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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  Never again - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Pic - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Never again will I own a Dodge. My car was a pre-owned but had less than 30,000 miles. Since Ive purchased my car in 1998 I’ve replaced the water pump twice. New breaks, new ignition, new computer, etc, etc. Every time I turn around I’m spending money on it. Last summer the air conditioner started making noise but since I was out of work I just went without air. Now the heater is making a strange noise. Plus everything rattles and the dash is warping where the air bag is. Someone please take this lemon off my hands.

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  fun for cheap - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By 98neonrt - February 20 - 2:00 am

  my experience has been good with the 98 neon r/t. just look at it for what its worth—a cheap car. build quality and dash components need some work. performance and fun are high points. car corners like a dream—only 2500 lbs— dodge has done a great job with suspension. the dohc requires premium gas, but you get better gas mileage (29/38 mpg) and more power from the engine (150hp.) the seats may feel tight for normal people, but just right for small/skinny people. abs, sun roof, dohc, etc. are some good options. the rear windows didnt come as automatic, though. 5th gear whines and can get a little loud. its a darn good car for the price.

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  Best vehicle Ive Owned - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By etta - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Very dependable comfortable on long distance trips w/great mileage superb family taxi, too.

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  Waste - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By spazmonic - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Sold immediately. The impracticality of the car is NOT worth the price, OR the performance. Yes, its fast, but so is a Porsche, and Porsches are 20x the machine that this is.

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  Ups and DOWNS - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Duhd - February 20 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car, I would have said it was a 10. It had looks, smooth ride, low noise, roomy interior, and power. About 8 months and only 5,000 miles later, it developed a vibration and growling noise. After five visits to the dealer (who really didnt want to work on it) and a letter to Chrysler (who said if I didnt like the dealer, take it somewhere else), the possible cause was the transmission. With some research I found out that this troublesome transmission was the same one used in prior years only to be renamed. Would I buy this car again even though it has looks, comfort, power, etc..? NO! Maybe I just got the lemon of the bunch.

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  4X4 SXT 3.9L 4spd auto - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By brupac - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Would never of thought of buying a Dodge before but this truck really impressed me. Great looks,quality feel inside and out plus plenty of power from the 3.9L not to mention a $3000.00 rebate how can you go wrong.

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  Never Again!!!! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Hollywood - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This was my very first car and the absolute worst experience Ive ever had. It has been one depressing moment after another. I have spent more on fixing the car than what it is actually worth. Id list all the problems, but there is far to many. Mainly brakes and head gasket problems. Oh, did I mention it dies a lot. Especially when I slow down. I took it to four different mechanics, all of which looked and me and said dump. So, that is what I am now doing. Ive heard the newer neons are much better, but because of having such a horrible experience with this one I will never buy another neon or doge product and will tell others not to waste their money.

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  Overall excellet auto - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By casabarnett - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my car for 4 years with no major problems and have loved every minute driving it

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  Much better than the imports - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Robert Viands - February 18 - 2:26 pm

  Bought the SXT with Sirius, 6 speaker radio, and the 18" wheels. Car is a lot of fun to drive. When gas was spiking at $3 a gallon, I was looking at the Accords and Altimas, but nothing about them wowed me. The Charger definitely thrills me with its big vehicle ride, smooth handling, and agressive looks. There is nothing wrong with buying the V6 version (SE/SXT). I have plenty of power, have even done 100 on the freeway and its very smooth. Ive rented a Chrysler 300, and the Charger has a similar ride, solid. Definitely glad I bought this car instead of an import. If you buy the Charger, you are getting the luxury ride of the 300 for less money.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By uscg68 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is reliable and has great fuel economy. With minor inexpensive add-ons it looks really sharp. It does however have a lack of horse power so dont think it will get up n go when you stomp the gas. It does have a alot of great factory options. Mine was fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. Premium Sound, Alloy Wheels, sun and moon roof. By adding tinting a rear spoiler and a bra it looks real sharp. For the buyer who wants performance Dodge makes the Stealth or Avenger. For a High School or college student away from home this is a PERFECT vehicle.