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:

• 

  Great Modern Day Muscle Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dennis McClurg - March 1 - 12:20 am

  I have been waiting for a car like this to be built for years. Its a blast to drive. I put on the Dodge cold air induction package and it made a nice addition to the performance. It also sounds great when you nail it. I grew up in the 60s with all the muscle cars and had several of my own. This car makes me smile a lot when I drive it. Good Job Dodge

• 

  never buy a dodge again - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By no more dodges - February 29 - 2:00 am

  driven under 4000 a year and tranny went after 2600 miles (lucky it was covered under warranty) air conditioner went bad every year for 4 years (documented by dealer themselves, again,lucky for warranty) because of extended waranty they finally fixed it and they admitted they still werent sure how. paint chipping since day 1.MY WIFE LIKED THE WAY IT LOOKED AND WE BOUGHT IT. ONE OF THE WORST MISTAKES I EVER MADE, STILL CANT FIGURE OUT WHY I LISTENED TO HER.

• 

  More than pleased - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Keys - February 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in March of 2002. I am extremely happy with both its performance and reliability (Zero Problems). Though not as refined as some of the foreign competition, the bang for the buck quotient is very high. Interior room is amazing, and I wouldnt be surprized if this car has the largest trunk capacity in its segment. It just doesnt seem right that a car this big should handle like it does. Just think, a car with 244 ponies, great handling, tremendouse interior space, and distinctive exterior styling for under thirty grand MSRP. What more could you want.

• 

  HORRIBLE!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By DHDH - February 29 - 2:00 am

  MOST HORRIBLE VEHICLE!! LEMON LEMON LEMON. EVERYTHING ON THIS CAR IS MESSING UP- TRANSMISSION, WINDOWS, SUNROOF, EVERYTHING. I AM VERY DISSAPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE, WISH I NEVER BOUGHT IT. IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.

• 

  2002 4dr- sedan Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By SkyyBlueGirl - February 29 - 2:00 am

  I had a 96 Stratus before so naturally I went for the 2002 when it became time for a new car. I love the pretty color (sky blue) and the body style. I think the interior is an improvement from the older models. But I have to say I am REALLY disappointed that my car is leaking transmission fluid all over the place for no reason...the older version was (I have a feeling) way more reliable than the 2002. Other than the whole "transmission" problem (which is like, probably pretty bad for the outcome of my car over the years), the car is lovely. Hopefully you all have better luck...maybe I just got a bad seed.

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By BJP - February 28 - 1:13 pm

  We just switched over to the new Durango from a small convertible. I expected a lot of difficulty getting used to the much larger SUV, but instead Ive found it handles like a smaller car and just happens to have all the leg/head room my 6"7 husband needs to ride comfortably. The acceleration is incredible. I never wouldve thought such a large vehicle could move so well. We got a base model with only a couple minor upgrades, but I still feel like Im riding in class. The 6 CD changer is a great standard feature. The best part was the $8000 in rebates that made the price easier on the checkbook. When the lease is up I will definitely upgrade to the next model. Im hooked!

• 

  EHHH!!!!!!! - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By aliasMAN - February 28 - 2:00 am

  IT IS GOOD!!! I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THINK DOGE IS INCREADABLY RELIABLE AND I WAS RIGHT.

• 

  sweet - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By Mufasa - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the nicest car I have ever had, it is fast, powerful, and a beuty for the eyes and ladies

• 

  nice - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Huh? - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 01 Durango R/T with the 5.9 and about 44k mi. A few days after I got it. Over drive Components destroyed the tranny. The dealership replaced the Tranny and I havent had any trouble since. There are a few little noises inside the dash that are a bit annoying. But the comfort and perfomance of this R/T largly out-weigh the small problems.

• 

  Nice Truck but Concerned - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By ChuckM - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck brand new as a leftover. Had 23 miles on it. I use my truck for people hauling since I am in the Real Estate Business. So Far I have no complaints about the truck. I actually LOVE IT! The thing that concerns me is the Ball Joint Problem. I wish they would do a Recall on this problem now instead of waiting for more front tires to fall off causing someone to get injured or killed. They would put a lot of peoples minds to rest knowing that the tires will remain where they belong, on the truck!