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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  Luv My Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Tina - January 7 - 11:26 am

  My husband & I think our Durango is GREAT! I had my fill of the minivan, after having 3 of them! They served us well but it was time to move on! We had driven other SUVs and nothing compared to the ride we get from our Durango! It handles great, looks great and is fun to drive! On the negative side, it is a gas hog, especially with gas price high as it is now, but I think it is work it!

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  No Regrets - Still Love It after 8 Years - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Scotty - January 7 - 7:40 am

  Ordered new with lower (cloth) trim level, added roof rack, power rear gate, touring suspension, traction control, and steering audio controls. Absolutely love the model; all (even teens) enjoy driving it and dont want to sell. Outstanding interstate/trip vehicle but uneconomical around town. No major repairs but lots of $400 types (power doors, power steering, rust at rear wheel wells, power windows). Annoying dash LED back lights have failed so we are in the dark for console controls (but not displays). Automatic HVAC controls are poor design, wish they were just sliding manual controls. Engine performance, handling, and ride are great. Also very utilitarian with all seats out.

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  Most fun driving... ever! - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By ScarletKnight - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Cheap fun in plain clothing is the Neon ACR. The 150 horses moves that car faster than a Neon should, and it handles like cars costing three or four times as much. The only giveaway to your ACR status is dual exhaust tips. That, and showing your taillights to nearly any Honda that tries to pass you.

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  2000 Dodge Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By jmbudde - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that I do not care for in this truck is the fuel economy. The truck fits my lifestyle and what I need it to do. The interior is roomy and comfortable for the over all size.

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  Long time fan - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By urbanrob - January 5 - 2:10 am

  This is my third Dodge Caravan and the best of them. Ive been driving this 1997 for 80k+ miles and I keep it in good condition with regular maintenance. The steering rack is the only major part that needed replacing. With 4 kids and a lot of very local driving, this is perfect for mom. The car is spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. Mine is AWD, which brings additional comfort in traction during wet or snowy weather. Very happy with it.

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  Viperiffic - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By Dave Green - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Pure Adrenaline Rush from first sight to each fond farewell. I have to share this car with my wife as she loves to drive it too. Dream car with affordable price.

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  Third Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By bt1953 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had three so far. 1994 had many problems. 1997 was flawless. This one has been the same. No problems and a nice, large, car that is sporty and fun to drive. Added a California wing (low arch) to the back and this car looks like twice the price. We plan on keeping this one for several more years as we have added a 03 AWD Caravan ES to the "stable" and it is getting most of the daily driver use.

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  2001 Dodge Stratus SE - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Bridget - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. It has a sleek style and it is fun to drive. I feel safe driving in it and very comfortable. Even though it isnt exactly a family sedan it offers extra safety features for car seats and individual cup holders and reading lamps. The power mirrors and cd and cassette feature is very nice!

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  Unbelievable - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Looking63146 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  After 3 long years driving a boring 1997 Ford Thunderbird I am finally enjoying driving again. This truck goes exactly where you piont it.

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  Best van on the road. - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Rick - January 4 - 7:30 pm

  We traded in our 2002 Grand Caravan for the 2006 Grand Caravan. We were very pleased with the 02 but this van with its Stow n Go seating is far superior. The seats work easily. If you do not have Stow n Go you will be amazed how frequently you use them. We use them every day. easy to use and can fold all seats within a minute. Have not had any major problems with the van at all. The van has made three trips to Florida and South Carolina (from NJ) and it is very comfortable. The storage wells for the middle row seats make a great storage area for snacks and things. There really is a lot of room in this van. Rides like a Cadillac on the highway. Easy to drive with great visibility.