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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  Two tons of Fun! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Adam Morse - March 15 - 1:08 am

  Chrysler nailed it when they built this baby! The retro styling and big engine take me back to when I had my old muscle cars. This car is not about economy, thrift, or "green" driving. This car says "I love to drive!" The acceleration is heart-thumping, the braking is excellent, the handling is very good and right down to the "thump" of the doors, everything is just as a muscle car should be. The only thing that I wasnt prepared for was the "rock star" treatment from people everywhere. People stop their cars beside mine, the give me the thumbs up, I have even had some guys ask me to pop the hood. I have met quite a few good people through this car.

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  Grand Caravans Credit - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mark - March 15 - 12:30 am

  Driving the Grand Caravan is great, but the traction of the minivan is not that good. Owning is great. The stow n go seating is very helpful. We moved 3 times and the stow n go seating helped a lot. Also, when we take trips we have a lot of space to accomodate a lot of our things. We even have left over space! The 2nd and 3rd row seats arent that comfortable for adults, but if children are stitting they shouldnt complain.

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  Roof rack - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By NitroGirl - March 13 - 6:07 pm

  I love My Nitro, But I have had many problems with it like I have had head lamps changed more than once and I have a water leek through the roof rack (theres a recall coming for it)my carpet in the back seat area gets soaked when it rains or washed and I live on the wet west coast and my tail light has moisture in it from somewere.

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  07 2.7l Dodge Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By ld71 - March 13 - 3:13 pm

  I love my 04 intrepid but I am scared now because I have been hearing a lot of other owners have been having a lot of problems with their vehicle. I love the comfort and style of this car and really do not want to trade it but also do not want the engine to blow up on me. Any suggestions??

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  Bias - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Dodgeboy - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The best car money can buy. Car handles like dream. Cheap thrill. Laughing all the way to the bank (use the difference toward saving at 4.3%). I never believe in the hype of Japasnse cars.

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  Sportiest when it comes to minivans - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Chris M. - March 9 - 5:00 pm

  These vans are pretty cool when it comes to a minivan. I like it alot and theres plenty of room.

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  Irmas Dakota - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Bob Kay - March 8 - 11:04 pm

  3 years old, only the plastic parking brake pull inside clip broke. glued on a metal L, drilled hole to match and good to go. ZERO problems. Running syntheic oil, getting 18-24 mpg from around town to 70-75 on open road. 3.7 OK, not same power as my 318 Ram Van but does well vs milage improvement. Love the truck, especially around town. Would get another in a minute. Wife will not let it go, loves 17" wheels for traffic and trailer towing package and posi-tracking make a big difference. Corners flat without a lean. Spend the little more then just standard, worth it. Dynamite sound system. Three part folding back cover is recommended for mpg and the Dodge heavy duty bed mat keeps back quiet

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  Excellent buy - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By dwalk - March 8 - 2:33 pm

  When I first saw the Avenger, I must admit I wasnt too much impressed. Went to test drive one and got the car the same day. For a 4cylinder it has great take off and the ride is very smooth. If you want a Charger, but dont want the price and gas mileage, get the Avenger. The car dosent burn hardly any gas, you can ride in style for days.

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  Tested and Proven - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Alex - March 8 - 9:56 am

  I bought my Durango new and have owned it for over 6 years now. I had to do nothing more than routine maintenance since ownership. This vehicle is very sound and dependable. I have over 69,000 miles on it and just replaced the tires for the first time and only because a road hazzard trashed one of my tires beyond repair. I had enough tread left for at least another 10,000 miles. I wish I got better than the 15 mpg but it is a heavy suv. The interior has held up well along with the exterior paint. I plan to keep it for another 5 years and hope it takes as good care of me as it already has.

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  Best Exotic Performance - 2009 Dodge Viper
  By coolbreezesd - March 7 - 6:37 pm

  My new 2009 Viper just arrived. Ive owned a 2006 before. To acquire my 2009 Viper Convertible, I trade in my 2008 SL 55 AMG. Why? The AMG was too luxurious to be a true sports car and not powerful enough to be a true sports car. The Viper doesnt try to be something for everyone and is just sheer power with its 600 HP V-10. I love the classic lines of the car. Has had zero problems with my 2006 and so far, have had none with my 2009. By one while you still can.