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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  BAD ROCKET ARMS on CHARGER - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Gavril - March 20 - 12:08 am

  Just got a 2006 Dodge Charger and now engine is sound like a traine because the BAD ROCKET ARMS on valve never seen this befor just be aware

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  Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By karona - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Not happy with the finish out of interior pieces. Lots of little plastic pieces broken easily and back storage hatch totally disintegrated

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  Solid value, dont overspend though - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By maskali - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle in August 2003 and it was fully loaded SLT Plus with some aftermarket items like wind deflector, rear taillight grille, and weathertech window airvent shields. Has the big 5.9 liter V8. I like this engine but I wouldve preferred the more peppy 4.7 liter because the 5.9 takes a little more time to get up and go. I wont be doing too much towing either.

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  Very Concerned - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Crystal Reason - March 16 - 7:06 am

  Havent had car for 1 week, and already I am hearing sounds as I accelerate. Similiar to a another reveiw. The sound is so loud I cannnot ignore if I tried.

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  Looks great but doesnt hold up - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By vhall9953 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Dodge makes very attractive and comfortable trucks. I only wish they did as good of a job making them reliable. I had the transmission completely rebuilt at 30K miles, and had to have a major overhaul on the breaking system at 32K. I am now at 45K and the transmission is slipping like it did before the first rebuild. I have religiously maintened the vehicle, so it is very frustrating to have so many problems. After I get it back this time, I am going to shop for an F150 or Titan and get out of Dodge. My recommendation: if Dodge does sucker you with the cosmetics or Hemi ads, buy the extended warranty. It will save you a fortune in the long run.

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  Good family car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim Dolan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of its size and low price w/incentives. It handles well for a large car and rides smoothly. No problem in winter driving (I got the antilock brakes). Some blind spots but side view mirrors help.

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  98 Dodge ok - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Handcuff - March 4 - 2:00 am

  The 98 Durango is a good suv but has a serious gas problem.

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  Thank God it is gone - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By akent - March 3 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it was clean and very nice looking.Test drove well,after about 3 months front end had to have work,then I had to buy a computer,a couple of window motors,front end work again rack and pinion cost$1,100 to fix. radio only worked when it wanted to.The a/c was really ice cube cold,when it worked.Did not have any trouble with heat.I did have to put a water pumpand a thermastat.Finally gave it back to the finance company,did not care about credit.going broke on repairs anyway.

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  Nothing but problems - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By grump - March 3 - 2:00 am

  At 60K the good looking truck went downhill underneath. With the money I have invested into the truck I would have been better off buying a brand new full size (GM or foreign) built. I definitely have a sour taste in my mouth. I know someone else that is following my footsteps at 60K. So, look out if you are approaching that mileage. Be prepared for ball joints (both in front), transmission (atleast once), transfer case, water pump, tie rods, brakes (atleast once), battery cables, etc. Just a forewarning!

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  2-late-to-trade - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By 2late - March 3 - 2:00 am

  WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAVE OVER 100000 HIGHWAY MILES. WE HAVE HAD NO MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS WEEK WHEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE LOCKED UP WITH AN OIL LEVEL (WE HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AROUND EVERY 5000 MILES) NEW ENGINE WILL COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH! hOW CAN THAT BE? WE SHOULD HAVE TRADED IT IN BUT HOPED IT WOULD LAST ANOTHER 100000. WILL PROBABLY BUY A HONDA CIVIC NOW.