition so that it can be enjoyed for years to come. Hopefully it will be a collectable just like the original Hemi! At only 1050 miles the only issues I have are way excessive amounts of brake dust, and a transmission that has a pump and/or torque converter whine.