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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  Redline Red Charger - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By mike rippel - October 11 - 8:53 pm

  This is a great car, very comfortable and quick with the 300HP V-6, so far averaging about 24-MPG overall. Love the retro style cues, visibility is good and seats are firm, sports car feel. The car is large by todays standards but handles great. I havent really driven in much bad weather yet, but in rain it didnt skid or slip. The package offers good value, there are only a couple of small things that I didnt really think about buying when I purchased it - since the drivers seat has electric positioning, a his and hers preset would have been helpful. No regrets on my choice, like to get some graphics added to the paint sometime. Its a lot of car to wash and dry, reminded my of my old 76 GMC van after maintaining a Jeep Compass for the last 8-yearsl Dealer support was great on the sale, couldnt ask for more. Looking forward to traveling in it.

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  Not if it was the last car on earth! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By whydidibuydodge - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased new from the dealer lot. The air conditioner has never worked from the first day. Ive had it back to different dealers every summer since and no one can find out whats wrong with it. Had transmission problems after the first year and at 45,000 was told that I needed a new one. Starter died the third year. Fixed with after- market parts. Every time I brought the car in for service, something else came back broke. Brought it in for a broken headlight, hood release came back broke. Brought it in for brakes, passenger window wouldnt go down. Brought it in for air conditioner (again and again), low-fuel light wont go off.

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  My new baby - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By Sara2racy4u - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first real new car and I love it. this car has a great look to it

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  Great Buy - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By thestuff - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Dakota for over 3 years now and I love it. Value, power, everything is the best. Id recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Good and bad - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stefan - October 10 - 7:33 pm

  The good, its roomy, works great as a truck with both bench seats removed, can haul 4x8 sheet rock, good on long trips. Now the bad, its American made, which means, its poorly made. Its garage parked, yet there is rust, even under the hood where the struts mount. After 3 years and 30,000 miles, needed a new transmission(expensive, and a notorious problem with Dodge) Replaced starter, heater core, window regulator/motor twice, also very expensive. Replaced power steering pump because IT RUSTED OUT! Basically its a hit or miss with these Caravans, more misses than hits, so be very cautious when buying used even with low miles, Dodge dealers will not cover you.

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  Bad Tranny - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By Walnut Willie - October 10 - 2:00 am

  These Vans are "OK" but thats about all you can say for them. The tranny failed at 85000 and I understand this is common with all Caravans. 3.3 engine has used oil from the start too. Recently went shopping for a new van but Dodge has them priced too high considering the reliability. So we test drove a Honda Odyssey and fell in love with it. Bought it on the spot . We love this thing , it is a luxury van. Made in USA too and you cant say that about Dodge anymore. If your shopping for a minivan try an Odyssey.

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  Dakota Quad 4x4 with 4.7l V8 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Maryland Driver - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After looking at the Ford Explorer Sport-Trac and other quad cabs, this is definately the BEST (even better than the Toyota!). Plenty of power with the 4.7l V8 (but gas milage is only acceptable). Fun to drive, very comfortable for family of 4. Great quality control (due to Mercedes Benz) and I got it $10,000 cheaper than a F- 150 SuperCrew! Great dealer (Fitzgerald Auto Mall) and I am very happy with Dodges customer relations! Highly Recommended if this is the type of vehicle you need!

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  Dodge Grand Caravan SE - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Joel - October 9 - 8:10 pm

  Overall the minivan has been very reliable and practicle. Bought with 35k miles from dealer, zero problems. ride quality is good and interior comfort is adequite. Fuel economy is almost too good and the van handles very well. Overall for the price you probably wont find better. I would definintly recommend. (the 3.8 would add more power.)

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  Modern Muscle Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Ted Hamlin - October 9 - 3:40 am

  This car has the illusion of a late 60s muscle car. The power, performance and feel are a whole lot better. Not only is this car the most fun I have ever driven, it is a real eye catcher. Try stepping out of the Charger RT in any parking lot without having someone ask you how you like it or make some kind of comment about it.

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  Neons Rock - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By Qbert - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Dependability and good mileage. This car is rock solid. It has some road noise but what small car doesnt. 4.5 years now with nothing but gas and oil changes. Except for a bit of wind noise on the drivers side, frameless window, this car is the ultimate for price vs. performance. Unless you need a truck or have a three kids, I highly recommend this vehicle. Biggest complaints: All I see on the road is bumpers and headlights (hard to get away from that in a small car). Summary: Not a luxery vehicle but great return on investment:)