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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  Wife Likes It So Thats Good Enough! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By D & B - May 21 - 12:16 pm

  My wife can be rough on cars so I wanted something that she could manuveer easily, get around in snow and ice and have enough room for all of us (2 teens). Its nothing like my Dodge Ram Laredo but this is a very nice little car. I have been buying Chrysler/Dodge products for sometime now, primarily because I like the products but the dealership also played a big role. The Caliber is very comfortable, with adjustable seats (albeit manual) that raise and lower the driver. Very nice. We had to "trick" out the car in order to get the AWD but it really makes a pleasant driving experience. Well take the four door Ram for really long trips but this one is perfect for my "supermom".

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  Rockin little Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By fitz7 - May 21 - 9:40 am

  I had a great Blazer, but too many miles and a guzzler. Was looking at the Matrix and Vibe- then I saw the commercial [one sick puppy]. Im now the proud owner of a black SXT 2.0, CVT, fully loaded, sunroof, MusicGate, and tinted windows-black in the back. Ive seen reviews suggesting lackluster speed-Not mine! Im always first off the line, and passing is a breeze. Its no race car-after all it is a 4cyl-but it does its job well. No excessive wind noise-ofcourse Ive got the Vault on Sirius blasting! I can haul my compressor, airbrushes, paints, tools, and more. If youre ever in Texas and you see a Dead-Head sticker on the back of a Black Caliber, well-thatd be me-Say Hi!!!

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  Still Loving It ... - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Nikdfish - May 20 - 8:24 pm

  Aside from a few bumps along the way, I have always enjoyed this car. Some warranty repairs needed, but my out of pocket for repairs has been minimal (< $400 over 4 years). Great power and towing capacity (for a unibody). Tremendously sure footed in all driving conditions. Better in winter than a 4x4 pickup. Very comfortable on long trips and 23-24 mpg on the interstates. Was planning on a new 2009 or 2010 version but they discontinued the model so Ill be driving this one til the wheels come off. Only disconcerting issue was a change in alignment specs that made it necessary to purchase replacement components to permit alignment to the new specs (would have met old specs OK).

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  Blast from the past - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Linmare - May 19 - 7:42 pm

  I had dreams of buying this car once I saw it as a concept vehicle. The picture of the car stayed posted on my refrigerator for the next 2 years. I finally took the plunge and treated my self to a virtual fountain of youth. Yes, back to my muscle car days of Camaros, Corvettes and Monte SS. (I still have the 1970 AMX!) This car is a pleasure to drive and I must say, no matter where I go, people look, thumbs up, ask questions and even ask if they can sit in it. A definite head turner and handles like dream.The 6.1 hemi under the hood makes this car a real animal!(Did I mention it gets better gas mileage than my Durango did) Great job on this baby!

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  My Challey - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Rick - May 19 - 3:53 pm

  This is one of the most fun cars to drive. Its fast, like 140mph on a two lane parkway fast, yet it rides like a luxury car.

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  Best Damn Car Ever Built - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Rouge - May 19 - 1:18 pm

  I bought my 1991 Dodge Stealth in summer of 1995 as a used vehicle with 36,000kms on it.I currently have 280,000kms on it.It has been wonderful,fast,and enjoyable.I have driven it winter and summerlong trips and short ones.Only problem second gear syncros and power door locks.I currently have a miss I cant find but will check out coil packs.This has been the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many.Fast,reliable good fuel economy also one of the prettiest machines ever built.I have stayed on the road when half tons and SUVs were in the ditch. It has never let me down.I wish she was new again so we could start the romance all over again.I will find a low miles new baby soon!AWESOME!

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  Dodge Charger RT - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Steven DeHaven - May 19 - 1:36 am

  I have been waiting 40 years to own a Charger. It was well worth the wait. I think Dodge did an excellent job designing the new Charger to fit the baby boomers. Its the best car I have driven. More than enough power and handling capability. The Charger is a real pleasure to drive. Although its not the muscle car of the sixties, the Charger has matured nicely.

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  ego killer - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By celsius - May 18 - 10:00 am

  If you want to totally embarrass mustangs, firebirds, zs, wrxs, souped-up wet-fart civics, and hang or surpass vehicles that cost $15,000 more, this is the vehicle for you. The only problem (read: fun) I have is staying out of trouble with the police. The fastest production vehicle for under 21 grand.

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  A little scared - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Alexandria Harris - May 18 - 2:50 am

  Im a little scared about the traction during bad weather. I had stopped at a red light, and it was raining, when I started go forward after the light had change the wheels on the car started to spin. Now that I have this car I feel that the safety rate on this car, should be re-rated again. Its scary to be behind another car at a car length behind and all of a sudden the car in front of you make a sudden stop. I think that this car should be a re- call.

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  Yep its got a Hemi - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By SEMORE - May 18 - 2:42 am

  Test drove the Challenger and had to own it. Its a head turner for sure. The Hemi-Orange is a real standout and gets attention. Acceleration is impressive be it gradual on surface streets after upshift, or stomping it on the freeway entrance. Slower than the old 426, but does get up and run. Excellent handling a joy to drive. Moderate pavement noise. Hope it doesnt get worse. This not a young persons car. First time in my life a vette picked a fight, they NEVER do that. I didnt even try, I knew better, and street racing is bad news period. This car is all about the look, feel, and pride of owning one. Glad Chrysler brought it back. Now if they would just retro the Charger....