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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  This is your "MOMs" car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Sue - November 3 - 10:06 pm

  Read the Edmunds review that said was going to be a 20 something vehicle. Dont believe it. Traded in a 99 Eddie Bauer Expedition for 2.0L 4cyl SXT. The styling is phenomenal and is very roomy inside. All the comforts you need and more if you want to add them. Very reasonably priced. Been driving for over a week and love everything about it. Smooth ride, great acceleration for a small engine, well designed interior. For someone who is used to driving a tank to love a small vehicle this much it has got to have something. Check it out - driving it is believing.

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  Gonna miss my Dodge - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Loved My Truck - November 3 - 7:20 pm

  This was a great truck. I bought it with 65,000 miles on it from a private owner here in Michigan and it may have been the best vehicle I have ever owned. Finally, at 152,000 miles, the repair to the main oil seal and other small stuff it needs are too much for the value of the truck. Time to put her out to pasture.

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  Charger RT with Road & Track - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Charger RT Road&Trak - November 3 - 1:17 pm

  I purchased my charger rt with R&T about a week ago. All the features you can ask for, bluetooth, navigation, heated seats, power, awesome looks, growling engine! MDS allows the car to cruise in 4cyl when you punch it it goes to 8Cyl. I added mopar exhaust and mopar cold air intake to add some MPGs and more growl and it definitely makes a wonderful difference. I receive a compliment every single day, no lie! Great value, they gave me a great price because sales are down, and the warranty seems to be great.Needless to say im a happy camper.Coming from a Base 2006 Grand prix to this is like a completely different world! If you want a charger, buy a Hemi!

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  I love this car - 1990 Dodge Dynasty
  By oiu75rew - November 1 - 11:00 pm

  I love this car because it is easy to drive. Boat! Quiet, good on gas, and my husband approves of it too

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  Love it - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Bob W. - November 1 - 12:09 pm

  Took me back to the 70s era as soon as I saw. Once in and test driving it was all over had to get. It is a defintie head turner, I have people stopping me in traffic, at different places I park and want to talk about and how hot it is. Got to say Dodge got it right on this one. Maybe they should start thinking Cornet 440, theres a lot of us 50 somethings that remember that era, and now have the money to afford one.

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  Gem of a Car - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Aloysis - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought this to haul bikes inside. Excellent room.Remove center seats and push third row forward.loads of room. stylish design not boxy like the new ones. First year: New Windshield (Scratch) Steering Column, (Squeak). Tremendous Pickup even 11 years later. Current mileage is 63.000.

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  You Gotta Love It - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joanie - October 31 - 2:26 pm

  I have my Caliber RT 6 weeks now, and I love it! It is roomy inside, nice style outside. The stereo is awesome. I love riding with the sunroof open. The gas mileage is very good. After owning many cars, I have to say this is the best. Thanks to my husband for a wonderful birthday gift.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By foghorn8 - October 30 - 8:06 am

  Very fun to drive. Its like a sports car. Gas mileage is good. We get lots of looks when we drive it.

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  LOVE this car! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By techgirl - October 29 - 8:26 pm

  I have the ES with 3.2L and it really moves. The Autostick feature is impressive for improving acceleration. Trunk space is huge! White gauges are attractive and sound system is more than I expected in a car of this price range. With regards to road noise, I find the Intrepid to be a very quiet ride. And the leg room in the backseat is more than adequate. Its a VERY comfortable vehicle to ride in for the entire family. Overall, a ton of features and performance for a very reasonable price.

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  diamond in the rough - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By 06stratussxt1 - October 29 - 7:39 pm

  I have a 2006 sxt with the 2.4 sport package. It performs awesomely. For a four cylinder, slow off the line but great power after 30 mph. To help further my mpg I got a cold air and it jumped my 150 horsepower to a whopping 175. Also I put in a tornado fuel saver and it jumped my hp up to 180. It keeps up with my sisters grand am gt. Great car care equals great performance and reliability. The front and rear sway bar provide great handling. The tight steering responds great. Fuel mileage is great after cold air and tornado, 28 in tow and 35 on the freeway doing 80. The only thing I can say is car care 100%