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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  My going to school car - 1991 Dodge Dynasty
  By heidi - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Not only has it started every day it has never broken down like some of the other cars. I can recall a very cold winter day when most newer cars were stuck in the parking lot at the mall. My car started as if it was a sunny day for shorts. Its will be hard to give up some day but I will fix it untill it can go no more

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  Best Ive Found - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Fractal_Tech - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on September 9th of last year. This vehicle, with 24000 miles in 12 months, has been nothing but a joy. Nothing on it has broken at all, and it continues to purr like a kitten. Gets 15-17 MPG in the city, and never lacks for power, something I might add the explorer does, even with the V-8. Might have tried a Tahoe, but the extra $10,000 for the options I got seemed a little steep.

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  2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By bryane - September 11 - 12:23 am

  I have driven this company car for almost two years. I often drive 3-4 hours a day. It is a pleasure to drive and has been perfect since day one. Mileage just turned over 62K.

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  Trip taker - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JLH - September 10 - 10:50 pm

  We bought our van with 35,000 miles on it. We bought an extended warranty from a company that went our of business, but did get some repairs done first. This van was great for our family when we took trips. Even though it didnt have the DVD/Tv system. We didnt have too many problems until around 100,000 miles. We now have 134,000. Motor still runs good. Changed oil every 3000 miles and had the tranny serviced several times. The lock broke in one of the sliding doors. Just had front end problems. Sway bar bushings and a cv shaft. $500 to fix. My last brake job lasted 3 years. Replaced EGR valve. Now engine light is on. Vacuum problems. Also belt, tensioner and water pump. $500.

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  2000 Powerwagon - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pop - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is superior to the Ford Windstars I have owned. It is more comfortable, pulls my boat easier, and is much roomier and more comfortable. The mileage is disappointing, as is the braking system. It has had to have a seat replaced because of wear, and stabilizers were added to the front to get rid of excessive noise.

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  Great Car - 1994 Dodge Stealth
  By jesee44 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This has been a solid car since it was new. Its fun to drive, looks good, and built well. Its got 84,000. Yes, I paid dearly for the timing belt and new tires...but its better than a new car payment. The drivers leather seat needs repaired the leather has torn and cracked.

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  Neon Sport 4Dr - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By neondriver76575 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for about 2 years (it now has 55000 miles), and have had no major problems. The brakes are noisy, and the parking brake always need re-adjusting, but its been great. I wish I had the ABS, but oh well. It does slide a bit on wet roads. It is a reliable, and fun to drive car, as long as you arent friends with too many "car" people.

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  Alls good that ends good - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By The Dodge - September 8 - 9:23 pm

  My wife and I test drove a number of vehicles. For the money, gas, and all around quality of a vehicle Dodge was hands down the best. The Caliber was the only one that my wife really responded to as far as the looks and design. While she test drove this one and many other calibers she could find no complaints. I have no idea what the future brings for this car but Dodge obviously does because they have a lifetime powertrain warranty. These reviews are very helpful, but please just try one for yourself. Not only fuel efficient but all around affordable. Thank you.

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  Lemon -- Leaks Oil All the Time - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By LouisvilleKY - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lemon! Avoid it!!! After replacing the head gasket, valve cover gasket, transmission pan gasket, and the transmission cooler hose lines at 55,000 miles it still leaks fluid.

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  Great Truck! - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By Karen Duggan - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck since I bought it new in 2/94. It originally cost around $15,000 and I have gotten so much value for that expense. Aside from replacing tires and the battery, this truck has been amazingly reliable. I have had NO major problems. I will continue to strongly endorse this truck and believe my recommendation has caused the purchase of at least 10 Dodge trucks among friends and family.