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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  the durango rocks! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By emanmano - August 28 - 2:00 am

  this is my first brand new vehicle and i love it! i drove a 92 ford explorer and finally decided to go w/ the durango. as a single guy, the sxt is the way to go (i saved $3,500). i love the v8 engine and the smooth ride...very responsive to quick turns! i upgraded my seats to after-market leather and i feel like im riding first class everytime i sit in it!

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  One great van - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Numion Sizemore - August 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I decided that after our third child that we needed to purchase a minivan. We looked at and drove many different vans including the Toyota, Ford, Pontiac, and the Honda. The Grand Caravan had the best ride and comfort for the money. We bought the van with a factory DVD player. WOW it is amazing how quite the kids are when listening/watching a video. With the head phones on the kids my wife and I can still listen to the music we choose without disturbing them. The 3.3 is a great motor but I wish it was it had a little more pick-up. Should have gotten the 3.8 I will remember next time to get the 3.8L. What a value for only $26,000.

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  Too good to be true? - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By petshop - August 26 - 4:06 pm

  The Dodge Charger R/T exceeded all my expectations. Acceleration that leaves other cars in the dust. Smooth and quiet freeway driving, luxury features like leather, full power and heated seats at a rock bottom price and a trunk that can easily fit a large families luggage.. This isnt a normal Dodge, the fit and finish is up to par of the European imports. There is no wood but really who needs that? Telescopic steering and power pedals are far more useful

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Brad C - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The Charger is the perfect blend of family car and performance car. The base 3.5L V6 maintains good balance between ample power and decent fuel economy. The SE is well appointed, without all the deluxe options that drive up price. The Charger is the perfect car for a family man (or woman) looking for sport styling that turns heads, while maintaining low cost of ownership and a funtional family vehicle.

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  Great Overall Car! Best Purchase ever!!! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Ken Mooney - August 24 - 2:13 am

  Great car for the price!

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  What a ride - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Don S - August 23 - 5:46 pm

  This is my third Dodge, and I love this car. Thats the first time in a long time I am able to say that. Fun to drive, and handles great. Im very impressed with the 3.5L. I find it has very good get up and go, no regrets on the selction of this motor. Don;t forget the looks you get too. I had aa older couple in a Benz really give me the once over look. Well have this car for a while.

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  Don’t buy a Dodge Journey - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Scothalas@gmail.com - August 22 - 5:45 am

  I have nothing but problems with this car, and would never wish for anyone to buy it. Fobes, Consumer Reports and JD, power all gave a poor rating.

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  5th and Last Grand Caravan - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By swgplain - August 21 - 5:33 pm

  Weve owned 4 caravans before this and it seems that every model is worse then the before it. We bought it used with only 26,000 miles on it. Should have gotten the extended warranty. AT 38000 miles the turn indicator switch went out. Shortly there after the drivers side power lock and window control switch went out. Then the rear heater control switch went out. At 50000 miles the ABS sensors went out. We seriously considered the Honda Odyssey because of similar styling but at an average of 4 grand more and 20,000 miles more we opted to give the Americans one more chance. Now we have 92,000 miles and it needs a water pump and a power steering pump.

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  The Caliber does it all for me! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By KMG - August 20 - 1:00 pm

  I love this car. I have been waiting for an economical mini SUV and this is a dream come true. This car gives me the ability to carpool and not apologize for the ride. I also love the car for weekend camping/fishing trips. I can pack the tent, supplies, and even the dog with no problems. My daughter is counting the days until she turns 16 and can stake her claim for the drivers seat.

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  I love my Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By skylark256 - August 19 - 6:13 pm

  I havent had the car a long time but I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. I love my car. The body style and the power and the smooth ride.