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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  The perfect truck has arrived... - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotadon - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 16 months and have enjoyed every one of my 22000+ miles. The 4.7L V8 gives it a sports- car feel when merging/passing at high MPH. The ride on pavement is smooth, yet it performs admirably off-road. I especially like those roomy flip-up rear seats. Im 64", and the only thing that makes me uncomfortable while riding in the back seat is the fact that Im not actually driving!

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  Check Engine light - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By monche3 - April 23 - 10:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 Doge Caliber R/T brand new! I have had it three years and have not had any real problems. I have only had to replace the tires and regular maintenance. Over all I am satisfied with the car. However my battery died 3 weeks ago and was replaced. Within 2 days of replacement the check engine light came on. I went to the dealer who downloaded some computer software and the light went away. Two days later the light is on again!!!! I just left the dealer with another alleged computer malfunction! IDK!!! Its off now but Im hoping that in another two days the light is not back on again or Im not going to be a nice customer!

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  Dodge dakota sport - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By fishngrl18 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  i had to replace the power steering unit after buying it from a private seller 2 months ago.

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  dodge intrepid sport - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By syncmaster3 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 97 intrepid sport since new,has moon roof and trip computer,with autostick and 3.5 liter engine 214 hp,it has 97000 miles on it and has been a good car. the water pump and the timing belt has been replaced .transmission has not gave me any trouble although i keep the fluid changed.Sometimes when its cold it changes funny for about a min,done this since new.after that its ok, c rI had it on many a long trip and had been dependable. i also hate the wind noise the car delivers, the 97 and earlier intrepids,have also heard of this from the new ones also,but i dont know about this for sure!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By UntleBud - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Durango at auction a year ago and love it! I bought the one 5.9 V8 to pull my boat, and the power makes it feel like theres nothing in tow. If I buy another, I will be looking for 4 wheel anti-lock brakes standard, and more room in the backseat! There is plenty for the Driver and Passanger, but none behing them.

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  Nice Look Weak Engine - 2000 Dodge Avenger
  By Icekool - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought the 2000 Avenger Es & I think it is a great car for the money... It is sharp looking and has some pep to it. The only downfall is it looks faster than it drives...

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  2000Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By gwashy - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Up to this point, I have had only positive experiences with my 2000 Dodge Dakota. The Magnum V6 engine in conjunction with the handling package and wide tires has had plenty of power for hauling anything in the bed of the truck. I have had no warranty issues outside of getting the windshield wipers replaced. I look forward to continued performance from this vehicle.

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  Ups and downs - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By idahoguy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The place we got it from was a rip off joint.We had to get the transfer case rebult twice and it had bad motor mounts.The exhuast crapped out about about a year and so on...........

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  HOT sporty 4 door! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By livewire - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and only for its looks....hoping that later I wouldnt be sorry about Dodge quality. After 3 years of trouble free rides I can say I havent been sorry. This car gives a lot for the money. Dealership has been great and only scheduled maintenence has been needed except for minor issue.

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  what i like about it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By aaron Pickering - April 21 - 1:26 am

  I love it -- fun to drive. Lots of power and very roomy.