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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  Love My Neon - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By daughterofcyn - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Neon over 4 years and have only had to replace the brakes. The car is extremely reliable and has been across the country several times. I have to say that my Neon looks as good as it did when it came off the showroom floor -- inside and out. That comes from quality construction and careful care. I live in Texas -- 100+ summers -- and the a/c usually needs to be turned down because it works so well. Excellent car overall!

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  Strong as an Ox at 125,000 miles - 1992 Dodge Dynasty
  By Moonshadow - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my old Dynasty for 2 year and before then my grandma bought it new. The car has been a great vehicle for both of us. We did have to replace the original Transmision(which is the achillies heal of these otherwise solid cars) and it was with a better designed more up to date tranny.All thats been done since then was some basic mantinance, a o2 sensor, and a cold air intake. The car is quite powerful with great gas mileage(even without the upgraded air intake) and runs like a dream and looks great after a good car wash. Not a bad car to have , even for a 23 year old.

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  Better then Ford ever thought of being!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By CML - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have put a little over 20,000 miles on my Interpid since I puchased it in July 2002. I have not had any mechanical problems at all. Last winter I lost control in a near blizzard and I bounced off a snow bank three times, and the only thing that got damaged, was the bumpers.

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  OK so far - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By dterry - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought SLT 4wd new (99). Have basically had no trouble with it. Have 57000 miles and still on original tires, shocks and ball joints. Many others have had problems with these areas. Gas mileage 14-17 is about what I expected. But I have not off roaded it. Have towed boat. Have had a little problem with minor surging at hiway speeds. Basically I have enjoyed this truck. But lease is coming up and am wondering what I am going to do.....

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  Awesome - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By dex - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has great power. It is fun to drive and looks real sharp. Very affordable.

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  LETS GET IT ON!ooofa,ooofa,KABLAM! - 2001 Dodge Viper
  By masteroftimeandspace - October 6 - 2:00 am

  love this vehicle,so does the rest of the world.? else compares?The most bang for the buck re pricier sports cars and its American.I dont expect it to be a Cadillac Fleetwood 4dr as far as comfort goes.Anyone must realize that before purchasing,I hope.one should not expect it to be a Honda Accord when it comes to service or reliability issues either.I believe all citizens should be provided one through a constitutional amendment.I would never pay more for an import that has less visual impact and weak performance,just because its made in Germany or wherever.And Im of Bavarian descent.USA all the way baby!What a car the RT/10 is.Impress yourself!!I want a GTS/ACR too!!

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  So unhappy - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Lang - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 1999 Grand Caravan Sport SE. I loved it and decided to by a new one when my lease was up. Bought a 2002 Grand Caravan Sport. I hate it! I kept telling the dealer I wanted the same exact options I had in the 99 and was told they were not available, so I settled! The 2002 has a rougher ride and Ive had problems with my parking brake. It doesnt release completely on the first try and have to pull over and put it on again and release it. Sometimes it takes 3 tries before it releases. Had it back to the dealer twice and they say there is nothing wrong. Every time I drive this Van, I feel like I made a big mistake and cant waite to get rid of it!!

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  So unhappy - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By lang - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 1999 Grand Caravan Sport SE. I loved it and decided to by a new one when my lease was up. Bought a 2002 Grand Caravan Sport. I hate it! I kept telling the dealer I wanted the same exact options I had in the 99 and was told they were not available, so I settled! The 2002 has a rougher ride and Ive had problems with my parking brake. It doesnt release completely on the first try and have to pull over and put it on again and release it. Sometimes it takes 3 tries before it releases. Had it back to the dealer twice and they say there is nothing wrong. Every time I drive this Van, I feel like I made a big mistake and cant waite to get rid of it!!

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  mamas car - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By jgordon - October 4 - 2:00 am

  outstanding car love the way it handles corners and the way it travels long distance

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  Good car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lettie - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The dodge intrepid is the best car I have ever owned. It drive better than most car I have drove. It performane is better than I though it would be. When you ride or drive it you dont feel every bump in the road. It is a nice smooth ride. I get 24 miles to a gallon around town. I havent been on a trip so I dont know yet how good it does. I cant wait till I go on one to see how good it does on gas. I know when you are driving it that you have to watch your speed or you will be going 70 to 80 mph. It dont feel like you are going that fast but you will be. All together I say this car is worth the money. I love my 2004 Dodge Intrepid.