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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  Im in love with my Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By grooviecita - August 28 - 11:46 pm

  I fell in love with this SUV, the way it moves (IM NOW A HEMI FAN) It has POWER! Its doesnt drag.I am a realtor so I drive this vehicle a lot of miles. The V8 engine was not a good choice for gas purposes but the fact that when I want to move out of the way of slow people, the power of this vehicle is amazing!

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  Love this truck! - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Haulsum@ss - August 28 - 5:12 pm

  Great overall truck. although with 2 kids i wished i had bought a crew cab. this truck has never got me stuck. The 4.7 really hauls, handles great, and will get up and go when called upon. These trucks are some of the nicest on the road. Its definatly alot better of a ride than my 01 Dodge Ram.

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  Blue - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By BOB - August 27 - 11:12 pm

  well its very reliable, but theres no weight in the back, its only summer and it spins on gravel. and the trans slips hope theres a recall soon

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  What a Ride! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By DRH - August 26 - 6:48 pm

  I bought my Charger as my retirement present to myself. I LOVE IT!. I added a K&N cold air box and laminar flow air inlet. It was supposed to add 20 HP, I dont think it did, but it sounds GREAT! The car is Tor-red, with the chrome clad wheels. Im constantly being stopped to talk about it. I have 20K miles on it, and have only done oil changes and tire rotation. Great acceleration, fun cornering. I dont drive it much in the snow, but when I did, the computer did a good job with the wheel spin. I live in a rural-sub urban area, I get 20-22 mpg depending how close I get to the city. Much better mileage at 55 than 70 mph (over 30mpg at 55, 26mpg at 70). Try it out.

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  Outstanding Replacement - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Carl Burk - August 26 - 2:45 pm

  I replaced my 1999 Dodge Intrepid with a 2005 AWD SXT and also a 2005 SXT Inferno Red Magnum. Both cars have performed well and are fun to drive. The AWD has 36,000 miles now and averages 22-24 mpg while the RWD SXT averages 28-30 on trips at 60 mph, freeway mileage drops to 27+ at 70+. Excellent Car with the advantage of looking space age and ready for flight. When purchased I added the 8 - 80 protection and havent needed anything but normal maintenance and fun to drive.

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  Godzilla - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Gary - August 26 - 11:42 am

  I have toed the line on fuel economy, the ecology, and so forth. After a bout with cancer and three minor strokes I decided to once in my automotive life to live so I bought Godzilla. I went from a 1995 Subaru Outback with a 2.2L H4 engine that got 30 miles to the gallon to Godzilla which averages half that in town and I have gotten 24.5 mpg on the highway with the A/C on. Yes, it is a brute, it is not lady friendly, but it rides smooth, has pick up, a tight turning radius and goodies galore. I love this truck and...yes it has a HEMI!!!!

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  Happy First-time Dodge Owner - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By SAMetzger - August 26 - 2:00 am

  In my first 16 months of ownership I am still very happy with my purchase! The ride has remained smooth, fuel economy constant, integrity solid, and interior durable. On a 5,000 mile camping trip to the mountains it provided all the reliability, functionality, and comfort that I could have asked for. The 3.9L V-6 is not the strongest motor available but adequate for acceleration needs (even loaded) and light towing.

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  I bought it used - 1999 Dodge Ram Van
  By jetzt1 - August 25 - 11:30 pm

  Bought this baby used with 58,000 on it with no indication it had ever been worked on for major problems. Drove it from CA to MO twice and got between 13 and 17 mpg from the 318cc engine. Have replaced water pump, front wheel bearings, and spark plugs in the 20,000 miles I put on it. I have one concern with a noise from the tranny on backing up. This noise started after the van was frozen shut for several days during the ice storm in Springfield and the -5 degrees temps. This is the most comfortable ride I have ever owned although my Cadillac Biarritz was a close second.

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  hemi 5.7l soft silky drive - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By abdullah albathalli - August 24 - 3:29 pm

  I got my durango slt 5.7l hemi 4x4 black color from the only delar in Kuwait almilla behbehani co. Nice price for perfect suv. This suv very good for me and my family 7 persons. And I Ravel with my family for about 1000 kms it was very comfortable very strong and for my self while drive it was very trusted suv .

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  Great Car!!! - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By Surfer - August 23 - 7:49 am

  Took the new car on Vacation. We love it. The car drives great. The elevated seating is awesome. The Sirius satellite radio is great. Good MPG. The Chill Zone is cool. We love the car. There is nothing else like it out there. The Fit is El-Cheapo compared to the Caliber. The Vibe is nice, but no options at this price. I would recommend a test drive. It is one great car.