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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  excellent - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By jgabe - August 1 - 2:00 am

  it is a truly wonderfull van

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  Great Value when bought slightly used - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kbeyer - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle used from Enterprise (nice sales experience btw), and got a 2002 Intrepid SE w/ 23k miles, for $12,000. The interior is the ROOMIEST of any family sedan. The base engine is powerful enough for most drivers, unless you are begging for reckless driving citations. The vehicle has presence on the road. The engine/tranny do seem busy when hard-pressed(floored), as the car downshifts, and revs up to 6000rpm. Gas mileage is excellent for its size, the only noise to be heard most of the time is low road noise from the tires.

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  the best car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By jjt - August 1 - 2:00 am

  it is a awsome car

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  Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 with 4.7 V8 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By mtnbkr - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Has the perfect combination of size, style, and comfort. I actually have the 4.7L V8 with 5-speed automatic transmission which I highly recommend. Average fuel economy, pretty much as expected for a mid sized pickup.

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  WOW! I will buy another Intrepid. - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Daniel Atha - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My Intrepid has 147000 with no trouble. I have never change a spark plug on this engine and it has never leaked or burned oil. It is the best car I have ever owned. I am 52 and owned 16 autos.

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  Reliable - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By dtorma - July 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle from a friend who loved it and was getting a good deal on a newer model Caravan. Very few problems and never left me stranded. Lots of seating for our 3 young kids (and their friends) although very cramped in the back for adults.

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  Best used car ever - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ronj - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car gives a great ride and is great on gas I have the tow package and it pulles my trailer very well, I have the big V6. It is a fun car to drive and I look forward to shopping for a new one.

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  SLT Plus w/ 5.9 - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Hawkrod - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV! Looks and drives awesome! Heated leather seats are very comfortable.

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  The little neon that rocks - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By JerBear - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on day while visitng a Dodge dealership with a friend interested in buying a truck. I had no intention of buying a new car. The Neon I bought was on the showroom floor and caught my eye immediately. I asked to sit in it. The dealership did me one better. They gave me the keys and told me to take it home for the night. Needless to say, it never made it back to the showroom floor. i signed the papers the next morning and have enjoyed this vehicled ever since. I pleasure to drive. Comfortable, plenty room, GREAT gas mileage and style is incredibly nice. A REAL nice car!!

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  awsome - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By gershon - July 31 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive. Looks very fast the only complain would be that you cant install anything to the engine without messing up the censors.