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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  Great 4X4 or cargo hauler - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By dfan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great Suv for the long road trip. Not so good to put a DVD in. Handles excellent in the poor weather(I have tested it out in 18+ inches of snow). Fairly easy to get in and out. I have been hit twice in it. Once in the front and it crumpled and took all the impact and the other on the side which caused the door to crumple up and it took most of the impact. Third row seating does not have climate controls or vents and it does get a little stale on long trips unless you get the R/T model which has vents for third row seating.

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  Our Durango did us fine - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By wilsonclan4 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Durango because of its size and 7 passenger seating. We have the SLT AWD with 4.7. over 60000 miles and the vehicle has only been to the dealer for repair once to replace the AC under warrenty. The truck still looks new, the interior held up great, and it still looks great today. Power from the 4.7 was good and the sound coming from the exhaust is sweet. Are only complaints surround the AC and Brakes. The AC does have trouble cooling in really high temperatures and the anti-lock brakes are not very comforting when engaging, but upgrades pads and rotors fixed some of the problem.

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  Great car, but... - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By humbleandlovable - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We love our new Neon. The payments are the most reasonable around. It is fun to drive. I have three teenagers ready to learn to drive and this car is just perfect for teaching them. When my husband first brought the Neon home, I hated it! I love old cars and wanted a 1967 Mustang Convertable, red with white interior. I wouldnt even drive the Neon for the first month. Then came a time I had to. Ive been sold ever since.

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  Indiana Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By winthrop - March 8 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. Its an attractive vehicle with just enough pizazz to be interesting. Good value. Great gas mileage. Solid feel when driving.

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  Fantastic stylish car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By MSJC - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!!!!!!!!! It is very sporty looks great and rides great

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  Fantastic stylish car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By MSJC - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!!!!!!!!! It is very sporty looks great and rides great

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  love my Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Sharpeworker - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Dodge Stratus. It is a very nice car and It is very comfortable to ride in. Gets good gas mileage which is very important with the high prices of gas these days. It was well worth the investment and the warranty of 7 years or 70,000 miles was a great deal.

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  My 2nd Dakota and still a great truck! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Tim Odom - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that has come up since I purchased my 2003 Dakota is the breaks making noise when backing up. However, that has started to deminish the more I drive the truck.

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  Lemon - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By FUNGUY - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket went after 38K, A/C repaired in 3rd year, electrical problems with signal lights, then radio. Paint pealing off roof and both wiper arms had paint peeling and they both have broken. On the highway the windows scream. Weather stripping around doors and trunk were coming off. Piece of crap!

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned! - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By JamesG - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had many cars. Bought Caravan at 40K, now at 125K. Ill never give it up! Just back from 11th Florida trip, 2500 miles. Family prefers van over the newer BMW7 Series for comfort and room. 3.0V6 more powerful than you expect up to 90mph. 30mpg on trips. 80 is still effortless. Upgraded struts and shocks made it fun to drive! Change antifreeze every 2 years. Add BarsLeak, head gasket wont go. Change oil at 3,000 miles, synthetic. Add stop leak every other time and engine seals wont leak. Service trans every 30K. Chrysler has a hidden trans warranty to 100K, ask. Mine went at 70,000 miles, well after warranty. I now have lifetime warranty! Good van.