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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  This car is plain awesome! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Buddy Rogers - November 19 - 10:50 am

  I bought the Charger Daytona R/T. I cant say enough about this car. Absolutely beautiful and amazing to drive!

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  Bought it new - 1990 Dodge Spirit
  By beb - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1990 and have always loved it. Minor rust on doors. Original engine and transmission. Ive always tried to keep the car maintained and it has always done the job. The only disappointment was the radio, which had to be replaced after 5 years.

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  killmedodge - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By kilo ustane - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was in a 45 m.p.h. wreck head on(not my fault), and neither of my airbags came out. Luckily neither me or my passenger were injured. But whats up with that, im lucky I wasnt killed. Wait until I prove the original airbag is still in there, and I already have a copy of the police report. My lawyer will eat that up Dodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Miss you! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By dodgeboy11 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I sold this car a month ago... I loved it and had a hard time parting with it. It had 114500 when I sold it...70K when bought. GREAT engine....lots of power. The transmission never had a problem at all.... Replaced a few things: EGR valve, sway bars. Rest was regular maint. Burned a little oil and dripped a little at the end, but was a good car. Highly recommended

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  Great starter car! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Brianne - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car. I bought the 2000 model used with about 48,000 miles on it (highway driving). So far, I have no complaints. The one I bought is stripped down (no keyless entry, so CD player, no power windows or door locks), its an automatic transmission (which leaves a little to be desired seeing as it is only a 3-speed auto). It drives very nicely. I have noticed a wee bit of engine noise, this is only when I am above 75mph on the highway (not very often). The brakes squeal if it has been sitting for a while (like if I dont drive it for a couple days). Once the car warms up its fine. In any case, its a great little car, perfect for me.

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  Better than expected - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Scottyl - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I got the low-end with the 8-cylinder and really like it

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  Shiney Lemons - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Lindsay Hoffman - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van because we needed reliable transportation to take our kids to the doctor. Its been in the shop at least 6 times for warranty repairs (ac leaking, ac fan broke, rotors needed turning, catalytic converter, muffler, lower control arms, Im sure Im forgetting something). Some of the stuff is finally fixed after several returns and some of it is not fixed yet after several returns. Weve never been given a rental even though theyve had it over night, so I am forced to bum a ride from a friend or sit in the dealership for hours with two children.

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  Bad truck, but Dodge itself is worse - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By J to the C - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this new in 1998 and its been a rough ride since day one. This truck has stranded me, the wife and the kids at least 5 times in 4 years, Weve gone through 5 batteries, 2 water pumps, 2 window motors, a washer pump, a blown freeze plug and a front seat, plus now with 50k miles the dealer says the ball joints are shot, the transfer case is leaking and the cooling system is corroded (even though they serviced it). After the 3 year warranty expired we tried to get Dodge to help us out at least a little bit but they told us to go to hell. Overall a bad car and a worse car company. Avoid at all costs.

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  Doesnt brake well in the snow - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Kathy - November 18 - 1:00 pm

  This is my second winter with my Journey and I make sure that I go to the store the day before a big snow. I do not feel safe driving this car in the snow. It doesnt brake well at all. Also, when I make sharp turns, it makes a horrible clunking sound. I read in one of these reviews that it is an engine mount problem. I have to drive my Journey real easy it seems. Wouldnt buy this car again and would not recommend it to anyone.

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  High Mileage Winner - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Happy Vanner - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 1998 Sport brand new. I have followed the recommended maintenance per the manual except oil changes every 5,000 miles instead of 7,500. At 225,000 miles, I cant even think of selling this vehicle. It has been 100% reliable. No engine work. No tranny work. A few belts/tensioners, a crossover pipe. Oh yeah, I pull a 2000# camper, no problem.