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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  My baby!!!! - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Southsyde4eva - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Avenger a little over a year ago and I havent stopped loving her yet! I have kept regular maintenance on her and the only repair Ive had to do was to replace the alternator and a/c belts. If they were to bring back the Avenger I might consider trading mine in for a new one but other than that---I wouldnt give her up for anything!!!

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  I like it - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By bdwhite - March 9 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been driven in both hot summers and cold winters and operates very well providing excellent interior temperature control. Gas mileage has ben good

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  Mines a Lemon - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Jimslemon - March 9 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle has been in the shop 7 times since I bought it. It will be going back shortly. The ABS isnt working properly. This is the second time something has been wrong with the brakes. The dash board has been rattling since 17000 miles. That will need to be fixed too. My MPG hovers around 13MPG on the HIGHWAY! Needless to say, I am more than disappointed in the DODGE product and will be going back to foreign manufacturers.

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  a real neon - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By crunkone - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car was my favorite car. It held up very very well. It was fast, nimble, and very sporty. The onlt thing this car didnt have was leather and a CD player, then it would be perfect. It also had lots of room for its size. It was hard to find and after my brother wrecked mine, I couldnt find it again. I ended up with a 2001 but I was very dissapointed. Its weak and gets terrible gas mileage. And half of the problems I have, the dealer either cant or wont fix it. Like a sulphuric smell that nausiates me.

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  120,000 Miles and Going Stong - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By SeikoGuy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new in May of 1998 after ordering a platinum exterior with camel leather interior (not the normal combination). Other than 2 transmission speed sensors (approx. $100 each) and the drivers side window regulator, this car has cost me nothing but regular maintenance. First set of brake pads at 113,000 miles, battery at 111,000, flush cooling system and transmission system at 116,000 miles. Oil changes every 3000 miles only cost $8.43 at the dealer. I sold my 94 ES to a friend and it is still being driven with 160,000 miles.

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  sweet car - 1995 Dodge Stealth
  By brad51 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  it is won of the best cars i think.it is a fun fast car! IT is really fast.I wish they still made them.IT is the best car ive ever had.

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  I love this car - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By nobody2u - March 6 - 10:40 am

  I absolutely love this car. The way it looks, the way it drives, everything. I finally got rid of my Jeep after 10 years & knew I was in the market for a sedan. My first choice was the Sebring, but when we saw this car on the lot, I had to drive it and oh my God. How I love this car. I havent seen too many on the roads yet, but I have a feeling this is going to be a very popular choice of vehicle for all people.

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  Intrepids Are Cool - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By DLB - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased mine w/ 25000 miles last Sept. Great driver, base engine has plenty of power, especially at higher rpms (contrary to others that complain of weak power). Lots interior room, trunk is great for families (huge!). And one of the sharpest full-size cars around. This design will look good for years to come. We are very happy with our Intrepid.

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  Afordable Large Sedan - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid fan - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Good handeling large sednan with lots of room for a family that is farily priced.

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  Excellent Family Minivan!!! - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By valentinefeb - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the short Caravan for over two years. We chose this model over the extended because at the time, we had heard that the extended had a few problems in general. This van is perfect! This minivan has dual sliding doors I would never buy another van without them......they are great! This van gives reliability, a smooth ride, fairly quiet, reasonable gas mileage, tons of room for family or cargo or both! The AC/heat is excellent. Weve driven in the mountains weve driven on 3,000 mile vacations. It makes great use of storage. This van is a little on the plastic side. But, for the money, its an excellent choice!