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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  Lemon - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By tonywk1 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I Like the car when its running, which isnt often lately. Try to trade it in and somethen else goes wrong. Timing belt twice,once it busted valves and head gasket, rack and pinion, a/c, sensors,heater fan, etc.... Major pain in rear.

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  The Viper Experience - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By viper1821 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned and I think that anyone who wants a nice car that goes fast and is fun to drive should get a viper.

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  viper - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By viper4480 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  its great i love it !!!

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  Damnit - Chrysler - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By James Logue - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The MAJOR disspointment is the dealer could not alter the headlights so as to have daytime running light.

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  Hate the car - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Very disapointed - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought the car I always wanted one. I heard nothing but great things, untill I had one for myself. Maybe it is just the year or something but, it came with many problems, the steering, went through 2 transmissions, radiator, headgasket, breaks every 2-3 months, and the list goes on. If Dodge was good to their people, they wouldnt have allowed anyone to take this car off of their lot. Or they would fix the problems for FREE. Especially the more dangerous items like the steering. Also the car feels and sounds like it is just going to fall apart one. Very loud clicking noises

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  BEST QUALITY VAN TO DATE - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pogo - April 19 - 8:20 pm

  I had not intended on buying a van. I was looking at these units for my daughter and was amazed at the quality of these vehicles. So I purchased the SXTL with the sport suspension, leather, and 17" wheels for myself and a T&C for my daughter. These Dodge vans keep getting better.

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  Bang for the buck - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By thebroker - April 19 - 7:06 pm

  My initial plans were to buy a Chrysler 300C this year. However, the significantly lower price and sexy looks of the Avenger caught my attention when I went to the dealership. I first testdrove the SXT, but then on impulse, I decided to purchase the R/T sitting on the showroom floor. I was amazed at the difference. The R/T is at least as much fun to drive as the BMW 328i I had a few cars back. I bought it three days ago, and I love driving it so much that Ive already put a thousand miles on it. Its just fun to drive, and a great value for the money. Also, four people have plenty of room, which is something I didnt expect in a car this size.

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  dodge spirit - 1990 Dodge Spirit
  By chris L - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I reslly liked the car. It was slow but it has a very nice ride.

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  I am so Spoiled!!!! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stacy Allen - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE and absolutely loved it! It was getting up there in miles and had no warrenty left. I have went all over to find a deal to get the same luxuries for about the same payment. Sam Long of Gary Mathews in Clarksville TN finally helped me get the best deal that both my husband and I could live with. This van is beatiful and full of space. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the radio controls on my steering wheel. If you want patient and hardworking sales men definately go there and ask for Sam Long, tell them I sent you.

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  Best in class - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ron7405 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  We bouth this grand caravan for me my wife and 2 labs and it has done over and above what we have asked of the van ro do.