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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  Not too shabby - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Brittney - November 26 - 3:01 pm

  I bought this car for $800 and 161,000 miles on it. I really enjoy this car. Nothing major wrong with it, just general maintenance. This will probably last me one more year. It is fun to drive and has a great stereo system. I love the size of the steering wheel. The only con I can really think of is the turning radius and the low bumper. It sometimes scrapes the ground if youre not careful.

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  Midlife Crisis Cure - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Billy Bob - November 23 - 7:26 am

  Just traded in the Buick and I feel alive again. This car has a much better ride and handles like a dream. I had a 68 Charger back in high school and think I will have just as much fun with the new one.

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  Possibly my all-time favorite vehicle!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hank in Dallas - November 22 - 9:50 pm

  Dont be fooled by the "station wagon" description assigned to this beautiful, terrific machine (although we appreciate it, because it no doubt helped with our insurance rates)! The Hemi engine is awesome, and isnt the gas-guzzler you might think. Over the years, weve owned Corvettes and Cadillac Allantes - our Hemi-powered RT gets as good or better gas mileage than they did. We read a review recently that trashed the cruise control system in the RT (mainly its location) which totally amazes me because its location on the steering column is one of the most accessible/handy Ive ever used, and its very easy to manipulate. Go with the RT - I promise you wont be disappointed!

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  Perfect - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Simonsays - November 22 - 10:00 am

  We are a family of 7. We love our van Its quality is perfect!!!! More spacious than our last van. Driving it is way better than expected. When we test drove it, I fell in love. I didnt want to leave w/out it. We picked it up 2 days later. I am 150% satisfied with our Grand caravan & would reccommend it to any family looking.

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  dodge does it right!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ggstromboli - November 22 - 10:00 am

  this car rocks!!!!! the hemi is a sweet addition to a cool looking car. i opted for the v-6 for fear of my right foot!! the 6 is a capable motor, it moves fairly well and with the stability control turned off and with a little water under the tires they can be turned!!the ride is smooth,and you don`t get the feeling of being in a land yacht.

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  Car to heavy for smaller 190 hp engine - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By JefWei - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the car, love the design but the 190hp 2.7 6cyl does not have enought power for this vehicle.

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  Gittn ur done! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By vpg100 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  What a ride? Everyone asks me 2 questions? Does it have a Hemi? YES Does it live up to the hype? NO- It exceeds the hype! My commutes have become way to short. I love to do errands for the wife. Just another excuse to be in the Hemi for a ride. You will not be disappointed in this gem.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By gomes - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Awesome. Out this world, the best riding vehidle Ive owned, and Ive own close to forthy in the past 42 years....I love this car..

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  Awesome truck! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By gavin - November 21 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this truck when it had 82300. I loved it. I have sold because we had a baby. But I really enjoyed it. I had the 5.2 with 5speed manual. It had a lot of power for the truck. Gas mileage was great. It would get 20 on the highway easy if empty. I towed a trailer and had a load total of about 1200 to 1500 pounds. I drove 240 miles at 75 to 85 and it still pulled out 17.5 mpg. You dont find that very often. Just be sure to take care of it and itll take care of you. My first problem was at125k with a fuel pump, than after that at146k. But over all a awesome truck! This truck was one of my very favorites. Youll enjoy it!

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  Wow! - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Warren - November 21 - 3:31 pm

  I love my 2008 Avenger SXT! Its just a fun car to drive. Going from a Dodge Ram to an Avenger is a big difference, but the car makes the change very easy. I wish I had a longer commute to work so I could experience more of the car and what it can do. The MyGig entertainment system is a must! If you are going to get the SXT model get it with the sports appearance package the fog lamps and rear spoiler makes the car look even more aggressive and more appealing. It rides very smooth and has more power and pick-up than I anticipatied! Everyone that has taken a ride in it loves it as well. A great car for a great price!