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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  Solid family vehicle - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Soccer ma - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car to replace my dying 1990 caravan. Chose the base model & added the 3.1 litre v6, with 2nd sliding door & seven pass seating. Had a problem with a sticking valve around 36,000 miles and after 3 trips the the dealer, and my warantee ran out they finally got it right. Maintain this vehicle with regular 3600-5000 mile service and it will do its job. The carpet is cheap, but, hey not a bad multi passenger vehicle for $18,000+/-.

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  very happy...havent yet had problems - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By singlevanmom - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I guess time will tell if Ill have problems, but so far I love the van. Its not too large, and is a little roomier than the small suvs which I looked at. The vehicle seems quiet, comfortable and drives well. I had several added options to my model so it makes it more like the sport model. I think it was the best vehicle Ive owned so far including my honda civic

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  01 Durango SLT - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By ashkid - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall we have been pleased with our Durango. It gulps gas, but we knew that when we bought it. My only real gripe is that for $35,000 the quality of the interior materials leave a lot to be desired. The plastics feel cheap and the quality of the leather seating is poor compared to most I have experienced. Generally though, the Durango is a capable, rugged SUV.

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  2000 Dodge Dakota Sport Plus Reg Cab - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Nick Mercado - July 25 - 2:00 am

  4.7 is great, awesome power, great comfort and features, infinity audio system is nice, and it rides nice for a truck, handles good, and quality has been good so far.

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  Great Suv - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Jerry2 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV no problems.77.000 miles still going strong,We have a 1998 Durango and it has been a great Suv.

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  My nice little car.. I just Luv it. - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Bhavesh - July 24 - 2:00 am

  To be frank I was very afraid while buying this car because of tones of bad reviews. But my experience with this sweety has been wonderful. I simply luv my car. I have it for about two years now and I am very happy with my decision. The only expense in these two years have been once every three month oil changes and some problem with right wheel which cost $270. Its obviously not a powerful as some of the other more expensive cars, especially when you turn on the AC the power drops, but its still very likeable. I would recommend it to anyone. Infact my next car would be a DODGE.

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  dodge - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By masterdawgC - July 24 - 2:00 am

  its a great car and its very fast and is fun to ride

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  research, test, buy - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By rob hagan - July 24 - 2:00 am

  i reasearch every aspect of this vechile. and i cannot find a better buy anywhere u go. i bought this car with 26k on it for 11,800. and for the luxury of power everything, cd player, cruise and with a smooth and comfortable ride i couldnt go wrong. its the sporty looking family car i needed that i can take to work or out on the town and still look so good. i have had no problem with the car as of yet. and yes backing up is a little tricky.

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  Great Urban utility when you have kids - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By billnbobbie - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Great for going to Home depot with the family(if you Credit card can stand it...) Have installed a hard toneau cover to make it a Durango with more cargo room.

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  Dodge Dakotas are Number One! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Mary Sh - July 24 - 2:00 am

  wouldnt bye anything elce