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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  Dodge Intrepd - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By CKat - July 26 - 2:00 am

  We have 120,000 miles on our Intrepid and have few complaints. The speed sensor was just replaced this month ($200) and other than oil changes and tires, weve had very little expenses. Very satisfied with performance and maintenance.

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  Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Swampy - July 26 - 2:00 am

  While not flashy, the Intrepid has been a comfortable, reliable vehicle and very suitable for extended driving.

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  So far, not bad.... - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By DandJ - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Have owned for 1 year. No major problems thus far, a few minor ones. Check engine light after one month, covered by warranty. Clunking noise in front end, link bar. Front rotors warped at 40,000 mi., replaced. Thats it so far for repairs. Windshield fogs up more than any vehicle weve had. Ditto for static buildup, touching doors while exiting will light you up every time. Windows squeak horribly while going up. Transmission can shift a bit rough when cold. Engine has performed well, but Im nervous about 2.7s shady history. Many failures, particularly in 98s and 99s. Very prone to sludging up, make certain oil changes are done on time, every time.

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  Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Carol Ann - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Ok. I have a 94 Intrepid. We loved it so much we kept it and bought a 2000 Intrepid. What a sleek design. And roomy too. Great family car. Doesnt give you the "mommy" look. Very sporty feeling to it.

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  Great car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By thirtysixhorses - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a powerful car. It changes word "merge" from a request to a command! I have gotten 35 MPG on road trips which is just amazing. It gets a solid 24 in everyday city driving. You really have to read the owners manual completely because there are so many selections on the options. Especially learn how to set the compass to the area you drive in--even the dealer(s) dont seem to know this.

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  Exellent - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Ryan Sewell - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive, little body roll.

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  COOL - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By HOUT - July 26 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT DURANGO.

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  Lots of Room - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Kevin - July 25 - 9:00 am

  We traded in our SUV for this Dodge Caravan, and was impressed by the room in this vehicle. The "Stow and Go" feature is incredible, this vehicle can go to family van to cargo van in the blink of an eye. There is some road noise with this vehicle, that bothers my wife, but not me. The stock stereo is pretty good for what we use it for. The radio controls are on the steering wheel, and the seats are comfortable. We are happy that we chose the Grand Caravan SXT, as our family is growing, and we love to take road trips.

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  awesome power - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By tricki - July 25 - 2:00 am

  great machine with loads of power and best handling ride i have ever driven. You have to drive it to believe it.

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  I love my Caravan - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By lyndab - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 3 years, I bought it used from a friend. I did buy an extended warranty but the only problem Ive had (knocking on wood) was that the A/C went out. There was another problem with the cruise control that was related to a recall that was fixed for free. I travel a lot on two lane highways because of where I live and I need a reliable car and shes been there for me every mile.