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:

• 

  cool - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By nikki - March 19 - 7:43 pm

  i really like this car

• 

  Good car for the money - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By razalas - March 18 - 5:30 pm

  Overall this has been a nice ride. We bought it to drive from Newport Beach, CA to Key West, FL and back again. We also stopped quite a bit in between it was our honeymoon. Our honeymoon wouldnt have survived if we had any other vehicle for this trip. Big enough to take naps and sleep comfortable on a queen size air mattress in the back, and all the other things associated with traveling great distances.

• 

  Dissapointment Abound - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Very dissapointed - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Less than 1 year and it has been in the shop at least 7 times. The worst being after 6 months I was told that the engine came off the motor mount. It was a good thing they finally found it after several tries. I recently took it for the power outlet kept shorting and blowing the fuse for the locking system. They told me my phone was to powerful to charge in it and that I would have to pay to get a stronger outlet installed. ARE YOU SERIOUS. Needless to say after several attempts to get my care properly repaired I am giving up. Time to SELL

• 

  love it - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By bryenw - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Dodge has outdone itself.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tblair - March 16 - 6:40 pm

  I love my new Magnum. It has great pick-up and handles like a true sports car. It has a very tight suspension and takes turns with no problem at all.

• 

  Drove it into the ground, now buying 2nd - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LJC - March 14 - 7:13 pm

  This was our first minivan & first Dodge. I couldnt believe how comfortable and easy it was to drive! I loved it from Day 1. It was perfect for our toddlers & now for our teenagers. Very roomy with useful features - lots of cup holders, folding seats, lots of leg room. While it has been a headache at times - transmission/oil leaks, many sets of brakes, nonstop electrical problems (windshield wipers like to wave expectedly!), overall, we have loved this van & are currently shopping for another one. I couldnt imagine buying anything other than a Caravan! Would love an 08 but I dont love the price tag.

• 

  Caliber - a sexy ride! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Treeesa - March 14 - 5:50 pm

  I love my car. It runs great, and with all the driving I do the gas mileage isnt too bad either. The ResistAll is a great feature considering I have two young kids. I get compliments on it all the time. I traded my 2002 Durango for it and it was well worth the trade! I still have room to haul big loads and its small enough to be a sexy car. The ride and handling are great!

• 

  Proud New First Time Owners of a Minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Sissy1235 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  We just recently bought our van used and we are so much enjoying it. The ride is so smooth unlike you think for a minivan. This is my first minivan to own and I will probably own another one when the time comes. So easy to get kids in and out of the back! I love that is is very spacious. We cant wait to take it on a long road trip.

• 

  Black SXT - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By JR5 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Good car overall. I have a dash rattle that drives me insane though. Gas milege isnt as good as hoped but the manual trans is fun to drive. Handles curves very well. Despite some minor issues the car begs to be driven. My initial impression was I would probably not purchase another neon, but after having it for a couple months its the only car I drive. Way more enjoyable to shoot around curves in than my Honda Accord. Also with the right driver you can smoke imports no problem.

• 

  Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chazzer - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I fell for the Dodge Magnum when I saw the concept version a copuple of years ago. When I found out it was on the market I arranged for a test drive. That sold me. So I bought one. The ride is a little firm but the faster you go up to highway speeds the smoother the ride. On twisty mountain roads it sticks to the road like glue and handles like a dream. The 340 hP Hemi MD is really something. Around town Im getting on average 17.0 MPG; on the highway about 20 to 24 MPG depending on hills vs. flat land.