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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  Awesome car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By ChrisSRT4 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I own a 04 Electric Blue with the sunroof and Viper seats. The performance is just awesome! After 3500 miles, there have been no major problems. About the biggest complaint I have is the gas mileage. I can only get between 16-25 mpg. But thats not the point of this car...its all about the power!

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  2009 Dodge Challenger - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Pete - December 27 - 1:09 pm

  This car is fun to drive and just about everything I would want from it. It has good power but would like a little more acceleration from a dead stop with the V6 -- it is fast/quick but if the torque could be adjusted for more off the line speed that would be great. Gas mileage is good for a car of this type plus I love the sound of the engine.

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  Durable & Aggressive - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By James - December 24 - 9:02 pm

  I have owned this Durango since its inception back in November 1999 and it has been impressive. A lot of people bash these durangos based on reliability, though I have witnessed its durability through the 10 years I have owned it. I am at about 400,000 KM/ 240,000 Miles and it has only broken down once where a minor $200 fuel pump repair took place. It has been a great family car and has done its job perfectly. An obvious flaw is the terrible fuel efficiency at 14 mpg city, which you can actually witness your fuel dwindling as you drive. Overall, its a great ride, its good in the winter, and its got a very generous towing capacity. Im just glad I have a 2010 Corolla on the side.

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  its all good !!! - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By MR.mman - December 24 - 7:56 pm

  The experience with this vehicle that I have had is that it doesnt have that much power and it needs to come with 17 inch wheels.

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  cross country traveler - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By having fun - December 24 - 3:36 pm

  i travel accross country for work & this van gets over all the mountain passes from coast to coast/east to west. it has great get up and go. owned another van, but his is my favorite. stores more, comfy ride. for short people it adjusts perfectly so the airbag isnt in your face when it goes off, you can reach the pedals. love the heat/air in front & back, helps keep the whole van at a good temp. truly a joy

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  Love my Grand Caravan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Liberty04 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The Dodge Grand Caravan feels really sturdy when you get in to drive. After test driving other vans it just doesnt feel cheaply made. I love the stow and go feature and the improved gas mileage over my last vans.

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  Town and Country - Touring - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Don Leeger - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the vehicle very much. The AWD is fantastic. I was disappointed when I ordered the towing package that didnt come with a hitch! I would really like the fold-in-the-floor seats as I very often have them (or some) removed. My wife and I use the vehicle for our favorite sports of camping near a river where we can canoe. The fold up seats would make the shuttles easier. Presently your fold-in-the-floor seats prohibit AWD and if anything I would like more ground clearance. Yes, an SUV would be great but I also like the space to carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood. There are times when we spread out our sleeping bags on the floor.

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  The Best Minivan on the Road - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By KWoodson - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Dodge has always made great minivans and they just keep getting better.The Grand Caravan is a step above the rest.It is the most comfortable,the most stylish,and offers the best features and room overall.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LaCerra - December 24 - 10:00 am

  So far this vehicle has been reliable and very capable of holding up to a very active familys demanding schedule. Theres plenty of room for all the things that need to go with you; strollers, toys, etc.

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  wow - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bob w - December 24 - 10:00 am

  the only thing missing is for down seats and low and behold they added them for 2005 might be buying an 05 soon