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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  Stratusfied - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By jazzy1 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned Civics/Accords, so I was very pleasantly surprised by the Dodge Stratus- a car that provides a driving experience every bit as satisfying as any Honda Ive ever driven. Even better, the "base" model (SE) comes loaded with standard features- so youre getting a terrific value that includes style, performance, and comfort. If it proves to be as reliable as it is fun to drive, Daimler- Chrysler may have a customer for life. I love this car!

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  great buy - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodgeman345 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  ive always been a dodge fan, and this car is no exception to the rule. its VERY reliable, roomy, and just an all- around great car.

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  Love It All Except The A/C - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By GeorgeN - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my Durango 4X4 SLT Plus for several months now and love it with one exception. The A/C system does not perform well at all. I have tried having the dealer look at it twice and each time they say it is performing to specs. Well they need to improve on their specs if that is the case. The main system takes too long to cool down and the rear fans do not blow hard enough. The rest is great.

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  Doesnt owe me a dime - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By old_dog - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 97 with 89,000 miles on it. It now has over 190,000 miles on it. Now,the headliner is falling paint is chipping speedometer is intermittent head gasket was replaced and, the block has a hairline crack. So what! Over the past 5 years this car has been a blast to drive. In the right hands, with a 5 speed, this car will embarrasse Hondas, Toyotas, and a few V6s. I now do all the work myself and Im amazed at how much you can do for cheap. The car is on its second college student. It was a godsend when we bought and it doesnt owe us a dime. Its one of those special family cars you here about.

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  Better than most Dodges - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By TheGreatAvenger - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Avenger, first was a 1995. This one has been more dependable than the first. Have had no major problems until the last month or so. The Antilock Brake lite keeps coming on, get it checked next week. Dealership had to clean black goo (body coating) off the door sills. Overall I really like the car. Got rid of the LOUD, ROUGH RIDING Goodyears and put Dunlops on, What a great improvement that was!

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  2003 Neon SXT - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By clockit1 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Wait for the promos / discounts and grab one. Features vs. Price - this car is an exceptional value. Fun to drive and responsive. Great sound system and inside much roomier and better thought out than its competitors. Dont listen to the reviewers touting the imports - cost vs. value vs. cost to own - this car rates at the top. The sticker may say 16k, but wait for the right promo and youll grab one for 11k - see if Toyota will give you this much car for that price - not on your life!

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  Great vehicle - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By W Bush - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the vehicle since new over 9 years ago. Other than routine maintenence I have not had any problems or expenses with the vehicle. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Slick Car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By John Pouwels - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Good small car, roomy in the back and good trunk Good engine - Power Slick looks

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  Great looking and performing car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By StratusRT - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Stratus R/T Coupe in October 2001 because I loved its looks, performance, and value compared to some competing models. Ive had it for almost a year now and have no real complaints about it. The 3.0L V6 is a great performer although I think Dodge should have upped the horsepower slightly for the R/T model. I could get a plain SE Coupe with the same engine if I wanted. The R/T badge has always been on the top performance vehicles at Dodge. I get tons of looks and great comments from other people when I drive the car. Im very happy with my decision to purchase this car.

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  My New Ride - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By VickiT - September 3 - 4:03 pm

  I really love the car.I was not sure what type of car I wanted. I tested too many and it just confused me. The second time I drove the car it just really clicked and I liked it. The toss up was between the Caliber and Jeep Compass.The interior is identical to the Compass but for the price difference I went with the Dodge. The night I drove home it was pouring and extremely windy and it handled great!