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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  excellent piece of equipment - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mek0123 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have totally enjoyed my Dodge Grand Caravan ES. It is truly a fun to drive and the best road vehicle I have ever driven much less owned. Rides like a car and handles like something German. For the first time ever in a minivan, I can actually hold a regular tone conversation with 3rd seat rear passengers without raising my voice. Chrysler-Infinity sound system with 9 speakers can literally blow you out of the van. Automatic load leveling suspension is the final charm for me with this minivan. Loaded up, headlights are still aimed on the road and not up into the trees. Rent one from Alamo/Dollar for a weekend and youll be convinced too!!!

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  Dodge Dakota - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By SVurno - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier.

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  Loving It So Far. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Gretchen - December 4 - 9:43 pm

  I loved the look of the Journey when it came out. I leased mine in July when I turned in my much hated town & country. I dont have all the great available options in mine, but I have what I need. Love the 19" wheels, storage compartments, exterior styling, comfort seats, etc.

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  Good Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By JR - December 4 - 9:20 pm

  Our Dodge Journey has been fun to drive. Recent recall not an issue with us. We are glad to have the issue fixed. We do not have children so our concerns are safety, fuel economy, and comfort while on the road. Fuel economy does me little good if I am too stiff to get out of my vehicle when I get to my destination. Chrysler has always had top notch interior comfort in my book.

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  A few facts about a certain Intrepid. - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By pvlovisa - December 4 - 2:00 am

  -A/C, went out, refilled with refrigerant and leaked out. Dealer was only shop willing to look at it and wanted $50 just to pull it in. I still dont have A/C. -Brake drums, rotors, and shoes at 80,000. -Starter raplaced at about 90,000. $250 w/labor. -Was warned by other Intrepid owners about the tranny.. 91,600 to date for mine and so far, so good. -Front end starting to sound sloppy, but riding fine. -Had an alignment at 85,000. Misc: some chipping paint, black plastic pieces on either side of rear window are cracking and fading, hood doesnt stay up, trunk relay sticks sometimes and has to be tapped to get the trunk lid to shut again.

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  I love Dodge daytonas - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By Bryan Shumway - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power good reliable need nicer interior on 89 but 90-93 is one of the best interiors ever in a car. Ih has a good amount of power over my blue 90 3.0 v6

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  This Car Rocks! - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By c_cuccia55 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  From the day I bought this car I have enjoyed driving it and have felt safe with its reliability. The 2.4L engine has a lot of power for a 4 cylinder which gives me great acceleration and no problem with passing cars or trucks. The styling is also pretty sexy inside and out.

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  Very Pleased - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By dhiggin02 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van used. We had one minor problem with the rear wiper but it was fixed under warranty. Otherwise all is good. Like the built in child seats in the middle bench seat. Very useful when small children are riding in your van. like the overhead console, dual zone climate controls.

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  Dont make this mistake - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By fhjsifhwiehfnsdf - December 4 - 2:00 am

  A completely aweful vehicle. The reliability is horrendous and the service from the dealerships will blow your mind it is so bad. I finally punted mine and am so much happier with the Suburban now. Check the reliability ratings and reviews and heed their advice: Stay away at all costs. Dodge doesnt receive poor marks for nothing. If you buy a Durango you will regret is for years to come.

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  Mr - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By Junglejim - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as a lease return in 1998. Since trhen I have had only 1 problem - head gasket failure which was a common thing for this era of Chrysler cars. In spite of being out of warranty Time wise, it was repaired for only a deductible charge to me. It has been very reliable, and the finish is still spectacular. It has been an excellent car for me.