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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  Greatfamilyvan - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ja/kreager - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Repetitive problem with inside rear view mirrow coming loose. Average battery life 2 years. Rides and handles exceptionally well, even after eight years. Retains its stylish looks. Bought a 2005 for the sto & go seating option.

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  We are so glad we did it! - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By minivanfamnow - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this van... i cant believe i am saying that! I really do! I am glad we got an older model that was LOADED! Runs like a dream...the transmission was smoother than our Nissan. I know that a lot of people have "bad luck" with the caravan, but just take care of it and it will take care of you :)

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  The Mad Grocery Getter - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ynghng73 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  All of a sudden its not so bad to drive something that resembles what looks to be a station wagon, or a hearse, or an SUV?! WOW, what the hell is that thing, is the look I most frequently get while driving around in the Magnum. Such an original and unique style that carries the class of a Mercedes, provides the leg room to a sports car, undeniable Dodge strength, and the confidence of a tank, and you can still paralell with ease. Great Job Dodge!

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  Great car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By DarChew - May 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, Mine happens to be out of allignment or something is wrong with the front end with only 600 miles. I hope the dealership will be able to fix it.

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  durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By david carroll - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I love it.It is a very dependable vehicle. The milage is not that bad concidering the truck your driving.

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  Love it, but... - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Roses Mom - May 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Durango. Love it for comfort, but it does not have enough storage for stuff you need to keep in the vehicle. Glove box is tiny. Storage hole is tiny. Only one behind seat pocket and it does not expand. In the door pockets are much smaller than older models, can barely get your hand in it much less stuff. Gas mileage is poor.

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  It kind of works, but keeps breaking dow - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By FIrstnicecar - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 98 with 24,000 miles. Its been fairly reliable, except weve had to replace the Steering Rack 3 times, yes 3 times. And everytime we do that, you need a new Steering Pump, as well as Ti-rods. Car has now about 120,000 miles and we just put the 3rd Steering rack in February, and its started making a funny noise that may be the struts or the steering. Just waiting for something major to happen, and this car is done for.

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  04 Dakota Quad Sport Auto - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By DakotaBoy - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Nice overall truck if you dont mind it sitting at the dealership while it gets fixed. Great size, somewhat comfortable. 1200 miles total AC not working rear factory tint bubbling/peeling Ball Joints are bad

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  Good, Reliable Vehicle - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By jilliebean - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We have had few problems with our Intrepid in the five years weve owned it. However, it does seem to chew through brakes. Maybe because its such a big, heavy vehicle? Weve seated six passengers comfortably in this vehicle. It handles like a smaller car but is roomy and very comfortable. Highly recommend it. Well likely trade it in for a newer Intrepid.

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  Perfect Size and performance - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By aggiedude - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Been a Nissan driver for over 10yrs then decided I wanted something bigger. Bought a 2003 Silverado and just felt like I was in a tank so decided to give a Dodge Dakota (never owned a Dodge before) a shot. Drove it, loved it, bought it, and could NOT be happier with it.Best truck I ever bought and service from the dealer is beyond 100%. Plenty of room for 4 full size adults and could fit 5 w/o too much hassle. Also love the "regular" rear doors versus the Chevys extended cab doors. I highly recommend this truck but go with the V8 for better performance and resale value in the future.