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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  Wishing we could keep it! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Brett - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been such a joy. With the available 5.9L we had it matches even with the 1500 series with torque and BHP and it cost on average $8,000 less. Im 64" and I feel comfortable in the rear seats. The back doors have a full 90 degree opening which make getting in and out a breeze. The ride and comfort is so car like its unreal. The only down fall that you must live with is the fuel economy or there lack of. But with all that engine it something I can live with.

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  Wishing we could keep it! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By brett - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been such a joy. With the available 5.9L we had it matches even with the 1500 series with torque and BHP and it cost on average $8,000 less. Im 64" and I feel comfortable in the rear seats. The back doors have a full 90 degree opening which make getting in and out a breeze. The ride and comfort is so car like its unreal. The only down fall that you must live with is the fuel economy or there lack of. But with all that engine it something I can live with.

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  Can go faster for cheaper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By T Jackson - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This car land Dodge smack in the middle of the "Tuner" market. In a scramble for cheap speed, some of the other manufacturers have forgoten just that. For example, your Subarus wrxs and your Mitsubishis lancer evos. You may be able to go faster, but you wont be able to go faster for cheaper. There isnt a car out there in the $20k range that even compares to this little pocket rocket. If you find one, dont hesitate to buy it, as that would be the best buy on the planet. Dodge has also given it one of the longest warranties out there. 7yrs/70k miles. Lets see the competition top that..... Go american muscle......

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  R/T Coupe - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By pittpens - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love the car so far!

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  Affordable Comfort and Versatility - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By The Warden - October 6 - 10:00 am

  While it is no Honda Odyssey, at least that is what I am told by those rich enough to afford the Honda minivan, my Dodge Grand Caravan Sport is fun to drive, versitile, and, so far anyway, reliable...and for thousands less after rebates and negotiations than what people are paying for a comparably equipped Odyssey. This is my second Grand Caravan. My first was a 1999 with the same engine that gave me no trouble whatsoever. Dodge continues to impress me with the Grand Caravan and I will be back in a few years to get another one.

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  high mileage - 1995 Dodge Stealth
  By stealthy rick - October 6 - 2:00 am

  The Stelath is a great car, it is beautiful to look at and its performance is exceptional. The one major flaw is th automatic transmission, it is unrelaible, I am on my 3rd!

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  great fast car - 1992 Dodge Daytona
  By Billie - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i loved driving the car it is fast and great transportation and qiuck

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  great car - 1992 Dodge Daytona
  By Billie - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i love the car its fun to drive and good transportation

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  great car - 1992 Dodge Daytona
  By billie - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i love the car its fun to drive and good transportation

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  Thank You, Mr. Lee Iacocca - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By rab3 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  OK, so Iacocca hasnt been CEO of Chrysler in a while, but he changed their mindset. The result is the Dakota. Works like a mid-size pickup should drives/handles like a large car. I am happy with it. Toyota was overpriced Fords too small in the mid- sized pickup market. Sturdy. Fine utility/tow vehicle. Reminds me of my first pickup love a 1986 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD, but with out the accompanying 1986 Ranger transmission problem.