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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  Shark in traffic - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dave - January 25 - 6:53 pm

  I love this car. Ive got the Magnesium Pearl, and feel like Im driving a shark. Cruising right along nice and quiet. BAM! A horsepower feeding frenzy and nothing left but the carcasses of an import trying to ace me at a stop sign. My wife was dead set against getting this car, but now loves it.

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  My Caliber is better than my old car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Michael Gonzalez - January 24 - 2:40 am

  I like the Dodge Caliber because its a great car. I notice that when my friends ride in it they are surprised that it is a powerful car and the comfort of the seats are comfortable.

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  2004 Pocket Viper! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Nathan - January 23 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car with a passion! I think of it when I am not driving, then when I am, I couldnt be happier. The coolest, most awesome car I have ever owned. Totally fun to drive, without a doubt. A true racing car through and through. Great for racing, and practical use as it is a four door sedan for families.

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  Wow! - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By Bill - January 22 - 3:45 pm

  Ive probably owned a 100 cars. This one has made me the happiest. I dont know whay the sticker fuel economy is listed so low as I get over 20mpg. Sure some auto mags say its too heavy, too big, too what ever and some little car can post better road track times, well so what! I dont drive on a road track course, I drive on a highway. Im a big guy at 6 foot 5 and 265 pounds. I can still ride in comfort and get there fast. It has plently of room for kids in the back if you need that space. Nothing compares to the thrill of the ride. Ive owned Vettes, and BMWs and they dont get a second look when you are out. I bought this car for fun. Its easy to get in and out of and is fun.

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  This Thing Rocks! - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By richinsc - January 21 - 11:48 pm

  I previously owned an 06 SLT with the 4.7. I went and checked out the 08s and new that I had to have one. Next day traded in the 06 for the new one. The new SLT with the Hemi is freakin sweet. When you put the hammer down you know that there is enough power for anything and everything that you could ever need. There is plenty of room and the extra options that you can get make it amazing.

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  06 charger R/T W/R/T package - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By dennis - January 21 - 12:06 pm

  By far the best car I have ever owned. I would highly recommend the 2006 Dodge Charger.

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  GREAT VEHICLE!!!!!!! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Marisa - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We just had 20 inches of snow and my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport just BLEW threw the snow without sliding at all.... what a great, heavy reliable vehicle... I feel SO safe in this vehicle!!!

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  Awesome Car - 1993 Dodge Shadow
  By nickmatt8191 - January 21 - 12:01 am

  Great car. Has some rust & some body damage seeing as it had hit a deer when i bought it. but,it still runs great. Just needs a belt replaced.

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  Caliber Rocks - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By oscal - January 20 - 6:26 pm

  Ive had the Caliber SXT for about 6 mounths now and I love almost everthing about it. I have 2 kids and I was headed into a minivan until I saw this in a magazine and I bought one 2 days later. I never even test drove it.

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  In sweet love - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By raelee07 - January 20 - 10:54 am

  So, I have had my Shadow for almost four years. And I am super super impressed. It has on it 225,904 miles on it and I am keeping it climbing. I do a lot of traveling. My transmission does not slip a bit and the only big repair I have had to do was the radiator. I tell you no lies. I have had probaby 5 people in the last year offer me at least a grand for it but you know what? Not going anywhere. If and when it does die I want to be the one driving it. If youve got one of these cars, be smart and keep that bad boy. Long live the shadow.