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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  Piece of junk - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By G Jacobs - August 18 - 2:00 am

  By 45000 miles I have relpace the A/C, ball joints, full set of breaks, battery, roof rack, tran repairs, sifter knob, and a list of other items to long to recount. Junk.

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  This car stinks!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By LTEscott - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The 99 Durango has plenty of horses to get up and go, but it has been a struggle to keep it on the road. I have had problem with the entire front suspension, the A/C, the air bag, various sensors, the engine was using oil at the rate of a quart every 800 miles, and the last thing is the transmission blew to the tune of $5000. This car only has 70,000 miles on it and I have already put close to $11,000 in repair bills. I am so upside down that I can see China!!

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  good so far - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By biggj - August 18 - 2:00 am

  brought slt so far no problem, enjoy driving, very bad on gas, rear air dont cool like i would like. very good on the hwy

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  What a Great SUV! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Dave - August 17 - 6:36 am

  I traded in a Chevy Suburban for this great SUV. The Nitros fit and finish blows away any domestic Ive owned. This vehicle is fun to drive and really turns heads. I have never owned a Dodge but its pretty clear that Daimler has had a very positive influence on this build. May have to buy another one.

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  the economy way to go ! - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By williams infante - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive minivan but also reliable and comfortable. When I test drove the Dodge Caravan, from that moment I knew that a better minivan for the price I will not find.

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  2002 dodge neon se - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By dappledachsie - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 neon se last feb.2002. the car has been in the shop many times for the idle and poor gas mileage and also for stalling out while driving and when you come to a complete stop. the dealer claims theres nothing wrong. id like to know if anyone else has any of these problems. please let me know. what can i do to correct this problem? thanks for your time!

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  intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By walter w smyth - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Good Car--drives well---looks nice

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  intrepid es sxt - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By geagle36 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  previous vehicle was a 2000 intrepid es.this car seems to have better build quality asthe doors fit better,the air is more efficient and the overall comfort is better

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  FAMILY VAN - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By LAWRENCE - August 16 - 2:00 am

  There are two 98 Caravan SEs in the family. Air conditioners have went out on both at around 98,000 miles. Cost is over $900. to have one fixed. Other than that, Caravans are reliable. 4 cyls re low speed on take-off whereas the 6 cyls are great. The iterior and exterior hold up vey well in wear. Van is grat on a long trip - with air conditioning.

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  1991 Silver Dakota - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By mhall02 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had the vehicle 5 months now, 5- speed very nice, overall seems reliable. No rust, a plus for a 12 year old vehicle in the St. Louis area.