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 Last of Real V-8s - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By bc_iii - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a real SUV, not a "High Wagon" or "car based" unibody pretender. It has a real metal truck frame, a 5.9 Liter 360 cubic inch V8 not a 4.x or 3.x Liter. (Those CIDs belong in V6s for you youngsters that dont know any better.) The Durango rides smoothly, but lets you know if you hit a bump. It sucks down the gas like its goin out of style. A perfect American SUV to drive out in CA or NY just to tick off the tree huggers. The Infinity sound system needed no aftermarket upgrades, and the fit and finish of the vehicle (built in NJ) was comprable to the imports.

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  my car sucks - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By thegame76 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  i have had it it the shop 7 or 8 timess still something wrong......tranmission problems, and rubbing engine noise

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  Outstanding - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By jwc553911 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding. owned 3 intrepids, this is the most exciting!

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  WOW - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Dan Wall - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I went looking for a Extended Cab fullsize pick-up when I saw this baby sitting in the showroom floor. I couldnt help but look it over. I didnt really know that Stratus came in a 2 door, but had to have it well before I even drove it. After driving it, there was no way I could leave with out the car. Its a large enough car to not feel cramped inside, and still a very sporty car that gets some serious attention all passer-bys.

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  2001 Durango Review - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By MarkN - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent choice for a mid-size SUV. 3 Sets of seats extremely beneficial especially the fact that both sets of rear seats lay down flat when the space is needed and the seats are not. 4.7 litre V8 is extemely potent. I tow a 19 boat and it does a great job. I own the 2 WD version (I live in the south no need for the added weight, suspension, etc.) so the ride is really plush for an SUV. Additionally, I get over 20 MPG on the highway. 3rd SUV Ive owned in 8 years (2 Jeeps and now the Durango) and it was one of my favorites. If youre considering it, Id highly recommend it.

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  Happy with the - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By wildfire - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my D in Jan of 2000. It has performed as well as I hoped. Maintenance needs have been low. I have changed the oil regularly & replaced the battery. Thats it other than the "scheduled" maintenance needs. The anit-lock brake feature I opted for paid for itself at around the one year mark. On the freeway at highway speeds the traffic suddenly came to a halt. I hit the brakes and the D actually stopped before hiting the guy in front of me. I have been very happy with the reliability and performance of my D since day one. It is comfortablt to ride in and my wife hates going back to the car when I take the D for some reason.

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  Dakota Quad/SLT+/4.7 with 5-45FRE Tranny - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Deselfitter - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Well behaved truck with good size ~not too large and not too small. This Dakota is a pleasure to drive around town and short trips. I am looking forward to longer trips when warm weather arrives. Fuel economy is close to EPA estimates, about 14 in towm and 19 highway. I expect further improvement with more miles.

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  One of the best cars Ive owned - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jc1959 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about two years and have found it to be a good combination of sport car "fun-to- drive" and sedan practicality. Power and braking are excellent. Its loaded with options. The quality of construction is outstanding - no squeaks or rattles and everything works as it should. I have yet to take it in for anything more than routine maintenance. A great value for the money- about $15000.

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  The Little Car That Cant - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By james720 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I dont own this car, just had the misfortune to rent it...However, I dislike it so much that I felt that I ought to write a review of it. This car has the loudest engine, the worst auto tranmission, crappy gas mileage, slow pickup, and horrible suspension. I drove my normal route on I-25 in CO and after getting out I felt like someone had put me in a paint mixer, this car needs a much smoother ride. It really lacks when compaired to a Corolla, Grand-Am, Civic, Stratus, or even a KIA.

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  2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Utah - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By F. Tempel Riekhof - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Ovarall a very good vehicle. For a good sized minivan, it is rather nimble on the road and rolls easily (better than my 1998. Good interior and comfortable seats. Power sides doors and tailgate work flawlessly. Vehicle is somewhat underpowered and would be better served by a 5-speed automatic transmission rather than the 4-speed. Transmission braking is useless. Uses a bit of oil.