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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  Huge Tire Issue - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By cotto19 - May 5 - 8:23 pm

  At 20K miles the road noise was deafening and we noticed the passenger rear tire was warn down to the tread markers. Upon evaluation, we were told that we needed to purchase 4 new tires. We were not given any explanation as to why we were being held responsible for the worn tires. Some research revealed that we are not the only ones with this issue. Chrysler sent us to Firestone. Firestone engineers, said that the tire specified by Chrysler is softer and does not qualify for any tread warranty. The Firestone told me that Chrysler knows that the tires are no good after 12K to 15K miles. Chrysler refuses to help. The only resolution is buy new tires. Apparently, once a year.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Tom - May 5 - 10:43 am

  This vehicle has been impressive so far. I received the minivan as a company car. My hopes werent high due to the bad press about Chrysler models. Generally, Im a Honda fan but this vehicle is as well made as our Pilot. The ride quality is superb, the stow and go seating is class leading (love the extra storage room when middle seats are up), and the drivers captains chair has proven comfortably ideal for both high mileage and in and around town trips. Honda and especially Toyota are high priced and unwilling to negotiate while Chrysler offers great deals. Its no wonder the Caravan is the best selling minivan in the US.

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  My Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By JimmyD99 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle, great looks, reliable. No major defects, no mechanical breakdowns. Great power, accelleration. 3rd row a must.

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  Dont buy one!!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By big mistake - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ran great until the warranty expired. Worst vehicle I have ever owned. Problems with pininging on acceleration. Transmission problems. Broken torsion bar mount. Currently in the shop due to axle problems. This truck is a 4X4 with skid plates, but has never been driven off pavement. I have put every mile on myself so I know it hasnt been driven hard. The dealership is terrible to deal with. Constanlty hear from them that they cant duplicate the problem or that they can not hear what Im talking about. Have basically told me that Im stupid. Will never buy another Durango and will never buy another Chrysler product. Im going back to Ford!!

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  Good Car Overall - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Dodgefam - May 4 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Stratus for about 4 years. I has been a great car with lots of room. However, the passenger side window control does not work. It must be rolled up by the driver and the left rear window control on the drivers console does not allow the window to role up the window. The window must be rolled up from the back control. The truck release seems to stick. On the most part I am very pleased with our car--Lots of pep and a very smooth ride.

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  Great Value - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By intrepid fan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Intrepid since 1996. Bought a used 95 and then had a 97 as a company car before leasing the 00. This vehicle is a great value. It handles very well, looks stylish and is very comfortable. Best of all, this car easily seats five very comfortably. People are amazed at how much room there is in the back seat. The truck is huge also. Very solid, reliable, practical car.

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  Fun but Stiff - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Mo-Jo - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the truck styling and power. Very comfortable. Big enough for family and not to still drive a truck.

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  Fun to Drive and Overall Great Truck... - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By onealk - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 02 Dakota SLT Plus 4.7L V8 Manual now for about 2 months. Ive enjoyed every minute of driving it and using it like the truck it is. Ive taken a few trips already with it and enjoyed the comfort of the seats and ride quality. The 4.7L V8 has enough power to propel me down the road with enough force to pass a few cars and merge onto the beltways and freeways.

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  Great - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Brittany - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Oh I just love it.

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  THE LITTLE TROOPER - 1993 Dodge Shadow
  By BLOND085 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Dodge Shadow ES with just over 100,000 miles on it. I was expecting the transmition to blow (since it is a dodge and on its original tranny) but at 135,000 miles shes still shifting smooth. It has a 3.0 V6 Mitsubishi motor under the hood and packs quite a bit of power. She is amazingly quick, even with no mods. A couple small problems have arose due to her age and mileage, such as a leaky trunk and a sticky door. Ive had to replace the motor mounts and the belt tightener.This car is absolutly great, its quick, reliable, and comfortable with surprising room.