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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  Car of the year - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By steve stuard - April 10 - 10:30 pm

  This is Dodge at its best. I have driven many cars, but the design, fuel mileage and interior were all what I would expect to see on a $30,000 car. Good job Dodge.

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  My 2000 Durango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Santo - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 00 Durango until I hit the 50,000 mile mark. Major front end problems started to arise and they are still coming. The drivers seat could use more padding in the lower lumbar area. The padding broke down in my seat after 35k. The engine is solid! This truck can tow a house down. I have the 5.9 liter. The power is unbelievable! 3rd row seat is very handy.

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  Very Unhappy, Buyer Beware - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By MARCI FROM CHINO - April 9 - 11:56 pm

  Our Caliber has been in for repairs several times in last 2 1/2 months. We have a loud pinging/annoying noise that gets louder if your happen to be waiting in line going thru drive thru/or driving slow speed. We have a front passenger door that doesnt fit the frame flush. Headlight that sticks out in front. Gaps galore. Ice cooler that doesnt work. Seatbelt clasp that makes clicking noise as you drive.

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  very cool - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By william trujillo - April 9 - 10:00 am

  really cool car; fast too.

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  1999 Dodge - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By mtfitchs - April 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought it new & have enjoyed driving it. It works great for a big family. Lots of room, leg space, comfortable for the kids. Great in snow, rain, on, off road.

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  1994 Dodge shadow - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By SaraB - April 8 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great car for me. I have owned it for over a year now and not once has it broken down on me, nor have I had any machanical problems with it. Its a great for a first car. Great on gas I only spend about $20 a month on gas actually.

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  my stratus - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By KateK - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I havent had one problem with my 99 stratus in four years!

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  dodge viper - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By jettblack0027 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  awesome car. Ive already had it for a few months and i cant picture riding in any other car... you gotta love it!

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  now Im nervous - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By AZ_buyer - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it got amazing reviews. I guess I didnt check well enough, because now that I look harder I see stories everywhere about how the 2.7 liter engine fails without any warning. Mine has been running fine, but Im really nervous. Im going to have to tell my wife to tell me about any clicking sounds.

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  overall - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By James Ward - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Initial problem with transmission downshift release, high rpm increase when coasting downhill while in cruise control mode. Corrected @ dealership.