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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  Nice Car, Bad Engines - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Bob Nolan - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car for anyone who would like to own one, put few miles on it each year, and sell it prior to 60,000 miles. Chrysler should be shot in the head for using the crappy engines (2.0 and 2.4l engines) in these cars. After 60,000 miles, trade it, sell it, whatever, just get rid of it. A head gasket leak will turn into a $3,000 repair in no time. Other than that, great response, great handling, and an all around economical car in a good package.

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  Great Reliable Sporty Car - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Shantheman - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I am surprisingly impressed with the Avenger. Only thing that worried me was I heard bad things about the transmissions in them, but I installed a cooler and just changed the fluid regularly. I have 140,000 on it now, and I have NEVER had any problems- Engine, tranny, or otherwise. How many cars are like that now days? Cant say the same about other import/domestic hybrids I owned...Good job Dodge/Mitsubishi!

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  Not bad - but .... - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Krestoff - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 5.5 years. No major problem but had to get the algniment fixed twice and complete brakes repalced at 35,000. Transmission is rough but is still going. Have 51,500 miles on van. For price not bad, but wondering how much longer it will go before major problems. Selling car just for that reason.

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  Never Again! - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By nezzy - November 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought this new, have put just over 60K miles on it, and its falling apart. Transmission is failing. Air conditioner needs $1000 repair. Brake master cylinder needs replacement. Intermittant wiper feature not working. Several annoying trim-related problems. Have already replaced alternator and battery. Overall, just unacceptable quality. Mechanics have told me that several of these are common problems with these vehicles. Our next minivan will not be a Caravan!

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  Our Hemi Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Terri and BIll - November 9 - 6:13 pm

  Being the first brand new car we owned, we were very impressed with the performance of this car. It is a fun car to drive, and it really gets going when the need is there, especially when getting on the freeway. I love the feeling of being at home in our car. It is very comfortable. It is very special to us as our son purchased it for us, and he monitored the growth of it from beginning to end on the internet.

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  Love it! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By dpolara - November 9 - 6:06 pm

  When was the last time you were stopped by perfect strangers who wanted to talk to you about your awsome ride? Well get used to it if you get yourself a 2006 Charger. Very fun to drive and solid handling.

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  Almost 2 years and 32k later - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stekicar - November 9 - 3:59 pm

  No serious problems so far. There is a profound wind noise next to the upper doors corner when windy. Also, when raining, water collects inside the cavity of left side rear view mirror making "running water" noise. Performed M38 transmission update and it shifts better. Needs more improvements though. Noticed a small stain of oil sediment text to the head gasket 4th cylinder. Will keep monitoring. There is a vibration on steering wheel with moderate braking. With heavy braking there is no problem. Michelin tires are good match for this minivan. Drives very good. Quiet inside. Everything in working order. Average MPG: 19.5 (city). On freeway, best was 24.3 at 75mph. Overall - very satisfied.

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  Better Than I Expected - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Ziv - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Viper. Since I have already modified my 1994 RT/10 to 800HP I had relatively low expectations for performnce. This car is FAST and handles like a dream and comfortable. No excuses performance, awesome brakes and suspension. I am only seeing about 11MPG average (I only have 900 miles on it so far) sothat may improve. The exhaust note is sweet especially at high RPMs but I think I need it a litte louder on the low end. Best sports car for the money. Great view of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches in the rear view mirror.

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  Build Quality - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By gonwildondatyfs - November 8 - 2:00 am

  The Neon is one of the best cars ive been in when it comes to wrecks. On Nov.7 2003 i was in a wreck in one the guy that hit us was doing 40 mph and distroyed his car and held up like othing ive ever seen. it broke the back bumper and put a little buckle in the quarter panels but other then that it held up nice. If your a family person trying to find a safe car the neon is it.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By TeddyKelly - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I am really pleased with my Intrepid. I have an arthritic back and knees. I had trouble getting in and out of my previous car and needed something with more room inside. There is plenty of interior room. It rides smooth,is really easy to getin and out of,has plenty of creature comforts,long & low,corners like a dream, easy to handle. No problems getting in or out of the back seat,with plenty of leg room. Never run out of trunk room. I cant say enough good things about this car.I love it.