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 - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By valkerie55 - November 24 - 11:40 pm

  Purchased Caravan used with 48,000 miles in 2003. Traded vehicled in 2008 with 135,000 miles for a Chrysler T&C Touring. Best vehicle we had for the long traveling for the past 5 years. All I had to do was change the oil, 2 brake changes, 4 new tires (1x) and routine maintenance. Good power, transported 4-6 people for soccer games, basketball, New York, New England area and Florida. It was the best workhorse. Hopefully, Fiat will revive Chrysler products for the future.

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  Great Value and Rebates - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Great Value - November 22 - 6:16 am

  I was in the market for a pick-up and researched for a year. Settled on the Dodge Dakota with V8. I like the size and power. Meets my needs for a vehicle that supports my fly fishing, weekend camping, towing small trailer. I bought for Sport Crew Cab with V8 for $26,800, freight and tax included. Sticker was close to $34K. Bought at $1000 under invoice, plus Dodge is offering factory $5000 rebate on 08 Crew Cabs.

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  Very fast for price - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By dougie - November 21 - 4:50 pm

  I have owned 2 SRT-4s. I love the power. A sleeper car that can run with cars that cost twice as much. Has issues on takeoffs but no problem on highways. Great for the family man that wants to have fun and have a family. Fell in love with the car first time I drove it.

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  2004 Dodge Intrepid 3.5 LTR EXT - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Mark - November 17 - 3:14 pm

  68,000 miles had to replace the crankshaft position sensor, 3 cam sensors, 3 batteries. Car would die and not restart. Would wait for awhile and then it would start. Found that the coupling where the positive battery cable met up at the jumper post above the air intake filter box had become corroded. This was causing the battery and cables to overheat. Flickering lights and total shutdown of the engine ensued. Cleaned the corrosion and replaced battery cable. Car runs like new.

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  Awesome for Dodge! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Robbie1 - November 17 - 7:25 am

  Well, what can I say. I used to hate Dodge, but I went for a Saturday drive in my SUV and came home with my 09 Caliber SRT. The exterior looks are 100% more attractive than the standard Caliber, very aggressive features that is what caught my eye. After taking it for a test drive, I was sold. I also own a BMW and this "little rascal" is more fun than driving the BMW. The suspension and steering is very tight with enough power to have some man fun! This will be my weekend entertainment.

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  Excellent Family Transportation - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Steve - November 15 - 3:23 am

  I started out leasing this van because of what I heard about Chryslers reliability and (at the time) corporate stability. That was 40 months ago. My lease ran out last month, and I bought the van. Why? I havent had any significant trouble with the van in 30k miles. Its overkill for a 1 person commute but it is excellent for carpooling and family vacations. When we travel (fam of 4) we put down 1/2 rear seat for the cooler. My son brings his playstation and plays it through overhead video & wireless headphones. Tip: the middle seats are much more comfortable if you put up the headrests. Noticed slight mpg bump with K&N filter. Though lower horsepower than competitors, its plenty.

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  Loved Car but Lots of Problems - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Rich - November 14 - 12:47 pm

  I purchased car new 2/06, 1st 15000 miles no problems. Then a transmission leak which was fixed by the dealer. Front rotors warped around 24000 which I had to pay to repair. Around 28000 miles rocker arm shaft dowels sheared in both exhaust shafts- engine rebuild under warranty. Around 32000 miles outer tie rod ends replaced under warranty. Now at 39300 miles I am told that inner tie rod ends are shot & Steering gear needs replacing. Dealership trying to get this covered under warranty but if not $1000 out of my pocket. Never had a car with this many problems so early on. I do not beat on the car and have changed oil every 3000 miles. Must have got a bad one.

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  2000 Durango SLT 5.9 - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By stefan - November 13 - 10:47 pm

  I have owned this truck for 2 years and it is great! The 5.9 has great performance and with several bolt on parts it performs even better. MPG not desireable but expected from a 5.9. Tows with ease! manual transfer case always reliable. Transmission is probably the weak link in this truck. Interior is very comfortable, leather adds to comfort. Very solid SUV!

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  My car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By stephoff - November 13 - 7:56 pm

  I like this car. I cant say im in love with it, but I have very high expectations. (Im a Lexus/ BMWgirl) Other than that it is a great car, never have had any major problems ever. The only thing that bothered me was the fact when I wrecked at 45 mph the air bags didnt deploy. But then I am not sure what speed you have to be going for them to. And that everytime you hit your brakes hard the back seats open and everything from your trunk is now in the cab. But other than that it is a good car to get from a to b so I cant complain. I plan on having this car for a long time.

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  Sleeper - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By moparman - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  I love my Durango. Its fast, looks good, very easy to drive (once you have owned it for about a week). Lots of power, great AWD system. Has everything but a sunroof.