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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  SRT4 - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Moparmike98 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing, I tested the SRT4 against the Civic Si and Focus SVT and they couldnt even come close.

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  2003 Dodge Grand Caravan is versatile - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Hector F. - November 29 - 10:00 am

  After driving the 02 DGC Sport for 2 months, I find that it is versatile. It is the ideal van to travel on your vacations. It handles very well, it is reliable, and it turned a few heads in my companys parking lot. Some co- workers have even bought 03 Dodge vans and trucks.

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  2003 Dakota Club Cab Sport + (4.7 auto) - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By DustyK - November 29 - 2:00 am

  2003 Dakota Club Cab Sport Plus with 287cid V8 (4.7), 545FRE automatic, LSD, 6010 GVW & handing package, PW, PL, AC, front/rear sway bars, P245 70R16 on/off road tires. Exceptionally smooth and powerful engine/transmission combination. Plenty of power when pulling a load on hills. At 3500 miles, worst gas mileage was 15.04 (city w/load), 21.87 highway (65MPH). Current average is 17.38 mpg. Very comfortable seating, good ergonomics. Very quiet, except tire noise. Build quality & fit & finish near 100%. No performance, reliability, or quality issues yet.

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  A good value for money - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By eric - November 28 - 3:30 am

  So far, no probs whatsoever. Good buy.

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  Attractive Sports Coupe - 1995 Dodge Avenger
  By ejp - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my avenger for several months now, and shes caused me now problems. All I have to do, is check my oils, and tires pressure, and get the lube job every 3,000 miles. The Avenger has been running great every since I brought her.

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  Boxes - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joyce - November 27 - 11:50 am

  I love how the front passenger seats folds flat! I can fit 1 1/2 skids in my Caliber I no longer need to rent a box truck I just make 2 trips. Why not make 2 trips the Caliber is fun to drive.

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  Never again - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By T J T - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of this car and really enjoy driving it....when it works. The great looks are more than offset by the significant quality issues Ive had since the day I purchased it. First it was electrical problems (which have continued to this day) such as all dash lights going out and the overhead console lights going out. Then the car just doesnt start at least once per year. And now the heat cuts out and the car overheats. All I can say is never again! Ill never buy a Chrysler product again.

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  mechanics special - 1991 Dodge Daytona
  By kompilashun - November 27 - 2:00 am

  MY neighbor owns a 91 daytona and the car has nickel and dimed him to death alot of the problems start with the poorly designed 3 litre v6 just about everything in the world that could go wrong with the car has. I would steer clear of this vehicle if at all possible. But the vehicles dependability & performance depend on the maintance recieved. Helpful hint be careful when buying this model of car.

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  It Depend On The Truck! - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By CarpeNoxRacing - November 27 - 2:00 am

  All Depend On How Much You Baby It.

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  Final Edition # 171 of 360 - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By Daniel Lesser - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Definatly the coolest, fastest, most fun car I have ever owned and driven. Owning a Viper is much more than just owning the car... it is an experience.