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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  Dodge Magnum Doesnt Disappoint! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RTMagnum - April 9 - 1:40 pm

  I have enjoyed every minute driving this car! I cant say enough about the performance of the 5.7 litre Hemi engine. The interior fit and finish is excellent with no squeaks and rattles inside. Road noise is also kept to a minimum. If you are sitting on the fence - GET OFF AND GO BUY ONE! You will not be disappointed!

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  Great drive - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By linquil - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The car had provided reliable transportation and continues to be a stylish "ride." My only quibble is the high level of highway driving noise - you pull into your driveway with the radio blaring because thats the only way you could hear in out on the road. The 5 star Dodge dealer has provided outstanding service in a timely fashion.

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  Dakota doesnt live up to its billing - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By benhunts - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Power is adequate for a V-6 but at the expense of fuel economy. Had to replace factory tires @ 19k miles battery @ 24k miles brake pads at 27k backup lights havent worked in 2 years despite replacing wiring, bulbs, fuses, etc. rad.temp circuit chip at 55k A/C fail at 60k fan clutch @ 63k front rotors, calipers, & pads. Paint began fading on the roof and tailgate at 43k and is now spreading over the cab. Truck, with the exception of the above, has performed reliably well in spite of the above.

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  great car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jimd - April 9 - 2:00 am

  wonderful car fun to drive

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  love my dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Maverick - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This truck has preformed great from the day I drove it off the lot. Have not had one bit of trouble. I do not have the limit -slip rear end, I know people who do and they have lots of trouble with there Dakota.

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  love my dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By maverick - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This truck has preformed great from the day I drove it off the lot. Have not had one bit of trouble. I do not have the limit -slip rear end, I know people who do and they have lots of trouble with there Dakota.

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  Kickin Butt Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Whatup - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck in April 2001, I got the 5.9L Automatic with the rest of the bells and whistles and I love it. I tow a sandrail and a 21 ski boat and fly down the freeway. For a midsize truck it delivers a full size punch. Great power and great to drive!

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  Best new car Ive owned for the money - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By J. Messier - April 8 - 9:10 am

  Well balanced to drive. My R/T has plenly of power. I still havent figured out how a car can have no gears and an auto-stick, but not a problem.

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  Junk Car - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By extremely unhappy - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This car has many problems. Head Gasket went, squeaky brakes, windows dont seal....seems to be a recurring problem. Like others, the "customer service" department didnt live up to thier name! I would NOT recommend buying a Neon!

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  99 Dodge Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By ichabod - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has very unreliable. Numerous repairs include computer, brakes,windows, windshield wipers, and transmission. The vehicle has a pronounced pull to the left,which despite endless efforts to eliminate, cannot be corrected. Getting into and exiting the car is very difficult for a six footer due to the low head clearance. In summary the car is long on style and short on substsance. It full of 10 cent parts.