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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  360,000 miles on engine! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Rabbit - January 18 - 8:28 pm

  My Dodge Neons engine came from another that was in a roll-over accident, so the engine currently has about 360k on it and still running strong. (updated head gaskets as soon as it started acting up) Its amazing how it gets the mileage of a pile of junk Ford Escort but the comfort and smooth ride of an Intrepid. Overall, a beautiful car. Just be sure if you buy one, its got updated head gaskets. Thats the only problem Ive had.

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  2001 Dodge Intrepid SE 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6 - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By vince - January 18 - 2:48 pm

  I bough my 01 SE when it was 14 months and 20500 miles old. Now 72000mi. Dealer change electric fan second year. Check engine light which dealer took 6 months to figure it was an leaking polution hose. Under extended coverage dealer changed a/c coil under the dash. I changed front rotors radiator drain plug tune up tires and pads.Had smog stuff serviced. Headlight buckets getting dull. Engine and front wheel drive noise after 50000 mi.

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  Love it except for MPG - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 2late - January 18 - 4:00 am

  Its an 08, but had been sitting on lot for a year (500 miles). Why? I guess cause its LOADED with everything EXCEPT leather. And "sunburst orange pearlcoat," which is to say "rust" colored. Anyway, they took $10K off the sticker. Its a 4.0 L. Funny how the 08 4Ls dont have the 25 MPG rating that the 09 4Ls do. How did Chrysler squeeze 2 more MPG out of the same engine in 09? Dealer doesnt even know what Im talking about, or pretends not to. But love the acceleration. Alas, Im getting 15 MPG in town. And in the 6 wks Ive owned it, this has happened 4 times: engine starts but no lights or A/C. Jiggle the key, and it all comes back on, but A/C blows HOT AIR for 5 min!

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  I love my Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dak - January 17 - 4:50 am

  I was seriously considered getting the Caliber as a second vehicle when my Sebring made the decision for me to make it my primary! I was looking for an AWD vehicle that wasnt too station wagon or SUV like. For a compact car and Dodges low end vehicle, I think it is quite nice. Quite honestly, I needed something bigger and more practical than a convertible. Cant find a thing I dont like about it.

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  Cant beat a Dodge - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Gatorman - January 16 - 6:28 pm

  Ive own this little truck for 4 years now and been from Ga to Tx many times. Me being in the military and all. Only problem I have had is tires and that because I run them off going back and forth to Texas. Wont trade my truck for a Ford, Chevy or GMC.

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  185,000 Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Durango Dave - January 16 - 5:16 pm

  Bought new and used as a daily driver/home construction work truck/ski vehicle for the past 10 years. Avg fuel economy of 14.5mpg. 5.9L engine with tow package. 4X4 with compound low transfer case has never failed me, left me stranded and there has never been snow conditions that have stopped me. Never needed chains. A/C condensor failed a couple of days after warranty expired. Rear washer hasnt worked for years. Had to completely rebuild the front end. Replaced water pump. Replaced manifold gaskets. Thats about it. No problems with transmission or electricals.

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  1998 Dodge Intrepid with 182,000 miles - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By matthew - January 16 - 9:55 am

  I own a 1998 Dodge Intrepid with 182,000 miles and it still runs without a problem. I can say I got the good built 2.7 because Ive never experienced any problems with it since Ive had it for the past year. I keep up on the maintnence I get my motor cleaned often and change the plugs every once in a while. I love this car and am glad its been good to me. I dont know anyone that has an Intrepid with 182,000, miles.

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  Surprisingly reliable - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By just me - January 15 - 11:18 am

  My husband bought this car new before we met. Personally, I wouldnt have figured a Dodge to be all that reliable. But he looked pretty hot in his black sporty car. So I married him! (just kidding, mostly) Im pleased to say this car has been extremely reliable. No major mechanical work - maintenance costs only. The 6 CD changer died after only a couple of years. The hook securing the driver side sun visor broke. We started to get uncomfortable in this car with the arrival of our daughter. Exercise stroller doesnt fit in the trunk. Hard to get baby in and out - have bumped her head countless times. Three adults and a baby is almost excruciating for the adult in the back.

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  I love my Durango! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By horserubs - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my Duarango for less than a week, but it is living up to my expectations. It has a wonderful smooth ride and I am so glad I chose it. I was going to get a smaller SUV (Land Rover Freelander) But I have horses and it carries all my equipment with ease!

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  Right Sized SUV - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Rob - January 13 - 12:45 pm

  Have enjoyed this vehicle immensely. It is comfortable, tows heavy loads with ease, great for long trips with wife and kids, and for short trips with the added in-laws (3rd row). Manageable gas mileage from the 4.7L V8 - 16-17 around town and 18-19 on the highway. Bought used and driven over 50000 miles and planning to double that. Only one problem to note - blower motor resistor bank - which I easily replaced.