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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  Reliable and fun to drive - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By matt98 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I had the 5 speed Inline 4 cyl engine. I never had any problems with the car, but only kept it for 3 years and 57,000 miles. Nice low aggressive stance that took turns at an aggressive speed.

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  1999 Dodge Stratus STD 4 Dr Sedan - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By purplerose_22603 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have been overall very satisfied with my Stratus. A few things that need improvement are seats need to be more comfortable, more head room, and get rid of the motor tap. I love having the power options of windows, doors and mirrors. It has great pick up for a little motor.

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  Great Value - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van to accommodate our growing family. It was far less expensive as a used vehicle than Japanese competitors. The bad: the interior plastics are cheap, the 3.3L engine is only adequate, and fuel economy is so-so. The good: we bought it with less than 20,000 miles for about $10,000 off what it would cost new. It has been very reliable, with one air conditioning problem fixed under warranty. Best of all are the stow n go seats, which are incredibly easy to operate even with one hand. It carries an enormous amount of stuff, and is pretty comfortable to drive. I dont mind the cheap interior so much, since kids only make a mess of it anyhow.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Autolycus - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Extended Cab 4x4, 4.7L with auto. So far the truck has preformed well. It handles good, rides smooth, accelerates great, turns sharp and is comfortable for a truck. It hauls and pulls loads as well as a full size. The 4x4 works good. The fit and finish is very good. No problems with the truck.

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  95 Dodge Intrepid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Trisha - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have replaced belts, oil changed frequently, new water pump put in last week.

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  Dont buy it unless you have money - 1993 Dodge Daytona
  By Scott Fair - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had 3 trannys radiator starter and selinoid wheels tires and many other things on this car replaced and yet every other week something else breaks on me. Or starts up a hole new can of worms.If I had the money I would seel both of my Daytonas in a heart beat.

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  Absolutely Love It!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By jarenkad - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I needed something reliable, economical, yet not to "corny" looking...and I have not been disappointed in any aspect. I do a lot of driving and I plan to trade the one I have for a 2002. Not a bad word to say about it...I had been broadsided and the car was strong enough that I came out with nothing more than a bruised knee...Id recommend one to anybody...and I already am responsible for someone else buying one...I LOVE IT!!!

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  The car Ive been waiting for - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemimama - August 13 - 11:30 pm

  The first time I saw the Magnum on TV I wanted it. The first time I drove the RT I bought it. Im 50 years old. I am thrilled by this car. The response is incredible. The power is impressive. It handles so well on the curves that you dont have to brake unless you are afraid. It takes a mountain pass like most cars go downhill. When I put pedal to metal it jumps like a 67 Camaro. Roadtrips are great. I love this car. I want muscle, but I need a station wagon. I am so happy with my RT that I no longer mourn my 67 Cutless w/the 350 and turbo 300 that some jerk in a Bravado creamed 6 years ago.

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  Solid Experience - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MJ - August 13 - 5:46 am

  Just traded in this van as a single owner after 165k miles. All in all a very solid van. Weve taken it on many long distance trips and have never been left stranded. Major issues we dealt with over the years included a failing battery (very early on and covered by warranty), two replaced water pumps, and a failed radiator fan relay. I wouldnt say brakes were an "issue", but they (fronts) did need to be replaced about every 30k miles. I did some of the work myself and found the vehicle highly serviceable. Honda and the other imports may be considered more reliable, but replacement parts much more expensive. We promptly addressed any suspected issues and never had a major breakdown.

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  Still running at 180000 - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tall in MN - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used. It had one year and 57,000 under its belt. The car is now at 180,000 and stil running fairly well. This car has been very reliable for me. Ive travelled all over the U.S. with it. While it is somewhat lacking in power, it more than makes up for it with excellent comfort and a nice interior. I can tell that my transmission will be going out soon. Ive also had numerous replacement of the tie-rods of course, that could be attributed to how I drive it. Other than this, Ive had no major problems with this car. There have been a few minor problems - but overall Ive been very happy.