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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  Grand Caravan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LAKEG41 - February 1 - 7:36 pm

  I have had no real problems with this van. I had rack and pinion changed when I first got it, still under warranty, so there was $0 cost. Other than having to replace egr at about 45,000, which seems pretty common I have not had any other expenses out of the normal maintenance. Love the power options on my van and will still continue to buy Caravans into the future! As a matter of fact this is my 4th, 93, 95, 97 all sold with 160,000 miles plus .

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  dont get one even if its given to you! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By jetta lover - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We were happy at first- the style, cabin capacity, and mileage are all good. That was the honeymoon period. Then, the head gasket had to be replaced and the air conditioner repeatedly recharged. At 50,000 miles the engine started crapping out- consuming oil and the engine needed to be replaced- the cost would have "totaled" the car. Had to fill it with a quart of oil once a week. Speedometer worked only when it felt like it... wiring in stereo was bad and the right-passenger-side speaker set on fire. Needed new tires at only about 30,000 miles. Charged A/C a week and a half before we traded it in, and was out of fluid the day we turned it in.

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  avenger - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By christine bliss - February 1 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car new in 01/96 and have been the only owner. i never had any problems with this car except maintanence(brakes, tires, struts, etc) it now has over 100,000 miles on it and its still going strong.

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  2004 SXT - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By anonymous-33 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. This fan has been fantastic in the snow, despite the fact we did not get the AWD version. The seating flexability hs great. Controls are well placed, and there is room for everybody and everything. Paid 25K loaded (no sunroof though)

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  Disappointed - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By vans - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in the spring of 2002. It had 30,000 miles at the time. We have owned the car less than 2 years and the transmission is shot at 53,000 miles. We followed manufacturer recommendations and had the transmission fluid replaced last year. Didnt do any good. Very disgusted about the whole thing. Over all, I have loved my van up to this point. I know Dodges are known for transmission problems, but to have it go at 53,000 miles?? Buyers beware.

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  false economy - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By dodge man 88g - February 1 - 2:00 am

  for $26000 you would think they would include an ash tray and lighter even non smokers can find uses for these items .rear brakes squeal from day one but this is the only problem i have.

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  Im 56 Years Old and I love It - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Sobieprime - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I am in love with sport compact cars having had a number of them over the years. I havent had this much fun since I had my 1995 VW GTI VR6. This car is fun, period. It has great power and handling and the build quality youd expect from a much more expensive car. The exterior styling has a love it or hate it quality however. It looks fine to me.

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  no 5 star here - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jabenj - January 31 - 10:00 am

  After 3300 miles the trouble began. ABS sensor failed, power sliding door stopped working. At 5000 miles the power steering cooling line ruptured. At 5700 miles the A/C compressor seized, necessitating a tow from the highway. 6000 miles, excessive noise from the front end. 3 trips to the dealer & 4000 miles--its getting louder. 13mpg in city,unacceptable for a sticker claiming 18mpg!!!

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  Cool Car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jimsandros - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new it now has 170,000 miles, it still drives and feels like a new car, the 3.5 liter engine is great, and i average over 22 mpg, living in New York City.

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  My Car Mr.Viper - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By bobford@aol.com - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest car ever. It has great interior, exterior, mileage, looks, and speed. I once went 185mph in it.