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 Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By brianph3 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been satisfied with my Intrepid, except for the resale value. I owe $14k on a car now valued at $8k. The Intrepid has a fun, sporty ride/drive for a bigger car, exactly what I was looking for.

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  Nice van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ed Davis - January 3 - 10:23 am

  Excellent vehicle. Fun to drive. Good ride and handling. I bought it new and have 40,000 trouble-free miles on it. I change the oil every 3000 miles, and it uses none between changes. Have taken several trips and get 26 mpg. Would buy another one but would also consider Toyota Sienna. Have added stripes, bug shield and driving lights to make it dressier.

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  Not Satisfied! - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By stephaniequeen2 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I just read all of the complaints on here and I wish I wouldve read up on a neon BEFORE I bought it! I have had many problems and the car is in the shop right now. I do not say anyone should buy this car unless they like fixing it all of the time! Problems include: headgasket (reimbursed under a "secret warranty"), oil leaks and burns, alternator, battery (twice!), tires, brake pads, air conditioning switch ... do not buy this car!!

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  Love the 8 in this baby.... - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Darbster - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a super. It is in a kinda stealth mode. With the eight cylinder 4.7 she can do almost anything the big boys can do and still park in a compact stall. If you are looking for a extended cab truck with some yank look no further this Dakota will knock your socks off. I have owned a Chevy 1500 Z71 sportside and a Ford Explorer XLT. I wish I had looked at the Dodge line sooner. The other trucks are okay but Im impressed with the overall quality and precision of this vehicle. Highly recomended.

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  Solid performer - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Russman - January 2 - 2:00 am

  The R/T version is the only way to go. ~250 HP gives plenty of power (although I did notice that acceleration was faster on cold days/nights than hot ones). The Autostick was NOT designed to replace a manual, its there for those of us who usually want an auto, but occasionally like to control our own destiny. The body design is cool, which is a geat thing in a world where most other cars have a boring, squared front end. The only problem I can think of is that I experience static electriciy shocks often when opening the doors.

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  A GREAT American Truck ! - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By nicko - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Duarngo as soon as it came out and after reading the excellent reviews at the time. In 1998 it was the only mid-sized SUV to have 7 seats and stadium seating. We also considered the Mercedes ML 320 which had just come out but they were dragging their heels on the 7 available seats. The Duarango has been as solid as a rock brushing aside snow and floods with no difficulty and its Mack Truck looks only add to the appeal !

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  Annoyance - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By MHPeach - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Durango in April,1999 because I loved the look of the vehicle. I had problems from the get go - AC leaked on the passengers floor, Rear CLANKED when put in reverse, Rear door wouldnt unlock with remote control open, interior trim panel was not placed back on properly, etc... Stay away from F.Beans, Doylestown, PA. They were very not helpful and made me feel like I was not important. They are far from a 5 star dealership!

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  Soda can - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Becky - January 1 - 9:32 am

  I was traveling 35 mph.a car in front of me slammed on brakes, I hit the back of his 2005 Jeep liberty.my front end,motor,and axle was smashed almost into the inside of my car.while his back bumper had only scratches.the air bags didnt deploy.my car was a total lost.always had front end suspension problem also

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  CHEAP CAR - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By lofty08 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle for my wife to commute back and forth from college approx. 100 miles round trip. Price was $10,000.00 brand new. After six months the battery died. After 36000 miles water soaked trunk and rear passenger floor after rain. Very very poor fit and finnish of body panels. Dont get fooled by the cheap price. You get just what you pay for. A piece of junk..

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  FRobyne - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By FRobyne - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I am the first registered owner of this vehicle. I have been very pleased with the ride and styling. I expected better gas mileage. At 50000 the head gasket began leaking on the 2.4 ltr engine. I know of four other owners who have experienced this same problem with the same size engine. The other vehicles were 1998, 1999, and 2000.