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 - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Sad and Soaked - January 17 - 2:00 am

  At 100,000 miles, I am replacing the front struts, the links and bushings to the front swaybar, and valve cover gaskets. There is also an as yet undiagnosed problem with an electronic control. Not to mention the three recalls we have had. My first Caravan was a lemon, and I was able to get this Caravan instead. At least we had a few decent years before it started to fall apart. I may not make the repairs, but just get a new van. Not a Dodge.

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  nice - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By wiggles - January 17 - 2:00 am

  At 95K on it. We have a very basic caravan. Only options are AC, tilt, 2 built-in baby seats, rear defog, tint glass, and cruise. it has a 3 liter V6.i installed bosch platinum 4s in it and increased my MPG by 2.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By georgiatoe - January 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is excellent!!!

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  I will never purchase a Dodge again - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By jlohn - January 17 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a vehicle that required so many trips to the dealer. Its only a 98, but Im on my third battery, the lower ball joints have been replaced, the air conditioner has been replaced, the rear wiper motor, all 4 power window motors (drivers side twice), transmission sensor. Several wheel studs have needed replacement. Luckily most of the repairs were covered under warrenty. Currently, I have the rocking chair problem with the drivers seat that most other Durango owners have noticed.

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  stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By mick - January 17 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive, awesome handiling and performance, great styling. its a blast to own.

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  stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Mick - January 17 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive, awesome handiling and performance, great styling. its a blast to own.

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  An OK car - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Swine - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Neon R/Ts are fun to drive horrible to maintain. The sunroof broke (in the open position) twice under warranty, and again out of the warranty (I refuse to fix it). Transmission broke 10,000 miles past warranty due to "defective gasket." Head gasket blew at 65,000. Currently, mine overheats, regardless of what the outside temperature, due to what my mechanic describes as "poor engineering." Also, one window rolls down faster than the other. (??)

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  Surprise, surprise!! - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Blue beast - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought as a simple commuting vehicle. I soon discovered how much fun it is to drive. The 5 speed trans and DOHC engine were more than sufficient. However, a polished and ported head, racing cams, headers, bigger throttle body and exhaust make for a truly exciting driving experience. A body kit is being added so looks match performance.

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  Perfection - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jerry Benson - January 16 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? After 124000 miles, I am totally satisfied. Still drives like new, and because of the superior exterior styling, still looks like new.

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  Back to Pontiac - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By 1Stewart20 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used (46,000 miles) with the hopes that I could go to 100,000 miles with the average maintainance repairs. Boy, was I in for a suprise. The first 1000 miles I drove were good. Then I had a 2 trans problem at 48,000 miles. Followed by a busted tie rod, which was immediately followed by a shock housing problem. Another trans problem, air conditioning problem, heating/blower problem, and now wiper motor is broke... all around 75,000 miles. H20 pump is now going to be the next victim. I have gone through enuf belts to wrap around a city block. I now am going to search out a reliable Pontiac.