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:

• 

  Never Again - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Aussie - November 2 - 2:00 am

  When I first purchased the vehicle, I thought I had leased a good reliable Van. It ran nice, was comfortable and quiet. Then during the next year, I was in for a shock. The transmission was repaired twice before it finally went in for a transmission overhaul. Then came the brake pads after a year and a half. Original pads were only cheap pads. Then came the water pump, alternator and drive belts. In year three, tires were replaced, my ignition seized up and wouldnt start. After that it was goodby Van. Would never buy another.

• 

  2003 Caravan Sport - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By Thomas Churchman - November 2 - 2:00 am

  A solid value, it gives us 4 spacious bucket seats, we removed the rear bench and installed a power wheelchair winch, it has ample room for a large power chair, cargo, with space left behind the 4 seats, all which recline. My model has ample pickup, and very easy to manuever.

• 

  the power when you need it - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By hosers heroes - November 2 - 2:00 am

  love the big 360-hate the gas it eats.The 17 inch rims and big tires look great when clean-especially in the bright red.Fun to drive would love to get a new one.

• 

  Long-Time Owner - 1995 Dodge Caravan - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Honyok - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Basically, a good vehical.. I have gone through 2 head gaskets, but the dealership took care of the problem. The second time it happened after only 29000 miles, well after warrenty expired. Dealer took care of the problem and only charged a minimal fee - they didnt have to do that, so Im pleased. Car tends to idle rough after rainy period. Had it checked, but nothing helps. Not a big problem, but alwasy there. Most other problems were small, like the radio going belly-up and ash trays falling out of the back passenger area. Gas milage is not very good at this point. 15 city, about 20 hwy.

• 

  This SUV is a BLAST!!! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By BaltimoreRaver - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The Durango is one fun SUV to own. I wasnt into the "grocery getter" SUVs that are all the rage now. I wanted a TRUE utility vehical. This thing is as comfortable chewing up rocks and mud as it is rolling downtown with friends. Loe the fold down rear seats and the spacious interior (Im 610") The upgraded audio is supurb with very little add ons necessary.

• 

  Best SUV out there - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By CNickGrL - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and ver reliable. We have taken this car across country while pulling a 5th wheel and never had any problem and it still had great power.

• 

  Mean little machine - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Terry - October 31 - 3:36 am

  I am extremely pleased with my new Caliber. Jet black plus clear coat and the 18" chrome rims and the leather interior, sport luxury takes on a whole new meaning. I love the streamlined design of this car. This car is more than just an eye popper, its a new breed of automobile.

• 

  Love My Car - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By ceseme - October 31 - 2:00 am

  32mpg - The rear window defroster was fixed under warranty. Alternator brushes replaced recently it is one of the best alternators made. Left rear automatic window opener not working anymore. Some road noise. Transmission seems to slip a little on acceleration, then catches. Trunk release mechanism quit working suddenly, about the same time as the left rear speaker. Maybe the wiring harness got pinched. Fan only works on high now settings went out by increments. Cup holders are too small. The radio volume fades, so I keep turning it up. I turn it off and on and it comes on really loud. Very weird. But I really like this car and enjoy driving it.

• 

  Beautiful..with a few quirks - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By sensitive ears - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my red Intrepid (new) based on looks, but even my husband commented on what a wonderful car it has been. (Whew) My biggest gripe is the unusual noise the a/c gives out when the car is in motion: at takeoff, and then almost every 17 seconds it whistles/rattles for about 2 to 3 seconds until you come to a stop. I have driven in two other similar Intrepids and both did this same thing other cheaper Dodges Ive owned never did this. I also had problems with the front overhead light spooking us out by coming on of its own volition while driving this was taken care of under warranty. Paint seemed to chip almost immediately, exposing the metal.

• 

  love my Durango - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Lisa2 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Durango right before winter. I drove it all winter with no problems even though it was only the 2wd version. It got me everywhere I needed to go. Its very roomy & comfortable. The sound system is great. The look is great. We put aftermarket 18" wheels & a back fin on it & I get lots of second looks with it!