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:

• 

  The noen that has oil leak - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By chad utz - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The paint is pealing off the body after 30,000 miles. The head gasket leaks the compnay know it but will not help you to fix it.

• 

  Dodgie - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Dodgie - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Poor handling in snow! If you plan on driving this in snow, then Id reconsider. Traction is poor and has difficulty stopping. Airconditioning is weak, but if you plan on being up in the front, its ok. If you are going to having rear passengers, this could be a problem.

• 

  Why I like Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By McInnes - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks solid, but rides too bouncy.

• 

  Believe it or Not - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By BIGBAIR67 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  In 11 months I put 40,000 km on this vehicle. It has performed well however there have been and are certain issues I believe need to be aired. First after only 3 months of ownership the computer chip for the fuel pump died. There were no chips in Canada so I had to wait for a whole week. The light switch broke off after 10 months.( The one you pull to engage the fog lamps.) Now Im trying to get Dodge to look at the breaks. When the breaks are applied with consistant and sudden pressure the brakes release after a fews seconds. This is especially noticable when you hit a bump and apply the breaks.

• 

  Best Truck in town - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By mullicamick - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Take the Dakota for a test drive like I did , and youll buy it .. Its fun , tough , roomy , and with the 4.7L it will tow my boat without a problem.

• 

  hott stuff - 1996 Dodge Viper
  By dumbass - July 14 - 2:00 am

  i love it more than any other car ive ever had. it is the most fun to drive and look at.

• 

  Mom, can I take the STRATUS?!?!?! - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By mee-moo - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My Stratus ES (1999 w/ Autostick) has been a very good car. I only had one, minor problem with it the alternator cable to the battery came loose, which resulted in some arching and a bad smell. Nothing serious at all. It took no time to fix and was covered by warranty. One other problem--very, very minor--the print on the radio buttons seems to be wearing off way too early, and those shouldnt wear at all...ever.

• 

  Awesome truck! - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By HateDodge - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I wonder why people never say anything bad about dodge dakota

• 

  My Dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Bacspinner - July 13 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, then you have found one. I put mine through Hell , and it stood strong. The only bad thing about it was that I am 6 foot 2, and it is a bit small on the inside. If you are into quality sound, then the dakota is for you. It is incredible for pure sound because of how small it is.

• 

  Great car - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Susan - July 11 - 4:20 pm

  This has been a great minivan. We really like having vents that go all the way back (which is why we bought the Sport) and the built in kid seats - they make life so easy. The car runs great on the highway and handles really well. I just want better gas mileage - I cant wait until they start making hybrids or just improving the mileage.