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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  It keeps going and going - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By Gasque - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 1995 after it sat on the lot for 15 months. It has the 3.9L V6 which has performed flawlessly. It has not had any major problems in 7 years. The only minor problem that Ive had is the transmission started only in neutral until the neutral safety switch was replaced. Other than replacing tires and batteries, no other maintenance has been performed that isnt routine, preventative maintenance. I would recommend that other consumers buy the limited slip differential if buying 2WD to help traction in the rain and snow.

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  91 Dakota ext cab se v-8 - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By Keith J. - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Best in its class...

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  DODGE AVENGER SPORT. Love it. - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Guiness - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Terriffic car. And very Rare.

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  Dodge Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodge98Intrepid - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Its slow. Its loud inside, the noise coming from the floor and the top of the car is horrific. Never buy a base car again!!! Spend the extra dough and try to get the ES version or R/T.

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  dont get this - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By nikkihamby - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have just a regular caravan. Last year at 50,000 miles it started leaking oil, ended up 1500.00 later and after taking it back and forth with the dealer over 5 times it has started to leak oil again. On top of that had to replace cam shaft pulley pin when the engine made a horrible noise--that is broke again as well. I am a woman who doesnt drive cars to death but this car has been a nightmare. The dealer was even worse to deal with. I am fixing to trade it in and take a loss. Dont ever get this if you can possibly!!!

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  First Impressions - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By dennisrd - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had van only 10 days but I am very impressed!Ive recently owned a used Lexus LS and a new 93 Town and Country van and Chrysler finally got it right! Fit and finish almost as good as the Lexus and this thing is quiet.Interior is well designed. Handles like a small car,outstanding brakes and reasonable pickup.This thing was 8 grand less than my 93 van and twice the car.Now the question is how well it holds up but it looks really good at this point.

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  Mechanical Dream - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Darthenstein - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as I am a college student who needed cheap, reliable transportation, but this car is perfect for whatever you want to do. Basically, as long as you take good care of the Neon, and dont drive it too hard, it will last many many miles. The key is to take care of it -- it is a mechanical dream to work on.

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  Good Looking Car - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By pfiggs69 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Neon used. It had 10k miles and I have had it over a year now and it has run flawlessly until recently. It now has 45k miles and I had to get the air conditioning condensor and door lock replaced. Both were under my extended warranty. Otherwise..The Neon has been great..drives well..roomy. Great looking inside and out. Body hardware is holding up well...expect for the door lock.

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  its okay - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By momma - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable car for a teenager!

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  my durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By richard kistner - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I like the vehicles except that it rides very rough. It woould be perfect with a softer ride. Very bouncy on rough roads.