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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  Good Quality First Car - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By sbrown - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This was the very first car i bought myself and i love it. i have had the car for three years and its never once been in the shop. It still runs perfect.

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  The best of the best! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TwoLayDbugs - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We absolutely love the Dodge Grand Caravan!! We have the SXT Anniversary edition. It has tons of room and our daughter loves the DVD entertainment system! It handles fabulously in snow and rain, as well as dry road conditions. We really like the power doors and power rear lift gate -- its a blessing when trying to get an infant into the car with all of the baby gear, too! Weve gushed to our family and friends about our new vehicle and a few of them have gone out and purchased one for themselves!!

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  You Have To Be Kidding - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By GregnSand - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car new. Within the first year we had to have the transmission rebuilt, then the ac/heater went out. The next year we had to have the transmission rebuilt, then the window came off track. Next year we had to have the starter rebuilt and the starter switch replaced. Then the ac went out again and the other window came off track. Finally we had to bury the car as it died. The oil pump went out without the sendor working and this caused the engine to seiz. We will never buy a Dodge product again!!!!

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  happy to have - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By rotten1 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  the only problem i have encountered thus far is the small knobs on the controls when i have gloves on. the gas mileage is fantastic.

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  Great Value - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mike B - February 4 - 6:00 pm

  Great vehicle for the price. Very roomy and comfortable. Ive had to take it in for some minor warranty work (dvd player malfunction and a dead battery) which was disappointing, but no MAJOR problems. Im 64 and fit comfortably in the drivers seat. My wife is 53 and also fits comfortably (we have power driver seat). I have not regretted our purchase of this vehicle.

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  Best Car - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By astronomer - February 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. Perfect point A to point B vehicle and has been very reliable. Never done anything except change oil and put in fuel. Gets almost 40 mpg (I drive mostly on the highway).

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  Al Courts Evaluation - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Alan G. Court - February 4 - 2:00 am

  The Neon has plenty of pep. I find no fault with the appearance. My major concern is the space between the steering wheel and the drivers knees when there is no tilt wheel. I have Parkinsons and it takes 5 minutes for me to extract myself from the car.

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  Brakes - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By markcanada - February 3 - 7:23 pm

  The vehicle is nice to drive and very comfortable. The acceleration of the motor when taking off is very slow. Brakes and rotors on the vehicle had to be changed on the front after 23000km.The back brakes were fixed on this day at 24000km, due to the squealing on the back passenger side and it turns out the pads were cracked and chipped. There was quite a bit of the pads left in the back brakes. Called Chrysler about it and waiting to see what happens. My mechanic and car part supplier of the new brakes said they have seen a lot of theses problems.

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  Fun If You Have Alot of Bucks - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Joli - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive and lots of power (have the 360 5.9L). BUT, the internal rattle noise could be fuel knock from low grade fuel or a louder knock we have found to be the intake gasket (we have replaced twice). My suspension sounded like popcorn popping (leaf springs and shocks replaced). A popping sound from front end can indicate ball joints (so I have found). The long braking distance can be fixed with a brake adjustment.

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  Best Buy Ever - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Jana Green - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. Just remember there is more to life than gas mileage. I have 3 kids, the extra seat came in extremely handy for the "Shes touching me" sibling syndrome. I traded this vehicle in for a Suzuki Esteem for the gas mileage. What a horrid mistake I made. The Durango is the best SUV out there. Never had any problems. Great ride and lots of compliments. No brainer Go with the Durango.