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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  Jerrys SXT - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By JerryH. - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Before owning this truck I had a Ford F150 XLT Supercab w/ 5.4L and three door cab. I traded it in because the transmission was starting to go. The biggest mistake I made in buying the Dakota was in not getting a V-8. I mistakenly thought that the gas mileage would be better with the V-6. The amount of gas mileage that you receive does not even come close to justifying the horsepower you lose when going with the V-6. Other than than preferring the V-8, I would also get the quad cab instead of the club cab. With my f-150 I at least had three doors, with the club cab you have to fold the front seats forward in order to access the back seat.

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  Fun to drive and reliable too! - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By gr00vych1k - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive - it is very reliable, gets decent gas mileage, and takes corners like its on rails! I purchased this car after owning a ford escort, which gave me nothing but problems. I have had the Neon for two years and have had minimal problems. The car has been completely reliable despite the commute I have put it through.

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  awsome car - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By lucas storrs - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had a very good experience I have wrecked twenty times in 2 years

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  DODGE DOES NOT EQUAL QUALITY - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By mr832 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had my ES neon for 3 and a half years and 64k miles I bought it new and I have been fairly happy with it. It has good power as long as you realize its not a sports car its an econ car. my sunroof craped out after the 1st year and the dealership said it would be $675.00 to replace it! had an electrical problem with the a/c after the 1st year and had the bearing replaced in the wheel at 18k miles.

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  2000 and newer are the best - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By sandy budach - May 20 - 2:00 am

  never had to have roadeside,stalls or anything.

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  Happy so far - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Durango Driver - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Had my 1998 Durango about a year and half. It has been the best vehicle I have owned. It has some quirks (keyless entry does not work periodically), but it has been very dependable.

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  Made the right decision! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By T.W. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Chevy and Ford trucks in the past, and I must say I am very impressed with the Dakota. It rides great for a truck and is very quick for a 4X4. Its also very quiet on the road. Wish it had doors for the back seat. Kids fit fine, its just a hassle to get them in and out. Suspension & brakes like to squeak.

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  Dodge Viper SRT-10 - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Moora - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I think the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is a wonderful, fast, viper-like sports car (I hope Dodge hears about this). Its also extremely reliable. Its interior is wonderful with the gauges vertily in a curved line. Just a work of art!

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  Love This Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By jtdamask - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I dont know if we have just been lucky or what but we have had zero problems with our Dakota. It is fun to drive and performs well.

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  Great Value - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By JJL - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 5 years and 60,000 miles without a single problem. Not even a couple of bitter cold Buffalo winters have slowed it down. The interior size is deceivingly large, as many passengers have told me over the years. Trunk space is also exceptional. The 4 cylinder engine gets tremendous gas mileage and provides a surpising amount of response and pick-up. I would certainly consider buying another one.