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:

• 

  29RACKAGE - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By LEMRJ - February 26 - 9:13 pm

  Ive driven the car only four times. Every time I drive, Ive been forced off the road by drivers trying to get a better look at it. I only have 700 miles on it

• 

  What a blast... - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Chris - February 26 - 1:42 pm

  For all who have the SRT8 or buy something similar, Performance & Styling must be the first thing on your mind. It cant be, or shouldnt be, gas mileage, comfort, or even reliability. Sports cars, or in this case, Muscle Cars, are a breed all to themselves. They cant be huddled with the rest of the pack. They are specialty built and because of that, stand alone. This Charger SRT8 is what Dodge set it out to be. Cool looking, fast, fun and exhilarating to driveÂ…not to mention an attention getter. It hits the mark in those areas 100% The sound of the V8 is balanced and perfect. I canÂ’t say enough good things about it. Buy this car if youÂ’re in the market.

• 

  Great SUV! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Bentgang - February 26 - 12:22 pm

  We purchased this Durango as second owners, vehicle off lease. Had 14000 miles on it up to 36000 now. A couple of waranty items, the dash module had to be replaced, other than that is has been excellent vehicle. Averages 19-23 mpg on highway. Very solid nice ride, does great in the snow/ice. We enjoy the versatile seating/stereo/dvd/comfort of the durango. Heated seats a must for leather

• 

  AMAZING! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Huizy06 - February 26 - 8:52 am

  ive had this car for about a year now...not one single problem with it...hearing all this neg. stuff makes me wonder if people just like to gripe. I believe dodge did a great job making this suv and love driving it...

• 

  AWD SXT - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Gary - February 24 - 2:18 pm

  I read every review about the Magnum I could find before buying it as I was concerned about how the AWD would perform and if the 6 cyl was enough power. I live in NY but found the car in Iowa since they didnt make many 08s trying to find a loaded SXT AWD was difficult. I am thrilled I bought this car. The AWD works great in the snow and the 3.5 engine moves the car around very well. I am more pleased with the car and the performance then I expected to be. Right now these cars are a great buy and I highly recommend it. Dont be afraid of going with the 3.5 V6, it handles the weight of the car fine, it does not feel underpowered. Blinds spots are not that bad either.

• 

  Heart throb car! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Dave - February 24 - 12:56 am

  I knew when I purchased the Challenger SRT8 in Hemi orange that I would get attention but I did not expect so much. It is a social experiment every time I take this car out. Part of the effect is on me as I feel my juices flow every time I take it out. But the bigger laugh is all the comments, thumbs up, and gawkers everywhere I go. I could have bought a car for six figures and it would not have grabbed so much attention as this Challenger does. I have even had the county sherriff deputies following me in their Charger and scoping out my Challenger. The best part is that it is as crazy fast as it looks and that Sherriff Charger would not have stood a chance.

• 

  Get it while you still can - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By KP - February 23 - 7:03 am

  This car is nothing but pleasure! If you want to be noticed and feel like a rock star on a daily basis, get behind the wheel of the Challenger. I purchased a black 6 speed R/T and do not have one complaint with the car. The seats are more than comfortable, the performance is great and when you can keep your foot out of the floor, the gas mileage isnt bad for a sports car. Back seat room is good for this type of car too.

• 

  I love my Stratus - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Mutt - February 22 - 11:18 pm

  I have a metallic black, with brindle interior, SXT and it looks great. I added gold pin stripes and it really sets it off. The 2.4L DOHC 4cyl is a good, reliable engine, however it lacks power when the car is loaded with people and luggage. Especially going up hill with the A/C on. The V6 is a much better idea. My mileage is 22-24 avg. in the city and 30 to 31 hwy. Im a 61" male and find I need a power drivers seat or my head hits the ceiling. After several back and neck surgeries I have problems riding in many cars but the power drivers seat fits me well and w/o the lumbar support its very comfortable. It has a nice ride, the handling is great as is the visibility.

• 

  #1 SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JoeDodge - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Beats the competition, best value for the money- the whole family will LOVE the 2004 Durango!

• 

  I love my Charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By CassieLovesHerCharge - February 20 - 7:08 pm

  I bought this car because I loved the look of it so much! I didnt care that I bought the V6 because no one really knows unless you look under the hood. Its roomy and comfortable and my kids are safe with the 5 star crash test rating.