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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  A Dependable Friend - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By docluck - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I actually recently turned in my 98 Durango after having owned it for five and-a-quarter years. In that time, it was the most dependable American car Id ever owned, and it rarely gave me any major mechanical problems. It looked great even when I turned it in 5 years later. I found the 5.2 liter 318 engine very adept at doing its job. In the time I had it, I moved 3 times. During the first two moves, I towed a fully packed 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix behind, and the Durnago never broke a sweat, even climbing through the mountains. The truck was good on the road, and had enough weight to it that I didnt feel like the trailer was driving the truck.

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  Junk - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By jimtrue - September 23 - 2:00 am

  What a piece of junk! Brakes continually need replacing, A/C doesnt cool sufficently, fuel milage is abysmal. Bolt fell out of right rear leaf spring @ 5,000 mile, good thing I wasnt towing, leather seats very poor quality and starting to rip. I miss my moonroof. And, DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH SAM DELL DODGE!! Under investigation by NY State, biggest rip-off bunch in the area.

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  AVOID DODGE AT ALL COSTS - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By ddave - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Have owned two Stratus, a 96 and a 97. Both have been complete lemons. The 97 which unfortunately I still own and have owned since new has been a nightmare. The problems are extensive. With only 50,000 miles on the car I have had 3 master cylinders, new head gasket, blown motor, new motor installed. New motor blew valve cover gasket and cam shaft seal. Brakes go to floor. Electrical problems, ecm replaced, bcm needs replaced, O2 sensor failed prematurely. I WILL NEVER EVER AGAIN BY FROM CHRYSLER.

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  could be better.... - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Lil Red - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The two biggest problems with this car are the A/C and the Oxygen Sensor. Cant believe how many times they have each been repaired. I have completely given up on fixing the A/C because it is like throwing money out the window. But, the car is really fun to drive. Very zippy! And it does get good gas mileage. Currently pondering an expensive head gasket repair. I know I should just buy another car...

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  great car - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Douggie fresh - September 22 - 2:00 am

  funnest and nicest lokking car i have ever driven

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  No More Dodges For Me - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By TimA - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My lease is up in a month and I cant wait. The moment my 36,000 mile warrenty expired the problems started...to the tune of about $4,500 since that time, AC evaporator, power window motor, cracked oil pump, battery and even with regular tire rotation, had to replace 4 tires at 24,000 miles. They look great, they ride nice but whats the use if mechanically theyre amess!

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  Cruising in a Caravan - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By J.D. - September 21 - 2:56 pm

  Ample features like heated seats, CD/cassette options w/steering wheel controls and power tailgate boost its appeal. The 17" shiny chrome wheels add a sporty flair. Transmission is a little jerky at times from 1st to 2nd gear. Fuel evaporator hoses have been causing check engine light to come on. Replaced 2 hoses in less than a year. Comfortable ride and plenty of power.

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  Dynamo Dodge - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By peteram360 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has been our family work horse for 6 years and 240,000 miles. Other than routine maint. can only recall having to replace a couple fuel pumps, oxygen sensor and valve seals. Not too much to ask for a car I feel looks and drives better than anything else in its class. All I can say is thank you Dodge, youve had some great products! And God Bless America!

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  The Best Vehicle for Families - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By iamheumann - September 20 - 8:53 pm

  A great buy for families. Our children have grown up and we no longer would need a van, but it was the best when we purchased it in 1997. Interior room and features were great. I still like its exterior style and shape. Engine quality could have been better...too many repairs and problems over the years. "Old Blue" is almost retired, but we now rent newer model Grand Caravans when we take long trips and still enjoy the experience.

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  I love my Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Cristina - September 20 - 6:26 pm

  The interior space is what sold this vehicle to my husband. I was interested in purchasing a new Sable Wagon a couple years back, and all I can say... "I am glad I waited!". This wagon has just about every feature I want and need. We are definitely looking forward to what the future models improve, but for our very first brand new vehicle, I could not be happier. While the gas mileage is not exactly the best, I gladly give that up for the safeness my family and I feel inside this wagon. It handles nicely and turns easily for such a long vehicle. And while some reports I read "complained" about the smaller size of the rear window, it seems quite adequate and we have had no issues.