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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  Beware of Oil Gelling - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Big Mistake - July 11 - 10:00 am

  No problems with vehicle, except it is a gas guzzler. At 44,000 miles engine threw a rod and blew due to oil sludge buildup. There are over 182+ people with the same malfunction ranging from 3000 miles new to 60000 miles. Very common problem in the 5.2L. Research before you buy.

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  the best van ever - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodge awd - July 11 - 10:00 am

  dodge built the first minivan, and have continued to improve them and i believe has perfected it throught the years, reading the other ones on here, these always a bad apple in a batch, and maybe you got one, but over all they are the best looking, most advanced, and just the best van hands down.

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  Light it up - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Harry - July 10 - 11:53 am

  I havent had this much fun since my 64 GTO. This car has plenty of power, good handling characteristics and aint that hard on the eyes. Get in the throttle and youll see the muscle car heritage. Plus, its pretty comfortable. A little stiff, but thats what youre gonna need when you drive this brute through her paces. I think Dodge hit a home run with this car. Youre going to need a new tire "cookie jar" because when you talk to this one, she answers!

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  I went PLUM CRAZY !!! - 2016 Dodge Challenger
  By Eddie Stewart - July 8 - 7:23 pm

  I just traded in my 2015 Lime Green Challenger RT with 512 miles on it for a 2016 Scat Pack in Plum Crazy Purple. A lot more motor. Huge difference!! Great car and great color. I removed the ugly stripes on the trunk and had the spoiler painted Purple also. Looks great. Ive only had it a few days but this is my 3rd Challenger and they were all very nice cars.

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  Instant Grin - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By rick77man2002 - July 8 - 3:33 pm

  I get a huge grin on my face every time I give it the gas. The only down side to owning this car was right after we got it, the price of gas went up about a dollar a gallon. No complaints here though. I didnt buy it for its mileage. Ive never had a car with this much room. I have long legs, but even I could sit behind the drivers seat with room to spare.

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  Love my new Journey! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Miguel G - July 7 - 11:33 pm

  Before buying my SXT Journey with 3 row seating went and checked the Equinox, Outlander, Santa Fe, and Explorer. We went back to the Dodge dealer and we loved it since the test drive. The interior is modern, its fun to drive, love the touchscreen radio (though its placement is a little weird, but you get used to it). Love all the compartments and the fuel efficiency. For us, it has been a great buy.

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  Mustang Mauler - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By KennyG - July 7 - 10:00 am

  What a great ride for a little scratch! Bought the car with a $700.00 discount then added approximately $2500.00 of "GO FAST" goodies and just set back and ENJOYED! The car has run a best 1/4 mile at Orlando SpeedWorld of 12.80 @116.08 MPH. This car now in street trim (No Slicks) spanks Mustangs, Z28 Camaros, M3 BMWs, and C5 Corvettes! All at a lot less money and with a great "Fun" factor in the process. I will probably keep this car a long time as so many new "go fast" items are becomming available. The car is easy to get into the 11s with chassis work to improve traction. A real stop light sleeper! I love it and I am 58 years old!

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  What a Mistake - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ineedacar - July 7 - 5:29 am

  Know a good repair shop

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  Magnum RT..a great review - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By vdogrt - July 6 - 6:13 am

  I keep hearing so many bad stories about the magnum rt. to date, I have had a great experience. Ive had it for 5 months and have a little under 5,000 miles. yes, I dont drive it everyday to work. its mostly a weekend and holiday car with my wife using it as needed to haul the kids around. so far no complaints. it a great car, with the feel of a luxury Benz feel to it. If problems develope in the future, I will rely on my dealership along with my extened waranty to deal with the problem.

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  best purchase i ever made - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By karab - July 5 - 8:33 am

  I LOVE THE MAGNUM, FOR THE SPORTY LOOK AND WTIH ALL THE CONFIRTS OF A BMW STYLE RIDE AND STILL HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM INSIDE LIKE AN SUV.. GREAT CAR..