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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  Nice Truck - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Vegas Dave - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I just got it, so its hard to give a fair review.... but so far Ive put about 2500 miles on it with some off-road and it handles and rides well.

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  Number 5 is Alive - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Temecula 4 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well, we just traded in our 4th Chrysler Van product in a row, a 2005 GC. We got the 2010 Hero with great factory and dealer incentives. And while reliability at over 90,000 miles has never been a Chrysler strong suit, the functionality of the GC is unsurpassed in its class. The unbelievable selling pint to buy one of these NOW, is the available Lifetime unlimited miles bumper to bumper warranty. that I have never felt before. We have had Stow n Go seating on the 05, and are please to see it is still offered in 2010. Driving the new van home it felt solid and sporty. Acceleration and passing power are ample with the 3.8. I have owned the 3.3 and do not recommend it.

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  Dodge 2.7 Engine a Lemon - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By john - October 24 - 5:02 pm

  This is a beautiful car inside and outside. My complaint is that the oil got burned out the exhaust very slowly until the crank went! No warning lights, buzzers, or other indicators that the oil was extremely low and the engine overheating. Dodge refuses to stand behind their lemon engine. Thousands of sad stories like this are on the Internet. I will never buy another north American vehicle again. Im finished with them. Jds

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  Winter Mustang - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Lizard - October 24 - 11:02 am

  After researching, just bought this off-lease from Mopar dealer. 2004s were built during Daimler "marriage," so lets hope for decent quality/reliability. Apparently, 4.7 L Magnum is only 5% thirstier than sluggish V6. I bought this 4x4, as I store my 06 Mustang (from harsh salt, Canadian winters). Box will come in handy for Reno projects, too. May add cat-back exhaust for better sound & fuel economy. Recent combined, stop n go Toronto traffic + 120 km/hr (70 mph) highway yielded 17.6 imperial mpg. Really didnt want/need full size p/u. Rangers/S10/etc, is too small in rear (ok for small kids), Dakota just right size. 1/2 price of Nissan/Toyota V6 Quad. Local driving, so $1.00 a liter, is ok

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  dodge durango review - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By dunk - October 23 - 1:05 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2001. Other than replacing the AC I have only had it in the shop for maintenance (brakes, tires, oil changes etc.) I have taken it on long trips multiple times and have used it to travel back and forth to work. Never had a break down. Lots of storage for long trips and plenty of room for 6 large guys for those trips to the ball game. I have also drove it on the beach every summer since Ive had it. Great off road vehicle. Hope to have this truck for many years to come.

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  cool 4 everyone - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By alvin - October 22 - 8:32 pm

  having added theis 22 inch rims, i blew competition out the water fashion wise, black on chrome. if i wanted a too fast and furious on the show, id have a mustang in my driveway with turbo or something. Im wheelchair bound and love the 60 40 folding seats four my wheel chair. Its room galore just like in my minivan but with tons more fun.

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  Retro-tainment - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By Amoparman - October 22 - 4:15 am

  This is my first "NEW" car, but I have lots of other vintage mopars and DD 99 Dakota R/T. This car delivers on the promise that the Charger did not. Took it on a 1500 mi trip right after getting it. Awesome on the road. Passing is great fun and watching people get self inflicted whiplash when you go by them. Im surprised there is so much plastic crap up front. Digging out all the bugs was a real pain. Had it to around 125 mph out on the desert highway, and still way more in it, but the wife gets nervous. Mine is black w/o the sunroof or NAV, dont miss either one. Seats are fine for sitting and driving, but dont even think your gonna get comfy when you lay back. Totally NOT sorry I got it.

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  Fierce Look / Frustrated Owner! - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By JJW - October 21 - 1:15 pm

  I purchased the Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl (paint color) its awesome! The body style looks fierce/mean. The ride is smooth and its got alot of room in seating and trunk space. BUT...the white interior choice is ugly (back deck & upper portion inside the vehicle). The windshield wipers-on highest speed- dont work well. Severe safety hazard. The piece theyve put on the back passenger windows is a BAD blind spot. The "cooler" compartment is a total waste. As you start to drive- when the door locks fall into place, theyre super loud. the turn signal sounds like it was taken out of and OLD car. Very loud with the clicking noise. MANY improvements should be made to this model

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  danger! - 2008 Dodge Viper
  By bundas - October 20 - 7:43 pm

  first viper, second new car. @70 very unstable, needs traction control. stepped out of 550 maranello to drive this home, scary experience. seats too close to steering wheel. need optional 2" lower railing

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  Disappointing - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By hocus pocus - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2000 base model. Had to have the front rotors changed at 30K. Dealership said they were warpped. Most of the mileage has been hiway so the rotors never got that hot. Dealer wanted to cut them as if that would help. Dealer told me they see it all the time in these cars. Car was still under warranty at the time however found out brake system is only covered for first 12k. Had the dealer look for shimmey and grinding noise and they never found anything. Its still there off and on. Now the sending unit for the gas tank level is going bad. For 20K this car should be better. Not long before it goes away in a trade.