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:

• 

  Good Car! - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By adam_gomez - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my stratus for close to three years. In those three years I have had to change the front brakes three times, but not the back as of yet. I had a trasmission leak at 57,000 mile but it was fully covered under warranty. The car has never not performed, snow, rain, or shine. I would say without a doubt that thus far it has been 100% rliable.

• 

  Reliability w/ COMFORT - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By AWDcaravanLVR - July 12 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car Ive owned - Perfect for the kids & all that that includes. Comfortable - Great in the SNOW with the AWD blows both of our 4 x 4 s away Love that both passenger doors open. We put in a TV & DVD player & its great. Other Family members always call to borrow our Van when they go on long distance trips. Highly Recommend

• 

  I Love My Stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Stratus R/T 03 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Stratus RT in December of 2002 after my 2002 Chrystler Sebring sedan was totalled out. I was hit by someone(estimated to be driving in excess of 65 mph)that ran a stop sign. Almost everyone that saw my Sebring said that I should have been killed, but I walked away from the accident with a few fractures, lots of brusies and a fear of driving. About a month after my accident I found my Stratus R/T and purchased it. I feel safer in it than I did in my Sebring. My Stratus R/T has helped to restore my life.

• 

  Happy w/2000 Durango, its solid - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Jeff from PA - July 12 - 2:00 am

  no major problems in 3 years, great drive train and engine, heater/ac fan is loud, good stereo, great paint, dependable

• 

  Durango looks great but a piece of junk - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Ron Hart - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The machine falls aprt at 70K miles, new trans, re-sealed transfer case, and now a speed sensor, I think! Ill never buy a Dodge again.

• 

  Dodge Dakota - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike T. - July 11 - 2:00 am

  First pickup Ive owned and very satisfied, has great pickup for getting on interstates and gas mileage isnt bad, can compare to Chevy S-10 Blazer I had traded in. It has the 4.7 230 hp engine, has the short bed but really didnt need more than that for my needs. GREAT TRUCK !!

• 

  I miss my 2000 R/T - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Mr Mopar - July 10 - 3:26 pm

  I ordered the 1st R/T from Dodge but something happend to it and I got a later one. My R/T was the best car I ever had! At 10K miles the computer kicked up a notch and added about 15 HP. Nothing EVER went wrong with it and I was always comfortable taking it anywhere. It got me through several blizzards and closed roads like they were dry. AWESOME vehicle! GREAT JOB DODGE!!!

• 

  Piece of junk - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By kgris1 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  stay away.. tons of oil problems. Also alot of electrical problems, that dealers cant fix. Such as speedometer, gfuel gauge etc. sometimes they work but most of the time they dont. The only good part about the car is the interior-It has held up very well.. Stll in excellent shape

• 

  Awesome Car - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By PimpAVG - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Great gas mileage, good power, great first car for any young driver, stylish.

• 

  Durango Comments - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Durango Driver - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Buy the extended warranty if you plan on keeping this vehicle for awhile. This isnt due to things breaking frequently as much as it is the actual cost of some items to replace. Great styling and ride for an SUV. Lots of cargo room and good power with the smaller V8. Infinity sound system is awesome!! Ball joints have been replaced 4 times @ $1000 per visit. A/C problems started at 55000 miles and dealership cant figure it out.