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:

• 

  Dont Believe Consumer Reports! - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By regar - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this car new from the dealer with every option available. The most reliable car I have ever owned. I have the 5-speed so there have been no transmission problems. I ordered it with the V6 so there was no turbo to burn out. The engine performs well and shows no sign of quitting. Excellent "snow car" for our Northeastern winters. Forget "initial quality" assesments this car was made to last.

• 

  Designed to do what it is.... - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By mvs49 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a quality family van to fill many different roles and that is what we got. We use it to haul our sons band and public address equipment we use it to haul members of the church youth group all over the state and we use it for everyday for formal, fun and daily use. Id certainly consider this or the smaller Pacifica next time we need a vehicle.

• 

  Durango shopping - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Belinda SImmons-Raleigh - February 23 - 6:35 pm

  The Durango drove well and has awesome features. They are overpriced. :(

• 

  Nice Dodge Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bandj05 - February 23 - 10:36 am

  This car is great on gas mileage. It is an inexpensive car, so that explains the lack of interior and exterior quality. However, I think that this car gives the college student or small family car person a great choice. Ive previously owned a Lexus and a Trans Am. If you want the quality of a Lexus you are going to have to pay the high price. If you want power the go buy a car that gets 10 miles to the gallon. If youre looking for medium quality, excellent gas mileage, and a low cost then this is a great buy.

• 

  If safety is what matters - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dawn and Joe - February 23 - 10:00 am

  We owned a van just like this one, and my husband was hit in the passenger side door sending the van spinning 360 degrees. All of the tires popped and the van hit another car. Needless to say, it was totaled. HE WALKED AWAY with nothing bit a case of jitters. If he were in our Honda I dont think he would have been as lucky. The CHP couldnt believe he was walking. We have 4 kids and no matter if we have to repai it (which we havent had to) we will ALWAYS drive a Dodge Grand Caravan SE. Of Course until the kids are older then its a 2 seater:)

• 

  Good Buy - No Hassles - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By StL Convert - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Just recently purchased this van. FIrst time van owner. Good product, excellent value and dealership. Would suggest all you looking at vans to consider the features available in this van compared to the others, dollar for dollar.

• 

  Dont buy one! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By heathers_mom - February 23 - 4:03 am

  I really liked this car when I first got it, paid a little more than I probably should have and now way too upside down to trade in. Now major issues are coming up. I have 12,000 miles now, starting around 6,000 was a thumping noise. Apparently all four tires are bad and Firestone wont warranty them, Dodge just denies its the car! Also, poor design (when you roll down the rear windows, the car shakes so bad, it hurts your ears, sounds like a helicopter on the roof) Also do not like the rubbery plastic interior. Once you bump into it with something, big scratch! Also hate the white ceiling and its fabric. Passenger heated seat hardly warms up. Overall, getting more and more unhappy!!

• 

  TORQUE - 1997 Dodge Viper
  By Neo Mobeus - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Quick and sporty, overstear is a problem.

• 

  car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By kendrajoan - February 23 - 2:00 am

  this vechicle is really great

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By grayghost - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car three months now.I really enjoy driving my car. It handles real well,very comfortable.The Dodge intrepid is very durable and handles very good in certain weather conditions.