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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  92 Shadow ES - 1992 Dodge Shadow
  By Bespin - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, has a lot of potential to be even more fun. Never had a problem mechanically, but I work at a mechanic shop and do all of the maintainance early.

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  Great car for the money... - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By viprtv - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Car was blessed with a few minor problems this first model year, but was an overall great little compact car for its time. It looked good, handled excellent (on ACR model), and had plenty of get-up-and-go for a four banger (on DOHC/perf 5 spd model). The cars terrible resale value makes it a heck of a personal investment. I own two neons and theyre both 1995 models. Yes, Ive had my share of problems, but any car can develop any problem on various conditions the car is used under.

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  terrible - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By cfrustrated - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This van has been a lot of trouble- leaking engine gaskets/seals fixed 3 times and is currently leaking again, ac fixed 3 times and is broken now, fuel gauge sensor, air bag sensor,check engine light on due to bad catalytic converter, and transmission going bad. Front wipers turn on intermittently. Bye bye dodge!

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  FRobyne - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By FRobyne - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have very good luck with this vehicle. It is reliable and fun to drive. It is actually more comfortable to drive than my car. I have not experienced any mechanical, electrical or structural integrity problems. The only faults of this vehicle are the lack of power and the bad fuel economy of the 3.9 ltr V6 engine.

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  Steer Clear ONLY as a LAST resort. - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By dodgeneveragain - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Have had ALOT of problems since the purchase. Lost the transmission within the first 2,000 miles. Still having some problems at shifting points of the transmission. Rough idle. Surge in the motor at hwy speed. Several other misc. problems that mysteriously cant be recreated at the dealership. Have noticed very poor overall craftsmanship upon closer inspection after the purchase. Little Late then!! Oh well, stuck for now. NEVER again!! If I can keep at least ONE person from buying, this comment will not have been in vain. Will look at Chevrolet, Ford or Import next time!!

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  Good Car - 1993 Dodge Spirit
  By Meg - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very relieble car. It was my first car from my parents, dont laugh, it is very good on gas and hasnt had many problems. Although it is a good car it is not that fun to drive. It isnt sporty or nice but if your unlike me and just want a good car this would be a good car to purchase.

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  too many reparis - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By ephiladelphia - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds lists the 5 year cost of repairs at about $600. In six years, Ive spent almost $2500 just on engine repairs! This is all after the 3-year warranty ran out! Ive tried to get satisfaction from the company and they are totally unapologetic (customer service at corporate headquarters in Michigan even hung up on me when I asked to speak with a manager!) about the shoddy repair history. Though its fine when its not in need of repair, the frequency and expense of repairs means that I have purchased my first and last Chrysler product.

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  great car - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By street racer - December 30 - 2:00 am

  i love this car

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  5.9 has the power - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Ralph Wiggum III - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the 5.9 and get around 12mpg most of the time. Sometimes 14 or so with highway driving but is worth it if you tow. Its also nice knowing I can accelerate faster than any other truck out there (except 5.9RT, but who wants 2WD).

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  Love Mine! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By LOVE MINE :) - December 29 - 9:30 pm

  Bought mine used w/13000 miles on it.Now have 25000 miles with no problems.Orginal tires w/good tread and no uneven wear issues.Love the interior b/c it is easy to wipe and clean (important w/2 young kids :).No transmission or other issues some have discussed-think that has to do mostly w/how you drive your car.Only complaint is that I only average 20 city & about 25 highway (nowhere near the 26-32 advertised :().Also, have CVT and acceleration could be smoother when getting out of 2nd gear to highway speeds.