Dodge

Dodge, an American brand, has a history that spans over a century. Founded by the Dodge brothers, Horace and John, in 1900, the company initially started as a supplier of parts and assemblies for Detroit-based automakers and began building complete automobiles under the “Dodge Brothers” brand in 1914.

The early vehicles, notably the Model 30, were known for their durability and quality. These early cars were among the first to with features like an all-steel body and a 12-volt electrical system. The brand gained a reputation for ruggedness and reliability, which was further solidified during World War I when Dodge supplied vehicles and parts for the military.

After the deaths of the brothers in the early 1920s, the company went through several ownership changes.  The company was eventually sold to Chrysler in 1928. Under Chrysler, its lineup expanded and became well-known for its trucks and full-sized passenger cars. In the 1930s the Dodge Ram symbol was introduced, it became a defining feature of the brand.

Post World War II, they became known for its performance cars. In the 1950s and 1960s, vehicles like the Charger and Challenger became synonymous with American muscle cars.

The Shift in Dodge

The oil crisis of the 1970s led Dodge, like many American automakers, to shift towards smaller and more fuel-efficient models. The company introduced cars like the Dart and the Omni, which were smaller and more fuel efficient. They also started a program to design a small affordable van that looked and handled more like a car.  The result was the first American minivan based on the S platform.  In 1984 the Caravan and Plymouth Voyager were introduced.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Dodge continued to grow its offerings, balancing between performance and practical family cars. They reintroduced the Charger and Challenger, with modern designs and performance engines.

Today, Dodge is part of Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation.  This was following the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group in 2021.

If you want to check for recalls, try this.  Visit our list of common manufacturer issues for specific vehicles to see if yours is on the list.