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:

• 

  1999 Avenger ES - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By The Avenger - May 3 - 2:00 am

  When I first looked at it I thought it was too sporty. Great V6 growl, but no real power. Claimed 170hp at about 4800rpm when the timing changes. It set me back in my seat. It handles like a sports car, and has room for 4. Love the huge trunk. The only problems, twice the battery light has come on. When the light was on and I flipped from bright to dim the radio lost power as if the ignition was turned. I also had a problem starting the car. Like it was still in drive and wouldnt even turn over. Thought it was the starter disabling of the security system.

• 

  PEICE OF JUNK!!!!! - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By TDBoy - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Within the first two years I had to visit the shop about a dozen times for repairs that shouldnt have to be done on a new car. It vibrates too much, engine surges, slips gears, the auto sunroof broke, engine mounts had to be replaced, gearshift doesnt disengage sometimes when brake is pressed. Would you like me to go on. If I could figure out a way to drive it off a cliff, I would. Stay away from ALL DODGE PRODUCTS< THEY SUCK!!!!!!

• 

  hmmmmm - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Ka0sZombie - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Good car but the cup holders are in a bad place.

• 

  just a lil bit of improvement - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By yungcancer_6to9 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a smooth ride, that can handle the curves very well. It also can hit 0 to 60 very fast. Its sleek interior is very appealing to the eye. It also has great gas mileage, and an excellent exterior.

• 

  Awesome Car! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By MikedawgSRT-4 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Well after considering the Sti, Evo, Mini S, and even the accord v6 I chose to go with the Srt4. I am very happy with my decision. Not only was this car he cheapest, its pretty much the fastest from a roll. The seats are great and I have had nothing but fun with the car. Only gripe is all the ignorant people asking my why I bought a NEON?? Haha. When I step on it in 2nd gear they find out!

• 

  STILL SMILING - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BIG DADDY P - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Nice solid vehicle, pleases the whole family. HEMI engine is out of this world I use to drive a 350 Nissan Z and with the HEMI power i dont miss it.

• 

  dodge spirit - underrated - 1990 Dodge Spirit
  By eixom66 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  this car isnt beautiful, but does everything well and the five-speed works just fine. A dream to drive on the highway. And a helluva bargain.

• 

  Intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By pollard - April 30 - 2:00 am

  this car is comfortable, rides good and gets good gas milabe but has a lot of road noise and is exreamly undependable.

• 

  1999 Intrepid ES - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By barbowl300 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 4 years now and it has been very reliable. During that time, I have had three mechanical problems with various sensors during ownership. Other than that, the car handles great and is very comfortable and easy to drive. I now have over 90,000 miles on this car and the maintenance has consisted of two brake changes and one tire change. The trunk is spacious and comes in handy for hauling suitcases. My main pet peeve with the car is the lack of cup holders in the back seat for passengers. I track my gas mileage and the car continues to get 29 - 30 MPG on the highway. I would purchase another one.

• 

  2001 Intrepid ES - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Sarge21 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Major problem with a bad valve spring. Fixed now.