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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  The best mid-sized truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By 2indy - March 13 - 2:00 am

  High off the ground with bulging tires, powerful V-6, smooth riding, great handling it feels like a 25K$-30K$ truck. SHHHH! I only payed 20,300$ (this includes tax tags and tite) and I was out the door for this truck. You couldnt beat that with a bat! Im happy

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  Great car except for transmission - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By homeowner-commuter - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought car new for my wifes 25th aniversary. Loaded, really a nice car, right up to when the transmission came unglued at just under 55K. Dodge wouldnt touch it as the warrenty had expired. Dealer said it would cost about $3K to fix and take 4-6 weeks. Too many plastic parts (to save weight?) Basically, I traded it in on a new Ford for what I still owed on it.

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  Good family car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim Dolan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of its size and low price w/incentives. It handles well for a large car and rides smoothly. No problem in winter driving (I got the antilock brakes). Some blind spots but side view mirrors help.

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  Love my "Trep" - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By SteveCollins - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Intrepid because I needed a car that would tow my 19 foot power boat, have room for my skiis, look great, and have an attitude on the road and in the twisties. The Intrepid, with front wheel drive and traction control can easily pull my 4000 boat up a slippery ramp with no problem. With leather seating and the optional wood inlayed dash, and the inferno red exterior, it is an exciting too look at in the driveway. I get compliments on it wherever I go.

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  Great Homeowners Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Homeowner-Commuter - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Perfect for commuter/homeowner. Estended cab is "just right" for most trips and jobs. Long distance driving is a little rough after the first 8 or 9 hours. V-6 gives more than enough power and pretty good mileage, good looking, very reliable. If I ever have to let this one go, Ill buy another Dakota to replace it.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By AMOLDEN124 - March 11 - 8:40 pm

  This is a great vehicle! Spacious interior is great for us parents, but the sporty outside is perfect for cruising. Cant beat the fuel economy, Im getting nearly 35 miles to the gallon (highway), and when youre on a tight budget, thats always a plus. It handles better than I would have suspected.

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  Great ideas & design- build quality? - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Parryprime - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I really liked this car when I bought it. I thought I really got a great value for the money. Powerful V6, good handling. Unfortunately at 30K the brakes went out so I had to get them repaired. The service man at the dealership had a distinctly ominous tone in his voice when he told me my transmission needed the powerflush. Yikes! Im selling it and then Im turning Japanese! I cant afford not to at this point. Lets face it, you might save 2k at purchase but youll make up the difference through precipitous loss of value and major repairs. A good car for 2 years then, buyer beware!

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  My Dodge - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Priscilla - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I prefer this body style compared to the new 2004 Durango.

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  Good for what it is. - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By big_dog - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new my only vehicle since 1999. Excellent gas mileage, fun to drive - faster than a 6 cylinder Mustang. Very nimble around town and a stable freeway cruiser. Of course, I also have the 5 speed and DOHC. Absolutely no problems and going on 80K miles. For comparison, I drove an Audi TT w/180hp and could not "feel" a difference in acceleration or handling (though I dont mean to suggest that the Neon is a better car!). However, the wind noise at 55mph or above is awful. I plan on keeping this vehicle to play with when I replace it with a new Audi or Porsche, etc.

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  Great Car - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Pink - March 10 - 2:00 am

  So far I am really impressed with the overall vehicle. Comfort,power,roominess and so far no problems at all. The dealership has been great and I am proud to be a Dodge Owner. Needs more advertisement. In my opinon Dodge does not promote this vehicle. It is far superior to its competition.