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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  Great Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Jwiegold - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new in February of last year and I have had NO problems with it. It is very comfortable and seems to be just the right size. I can fit motorcycles in the bed and even with a v-6 and automatic transmission it still has enough power to tow a trailer full of motorcycles through mountains. (It is equipped with the 3.92 rear axle ratio).

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  Average vehicle, good bang for buck - 1993 Dodge Shadow
  By lrhs54 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this shadow brand new. It has always been a suprisingly fast car. It was driven pretty hard, lost the tranny at 105k, alternator and distributor cap @ 80k. But it was in a serious wreck at 68000, and it never seemed to run like it did after being rebuilt. Now has 125k and oil is creeping in to the plugs, making for it to mix and misfire. I still drive it every day, and if you put your foot down it still moves pretty good. But the gas mileage has lowered to about 15-17mpg. Decent car for the money. Love American vehicles and believe in them despite this average score from the Shadow.

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  I got the best one! - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By YukiHyo - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My car is probably the best Neon ever made. I have driven it pretty much into the ground, but its still going. I had NO problems until well over the 100K mark, but its now starting to show its age at 183K miles. Until about a year ago, the only problem was a battery that quit at 116K.

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  I love my Caravan - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By kak2961 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one single problem with my van. It handles well, accelerates well, in the city and on the highway. The interior is comfortable, the climate controls easy and responsive.

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  2003 Dakota QC 2WD 4.7L 5-45RFE - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Proud Dak QC Owner - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck after 4,500 miles. Other than for minor paint imperfections in the a few areas, there has been no problems. This unit has an automatic transmission with 3.92 drive ratio hence, harder on gas than with a 3.55 ratio. IMHO, wish the option of the Power Tech 4.7L HO engine was available. Price of added options are a little high.

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  Never again - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Big Fred - September 16 - 2:26 am

  This car had persistent transmission problems. I had to replace the transmission at about 55,000. The lever controlling the position of the seat back for the drivers seat broke just after the warranty expired. Dodge would not even consider sharing the cost. The initial battery was defective. I had 3 batteries in 6 years. This was the most unreliable car I have ever owned. I would not recommend it to anyone. This car was a classic example of caveat emptor.

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  Great Van - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By rdot2112 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the van new in Jan. 1998 and it has been fantastic. Looks good, drives great! Other then gas and routine maintenance, Ive never had to put a dime in to it.

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  2000 Dodge Problems - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By berrypie - September 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car used in March with 23,000 miles on it-now at 29,900 miles. Clunking noise on right front tire, needs link bar and front end alignment. Fuel sending unit went bad last week and ran out of gas! Fuel gauge works but stops at 1/4 tank. Transmission slips when stopping and starting. Dealer replaced door and trunk seals at no charge. Front windows make obnoxious squeaking noise when rolled up. Worried about 2.7 liter engine.

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  Hot car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By KnightR/T - September 16 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fast car, that gets the looks from the ladies, the Stratus R/T is the right choice.

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  Performance with style - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Phil - September 15 - 7:30 am

  I have had this car for a week now and each day Im more impressed. The exhaust is just noticable at idle and just loud enough when you step on it to make you smile. This car performs as a modern day muscle car should...Fast and smooth. I was looking at the RT and Daytona and am thrilled I waited for the SRT-8. The BEST performance value on the market!