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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  An amazing piece of machinery! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kingtigre - August 17 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car! Top of line. Rides great! Corners effortlessly. Like a dream come true. Engine hums so quietly that I sometimes forget that its on. If you want a car that looks mean and plays nice, this is the car for you.

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  Quiet Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Mike L - August 17 - 7:51 pm

  Purchased the Neon SXT new in September 2005. This is August 2009 and not a bit of trouble. It rides, handles, and performs better that I expected for a small car. It has the deluxe insulation group and is quiet. I had the car rust proofed (Ziebart & Sound Barrier). At 56,000 miles replaced the tires with one size larger Goodyear ComforTred tires. The car is now very quiet (no..not exactly Lexus quiet)and even more comfortable for our drives across Michigan to see our grandkids. The car consistently returns 36-37 MPG on the freeway at 70 MPH. I have had a several people tell me what a nice, comfortable small car this is. We like this car very much.

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  So far, a lot of fun - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Aaron - August 17 - 12:31 pm

  Bought the 2009 R/T R package (Road and Track) - I think it is well worth the extra money - improved handling and the top line seats - only drawback they are (or at least at the time I bought) very hard to find. So far the car is great to drive - very comfortable on road trips - I can drive all day long. I also bought the upgraded sound system (Boston), best sounding factory installed system I have ever had. I live in Wisconsin, drove once in the snow earlier this year and I am planning on driving year round - from what I have experienced car should handle as good as any non 4X4 - just have to drive with common sense! Dodge rebates plus lifetime warranty backed by the govt sealed the deal

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By markandcathy - August 16 - 11:42 pm

  Bought this 1995 red Dodge Caravan (JUST LIKE THE PICTURE ON THIS PAGE)in 1996 from another person. Its been a great vehicle. Just the usual things, a rebuilt transmission, water pump, oil changes and tires. It now has 182,000 miles. The paint job still looks like new and the interior still looks good too. I love the way it sits up high and you can see out of it. Great van!

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  DODGE INTERID BEST CAR ON EARTH - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By DODGES ARE COOL - August 16 - 12:55 am

  My car runs and drives great I got it in 1999 the only thing that was changed on the car is the spark plugs and oil since I got it I neve had any mechanical problems on this car at all I change the tires on it as well thats it I drive it every day it drives like new still nobody makes a car like this it sure is comfortable and I feel safe in this car I like the size of this car and it gets good gas mileage for a big engine sure beats hybrids and this car is very sporty for the size of it I take it the coast every summer and I never get tired of driving it even on long trips I hear tat everybody hates this car I dont know why because its very reliable and fast bring back the intrepid Dodge

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  LOVE MY CALIBER! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By toby - August 15 - 2:16 am

  Great pickup! Kicks butt! When I need the power, he provides flawlessly! Shifts seamlessly! Put custom wheels on him, added nitrogen to his Michelin tires...he rides like a dream! Even my husband with his bad back rides comfortably. Wont trade my Caliber until hes worn out. Gas mileage is good. Lots of room inside.

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  big time - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By snakebite - August 13 - 8:20 pm

  this is the best truck you can buy!!!! i have 33 in super swampers on mine and it will climb thing up side down (figuritavily speeking)!! Im so happy i got my dodge; now im no affraid to drive in the rain, sleet, smow, wind, or hail. i have no worries! I have used my truck for every thing from pulling out a couple F-350s and some Chevys here and there. but i also go offroading (mostly mud bogging and rockclimbing)and hunting with it. it has never been suck and it had been to the doors in mud (3 feet about)all i need now is some air lockers for the rock climbing!! and there comeing!

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  Nice - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Rocked - August 13 - 2:02 pm

  Great Car. Bought new in 05 and have had no problems. Outstanding performance with 340 HP and 390 tourque. Car still gets attention and favorable comments. Most surprising is gas mileage with MDS. Average MPG for life of vehicle is 20+.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Lance - August 12 - 6:01 pm

  I have had my R/T for 10 years and it has 210,000 miles. Other than a new trans at 165,000, we have conducted normal required maintenance. Its been undercoated twice and has zero rust. We love this truck and it will never be part of the C.A.R.S (clunker) program. Let gas be $7 per gal, we will continue to drive it.

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  Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By motabwa - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I just got my Magnum and I love it. I was very surprised to see how easy it handled, despite its large size. I was very impressed with the safety features that come standard and the extras. I feel very safe driving with my two children in the car.