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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  damiler should not have gotten involved - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By robert filips - October 22 - 2:00 am

  headgasket, and peeling paint

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  Its a Lemon! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Andres6 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I replaced close to about absolutely everything on this vehicle except the engine. Auto Transmission only lasts 60K miles! AC and Head Gasket Last about 36K miles. Alternator belt, cables/wires/starter last about 4 years. This car is a complete lemon, and almost all Neons are like this. Neons were designed to break-down after the 3 year warranty.

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  One Tough Truck - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Leadfoot - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this baby with 22K on the odometer. Ive used and abused this truck until just recently. Hauled kids and their stuff to college from Virgina to Maine. Its just 2WD but Ive taken it to some awful spots with my dog to do some great bird hunting. The extended cab is only good for a dog and gear, but who cares. Im trading it in for another Dakota. With 132,000 on the odometer and no major repairs, this baby owes me nothing. If you can get your hands on another like this treasure it.

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  Over 100,00 miles and Still Going Strong - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By LP - October 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 1997 Dodge Intrepid new. Love the 3.5 L engine. Lots of pick up. Excellent handling. Had some problems with a fuel leak but the dealer fixed it free.

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  Good mini van but........ - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Justflow - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I like so much this van, and I always use this van for travel around Texas, until I sold it, after suddenly this car losses power and stalls while Im driving, and the dealer said the problem cause the tranmission pump is broken because the weather of summer, and they cost me $2025. I have a warranty gold protection until 75000 mil the highest that Chrysler can give, but my car broken in 75500 mil, and the Chrysler doesnt want to responsible for it. I love this car but for living in Texas, its better say Good Bye for my van!!!

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  Nice car, but the brakes are terrible - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By concerned - October 21 - 6:33 pm

  My wife and I really like this car for all of the extra features and the nice ride. Weve had some problems though. The first issue was a clunking sound when the car made a sharp turn. Turns out the engine mount wasnt secured at the factory. Also, we had to replace the brakes at 12000 miles and Dodge wouldnt cover it. Set back over $160 for a repair that shouldnt be made for another 40,000 miles. Very upset about that, but the other features are great.

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  Not Happy, Nitro Vibration and Rust issues - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By John Nichols - October 21 - 8:33 am

  I drove this SLT model for most of a snowy winter. The chrome grille now has major rust like discoloration penetrating it. Looks bad, Dodge wont replace it, I washed it when possible but this brightwork has really deteriorated in a few short months.You would think it should be able to withstand normal Colorado winter driving. Has an ongoing vibration, very annoying. The dealer has checked it out, states "thats just the normal thing for the torque converter to do." I know better than that! Complained to Dodge headquarters, No positive help at all. Look out, buyers beware, Dodge is slipping in quality and in taking care of customer.They have lost me.

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  Torn! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Torn - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Im torn. Its sooo cute and fun to drive, great mileage, and you wouldnt believe the amount of stuff Ive packed into this car. BUT...while it never actually broke down on me, its had to have a ton of work - tranny, head gasket, HO2 sensor, electrical, shocks, rust on edges of hood and trunk, and major paint flaking.

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  Darn good car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mullins - October 20 - 9:43 pm

  This is one of the best vehicles I ever owned. We live in upstate NY (snow), and with the AWD we have had no trouble getting around. It is very comfortable on long trips, and a lot of room for stuff. Comfort, performance, a real head turner. We plan on keeping it for a long time. My wife just loves it. I have my 4x4 Dakota, but I have no problem driving the Magnum in bad weather. Thanks

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  My Black Beauty. - 1995 Dodge Stealth
  By Lodge - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with only 15,000 miles on it. It was a birthday present to myself. Drove it off the show room floor and have never looked at another car. The only repairs I have had to make on the now 108,000 miles ... is 1 alternator, and the regulator for the drivers side power window.