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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  Wow this car has suprised me - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By caravanman - July 18 - 4:23 am

  I purchased 7 years ago at 70,000 miles and now have 196,000. Only changed oil, brakes, starter and water pump. Car just keeps going and going. The paint is peeling off, but the engine keeps humming. Seats seem impossible to stain. everything comes off.

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  great car - 1992 Dodge Shadow
  By scatpack - July 18 - 2:00 am

  only had minor problems-fuel pump, no a/c, timing belt

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  Please do not buy this car - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By :( - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Ok, first off dont buy this car. But, if you really want to dont say I didnt warn you. This was my first car so I didnt know what I was getting into but it was a nightmare! Ive put more money into repairs than Ive spent on it!

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  best van dodge - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jasonw120 - July 17 - 11:51 pm

  this is my 2nd van 1st was a 1997 voyager mini van, the thing was awsum , i bought it for 100 bucks 140 k miles on it knew trany owner told me tranny was bad replaced it 160k miles had to replace motor ran like a tank in snow, durung pa,s snowmagaden storm in 2009 i damn near used as a snowpow i couldent get stuck if i tryed, i volunteer for fire dept and red cross and took 7 people to shelter during heat of storm with 2 feet of snow on groundm, did not have any problems at all, finly a 1998 dodge grand sport with 180k on it fell in to my lap, it was a fleet leased and company mantined van it is great looken no rust still looks new man dose it got balls to for a van, great van love it

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  Nothing but trouble - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By notadodgefan - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car second hand from a dealership in 1998. It had 34,000 miles and Ive put 38,000 on it. In the last 3 years the car has not ran properly for more than 2 consecutive months due to some electrical problem nobody (dealerships and licensed mechanics) seems to be able to find.

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  tHE BEST MINI VAN IN TOWN - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By ARUN VERMA - July 17 - 2:00 am

  no PROBLEMS IN 4 YEARS WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT

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  Last of a Breed - 1993 Dodge Daytona
  By Mike0663 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The 1993 Dayona is a somewhat conflicting assembly. Originally designed in the early 80s, the parts of the car not updated over the years (body structure, engine mounting, and rear hatch area) are quite crude. However, much of the car was updated by 1993 to provide a very nice interior, decent drivetrain (V6) and good utility. I once hauled a 50 gallon water heater home in it and it will swallow my entire mountain bike. Want cheap and stylish wheels? Find a low milage, well maintained V6 Daytona!

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  What a Ride!!!!! - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By dodgelady - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who complains of the gas mileage should have researched their purchase first! I have the 98 model durango (SLT) with the V-8 engine. It gets 15mpg on average. I purchased it to pull my sailboat 5000 lbs. It does a wonderful job. The leather seats are easy to care for. I have not had any repairs other than routine maintenance. It is also wonderful off road. I would definitely buy a new one. If you want a luxury vehicle buy a cadillac. This SUV was definitely made as a tough truck.

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  Very Poor - 1991 Dodge Shadow
  By PaulOhio - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The transmission leaked from the moment I got this car. The doors are poorly designed so that you can hear too much wind noise ans the seals around the doors slide so water leaks in. I got the car with only 56,000 miles on it but it was terrible from day 1. Stay away from this car. The hatchback wouldnt even stay up because the hydrolic arms were cheap.

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  A fun Car - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By scarter - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Neon. Its pretty comfortable, reliable, and fuel efficient. Ive had no problems with it (other than replacing the battery)in the past 3 1/2 years. The only things that they could improve: more trunk space and there is only one mirror on the driver side visor. The passenger needs one too!! :)