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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  Excellent - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Katiescar - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Everytime I see another Durango on the street I realize how happy I am with my purchase. The look is great and the ride is perfect. Very comfortable, fits like a glove and has plenty of room.

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  Ive been happy with it - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By ArcaneJill - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car over three years ago with 44k on it and Ive put on another 70k. Other than the usual maintenance (brakes, oil changes, battery, etc.) the only problem Ive had has been the belt tensioner, which blew about 2 years ago, and a very minor leak in the oil gasket. Its been very reliable.

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  Lovin It - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By MissTai - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I am so in love with my car. Ive owned three other vehicles since Ive been driving and my Stratus is the most enjoyable for both style and reliability. Dodge, keep doing what you do.

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  A perfect fit - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Katimae - November 13 - 6:56 am

  I have a 60 mile daily commute so fuel efficiency is mandatory. However, since that commute is through Wisconsin it is also necessary that my vehicle is able to handle rough roads/weather. Being the mother of 2 very active boys I refuse to sacrifice on interior space, this car is roomy enough for my 2 kids and the family dog (shepherd & collie mix) to sit in the back seat together comfortably. Even though its a 4 cyl, it could easily keep up with my 3.2 V6 Intrepid. Its safety features put it in a class of its own for a lower priced car. This car looks sporty but is still a great family car. I didnt think I could find a car that met all of my needs and this one met and far exceeded them.

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  great truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By rck329 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Does everything well but fuel economy - Im getting 15 city, 18 hwy - it is a V8 though...

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  97 Dodge Caravan - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By cnoyes - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle for us!

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  Dodge snuck a sports car ina family car! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By TAL2GK - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a company car for me, but the Intrepid has me truly enjoying the many miles I spend behind the wheel! The 234 ponies really like to be pushed hard, and youll surprise more than a few stoplight dragsters out there with its agility. Styling may be subjective, but this one has the sporty appearance, too. Its a large car, no doubt about it - but it sure doesnt drive like one! The trade-off for sporty handling is that its not very good in the snow with the wide tires its dressed with. Pick up some snow tires, though, and youre in great shape. (Then again, I live in Upstate NY).

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  Excellent Suv - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Reroe - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have the Durango 5.9 R/T. Its beyond everything I expected it to be. Dodge has really came through by producing a Suv, that is "just right". This baby packs enough power to easily pull 7,000 pounds, and yet it seems that the big hefty engine is still asking for more. Its also a sharp looking ride. I get compliments on this thing quite often, and I have not yet added anything to it, nor have I made any modifications. Its all stock. Now that says a lot. Now I am really praising Dodge for their new redesigned 2004 Durango. Its 7inches longer, 4inches taller, and three inches wider than the ones that are out now. Great job Dodge, keep up the good work!!

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  Terrible quality, comfort and service - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Greg - November 12 - 12:46 am

  STX V6. Seriously, could there be a cheaper car built that claims quality? The interior is all plastic and screams cheesy. Tranny chirps when decelerating and chugs on low rpm. Dealer said this was normal. NORMAL! Was raining when I bought it used. Salesman said nothing wrong with it. There were scratches all over the trunk deck and a big scratch in the bumper. Dirty inside. He said it would be detailed. Got it back with deodorant dumped under floor mats. Not cleaned. Seats are hard as a rock. When I emailed customer service because I couldnt get satisfaction from dealer all I received was an automated response. I hate this car!

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  Good soccer mom/family ride - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mdryan - November 11 - 9:56 pm

  Solid ride, fairly quiet inside, peppy motor.