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:

• 

  2001 Dodge Stratus ES, My 39000 View - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By BelvilleTJ - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The handling and performance reminds me of my 91 Maxima. A bit more power and better gas mileage. I was afraid of the Dodge reliability but no problems except a rattle that has developed in the last 500 miles, I think it is a heat shield. The auto-stick is fun, with a bit more torque from the motor everything would really work smoother, I was used tho the Buick 3.8 before this car. Bang for the buck and the looks of the Stratus pulled me to at least try the Dodge.

• 

  Daves Thoughts - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By 4Pammi - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought thisd car for my wife. She test drove 13 vehicles from all different manufacturers and chose this car. She loves it and is very happy with it. She gets many compliments, and is very proud of her Stratus R/T.

• 

  Happy Trails! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Wally7 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Like many the best day of my Durango ownership was the day I traded it. Constant problems with the electrics (windows, locks, etc.) and then a transmission failure after 61k miles of soccer patrol. So the "ram tough" V8 durango with "heavy duty towing package" lost a tranny after 61k miles of hauling kids to shcool and gym. Happy trails Dodge, my fist and last.

• 

  My 4X4 Dakota - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Dakotanator - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The Dakota has a powerful V8 and is roomy for a mid size truck.

• 

  good car - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By scottsman - October 19 - 2:00 am

  its one of the best cars i have ever had!!! its fast... it turns good ... i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  Watch out for the Fuel Rail - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ken Swartfager - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We have enjoyed our 1997 used car Intrepid very much.But after about two years we noticed there was a problem we had to fill it up every week.! There seemed to be a fuel leek. We brought it to our Mech. after working on it for two days,he called the Dodge Dealer, they admitted there was a national recall on the"Fuel Rail" as they are having a problems. They fixed it w/no charge. We had never recieved any notice of such a problem. Our mechanic said it could have caught on fire and was very dangerous to drive. Its fine now, although we dont get the mialage we did before, but we still love our car. Havnt had any other magor problems than that, so we feel lucky.

• 

  Lemon Lemon Lemon - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DebaFra - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van because we wanted to upgrade from our other van we wanted to have the sliding door on the drivers side and rear air. What a mistake to buy this van. I had the transmission replaced twice. The air conditioner has one speed now. The starter has been replaced three times. It leaks gas there is just no end to the problems. Now the dash is cracked. I think it is the worst. I would never buy Dodge again.

• 

  First Dodge - Will not be the last! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By fitter - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Main use is trips to the stores - all within 1 mile. A trip to relatives is every speed from 25 to 65 in 45 minutes. Recently took midwest to east coast trip. The 4 banger had to work a little, but the tranny made up for it. Short HP was evident in the mountains (had rented a Stratus two years ago for same trip - had 6cyl with plenty of power). If I outlast this one, I will buy another.

• 

  Love our Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Temple-Morris - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2002 R/T and loved driving it...only dissapointment was we could not have a sun roof. Welcome to 2004. The options available are so nice. The ride is far more comfortable (if that was possible) and it looks great!

• 

  BAD JOB DODGE - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By donny190 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car as a new years present to my self. i have had nothin but truoble. my starter went a month after i brought it, there is this anning rattle coming from the ehgne still need that fixed. i like the hemie good idea.