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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  1997 Dodge Avenger 2 Dr Coupe 6 cyl 2.5 - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By "J" - November 6 - 10:25 am

  Wow I really like this car a lot. I bought it having 120,000 miles on it. Really no major problems. I had the water pump gasket begin to leak, but kinda difficult to get around under the hood. Should have small hands. Seeing behind you is kinda annoying, and turning ratio isnt great. Very powerful, and sleek, stylish. Gas mileage is OK. Radio system great. Little low in the front end. Plenty of space. Overall it does its job nicely.

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  I messed up this time - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By L. Duke - November 2 - 10:07 pm

  As much a Dodge fan that I am, this is not looking good. I have a vibration problem, the suspension is very soft, the front end pulls and clunks. I am very dissatisfied, and this will probably be my last Dodge.

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  Watch those power doors - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Karen - November 2 - 11:06 am

  We purchased this Dodge Grand Caravan Sport to replace our 10 year old Grand Caravan that died. This is our 3rd one and because of previous problems we also purchased the extended 100,000 mile warranty. I strongly suggest purchasing extended warranties with these vans as they are prone to problems. So why did I buy my 3rd one? Because they are just fun to drive for a mini-van! Just because Im a mom doesnt mean Im dead. Its comfortable, extremely maneuverable, and tows our pop-up camper with ease. The power sliding door was a big problem, however. Never would work when the outside temp was less than 75. This went on for three years! Finally, "uplinking" the computer to a satellite fixed it.

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  Hemi Daytona R/T Midlife - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Sweeet! - November 1 - 10:33 am

  This is my fifth Dodge product Ive purchased in the last ten years and I can honestly say this Hemi Daytona R/T has exceeded all expectations I had about this car.On a recent 1K mile trip to Texas the 5.7L w/MDS achieved 21 m.p.g. on 87 octane fuel. On cruise control at 75 miles per hour the only indication MDS was active was the "Fuel Saver Mode" message was on the DIC. The performance tuned suspension on the Charger is more like a touring setup rather than a race car. Probably the most comfortable ride Ive ever owned. This car will definitely get some looks around town and its hard to resist my right foot urges too. It has all the cool toys with Sirius and MYGIG infotainment center.

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  Not just a good van but a great one! - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Tom S. - November 1 - 10:00 am

  From the quiet and surprisingly capable 3.3 V6 to a comfortable ride, great brakes and super-van turning radius the Caravan does its job very well. The 3.3 doesnt rev quickly but moves the van well stoplight to stoplight which is surprising for such a heavy vehicle. This is due to plenty of low end torque from the 3.3 The stow & go rear seats are neat and fairly easy to fold down and raise up. While in the up position you have two cavernous floor storage compartments for suitcases, duffel bags, coolers etc. This is a really good and useful feature. The second row stowable seats also adjust fore/aft for taller passengers. Front seat comfort and steering/pedal placement is very good.

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  2002 Pewter SLT 5.9 4x4 - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By CB - October 30 - 12:49 am

  Spendy and ridiculous transmission replacement @ 81,000 miles. Mechanic discovered broken retainer ring when pan was dropped and filter removed. The truck made no noise and showed no sign of trouble, however metal rings are not supposed to be kicking around in the case. The truck wasnt even in the shop for this, the D,N,2,1 shift indicator wouldnt light up. Beware, these trannies can have issues. The truck has never been off road or pulled a boat. A Jasper transmission will run you $2500.00 plus install. For a bonus, I have had the front brakes redone 3 times in 3 years, Dodge dealer first, (had to go to small claims because the rotors got fried), next Les Schwab, (rotors grooved), got hot

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  Good Little Car - 1992 Dodge Shadow
  By materialman - October 29 - 1:05 pm

  We bought this car with 8000 miles on it in 1993 for my Mother-in-Law. She loved it and would not have traded it for a new Mercedes. She has passed away now and the car is in mint condition with 77,000 miles on it. We have never had a minutes trouble from it and it will never be sold.

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  old faithful - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lady Luck - October 27 - 10:55 am

  We got this car off a 2 year lease return in 1998, and Im still driving it. We have had absolutely no major problems with this car up until recently, and its almost 13 years old, and has over 150k. Up until the car went over 100k, it was nothing but oil changes, brakes and tires for this car, plus one timing chain change. After that small stuff started to go bad I cant say anything bad about this car up until now. Accelerates nicely, is comfortable, especially for a tall girl like me. The trans is going bad now, and Im still deciding on replacing it or getting something else. I really do love this car.

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  Fun - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Steve - October 25 - 8:53 am

  Well when I had the car at my insurance company to plate it (still had dealer plates). I got three comments on what type of car and how sharp it looks. The transmisson is a little bit hesitant when you punch it in low gear but it is still fast. Very fun to drive

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  Its a gas sucker - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Igot - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is definately a gas hog. Also when driving on the highway it sounds like wind is coming in the front window. Love how it handles and the comfort.