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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  What?? Why did i buy this? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Anthony - November 11 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this car from enterprise. After the 1st week i needed a new transmission.(miles 34,000) 2 weeks later i need another transmission. Now i need a new engine because some rod broke. Worst car ever. Engine stalls when im on the highway. I bought it for $12,000. I tried to sell it back to enterprise and they will only give me $5,000. They said the Cailber doesnt hold its value. So after 2 months it lost $7,000.00. Im stuck with it. I should have bought the charger!!!! STAY CLEAR FROM THIS CAR!! DO NOT BUY!!!

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  Goodys Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By goody03 - November 11 - 2:00 am

  sweet car! it is very fun to drive. i am goin to be a dodge boy forever.

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  a-ok vehicle - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Commander - November 11 - 2:00 am

  The car is a good looking vehicle. Plenty of trunk space. Nice interior...roomy. Comfortable to drive.

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  No Problems, Great Ride - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Starfire - November 11 - 2:00 am

  In 99 we bought our Durango after a screw up with the Ford dealership on an Expedition. Im glad we took the Ford back. Weve gone from Portland, Oregon to Jasper, Alberta to Los Angeles, California in the rig and havent had a single problem with it. Its a pleasure to drive. I only wish it would get a little better gas mileage but Im not complaining about that too much. Just had its 30k check up and only found a small water leak by the thermostate. Didnt even notice this myself. Very Pleased!!

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  My second Durange - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By GRK - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one of my favorite vehicles ever. It is actually an SLT Plus with the 5.9. The new Durango is my second I had one of the first 1998s. I think the exterior design and shape is by far the nicest among SUVs, especially in mono color. I put 154,000 miles on the 98 and had NO PROBLEMS.Lots of truck for the money. I might even buy a third on in a couple of years.

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  I love this car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Debbie - November 10 - 7:20 pm

  I love driving my Charger the ride is smoothe, it has quick pep, and very roomy inside. The one thing that bothers me is the fuel economy, it was rated at 17 mpg city but I get 13. Otherwise this car is the perfect car for a mom that likes muscle! Im having a blast!

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  Very Disappointed - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Chris - November 9 - 6:40 am

  I bought my Dodge G/C SXT used with 21,000 miles. I have experienced several problems with it and am seriously debating a trade in. The automatic doors are wonderful to have, when they work. I had to take the van in several times for "programming issues". Then there was a recall for a wiring issue that seems to have fixed the prob. Front end was completely replaced at 35,000 miles. Thank god for warranties. Front headlamp was factory wired incorrectly. Now as I have just passed the 36k mark (38,500) the brakes just got extended and now I dont apply for the $100 deductible to fix the obvious problems. I am not going to buy another GC. I have had a Ram for nearly 9 years and love it!

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  Stay Away From A Neon!!! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Not a good car!!!!! - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I used to own this vehicle and then traded it in for a "Honda" product. You just cant compare the two! You name it, I had it go wrong with my Neon! Headgasket (twice!), breaks, fuel indicator...reading full, when in fact empty....Air Conditioning, interior lighting, etc..etc..etc!! Unless, there are significant improvements, I suggest scrapping the Neon all together!! And avoid all the consumer headaches!!!!

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  Wonderful car - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By :) - November 9 - 2:00 am

  My 1995 dodge neon was my first car I purchased. Its really reliable and takes me everywhere!!

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  Such potential - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By TNB - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have loved the size and power of this car, which I bought used. The several tall people in my family love the interior room. Repairs have been more frequently than I had hoped, and usually were expensive. At 100,000 I have had two lifter jobs, replaced all the struts and upper mounts, replaced the radiator, and have done the expensive tie rod repair. The exterior body is very attractive and is holding up well over the years. The wheel covers have worn out and are very expensive to replace.