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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  Eye Opener! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kustomkarl - October 3 - 11:40 am

  Wow what a ride. I now have close to 2000 miles on the car and it just keeps getting better! Looks impressive, handles smooth and out performs anything stock I have seen on road to date! Oh and did I say HEMI! This thing is awesome! Would I buy another? In a heartbeat!I havent found any flaws yet, and yes I keep looking. This car is, for the money, top dog in my eyes!

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  turbo dodges rule! - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By shelby steve - October 2 - 8:49 am

  i bought my 87 daytona shelby z brand new and have loved it ever since i have driven this car very hard and have never had a mechanical problem i raced this car at the mopar atlantic nationals at e-town in n.j. since 1991 the car handles awesome and is great to cruise in during the summer with the t tops off after 21 years of ownership i thought i would never get rid of this car but i recently gave it to my son for his 18th birthday so he and his future wife can enjoy it as much as is mother and i have

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  NITRO R/T 4.0 - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Jennifer - October 1 - 9:33 am

  I love my Nitro R/T. If you buy a Nitro buy an R/T 4.0L. Dont but a 3.7L. I know it sounds strange, but go for the 4.0. The power difference is amazing. It is fun to drive, there is plenty of head and leg room. I have a 10-year old and a 12-year old, so I promise they have plenty of room in the back seat. Adults also have plenty of room in the back. The steering is excellent, it handles like a small sporty sedan does. The turning is excellent, especially with all the samll parking spaces now available. There is plenty of storage room in the back for groceries, backpacks, etc. I love how it sits up high enough for all to see out but we dont need steps to get in, especially since I am 51".

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  Great Car so far - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Mark McWilliams - September 29 - 4:06 am

  Very comfortable on long trips. I drove from Northern Cal to New Mex in it. I shouldve got the cruise control option though. Only major complaint is that it does have serious blind spots in rear and side visibility when backing. On a positive, the AC was great when going through the Mojave Ca in 125 Degree heat.

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  VERY NICE VAN - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ETP - September 28 - 11:26 am

  I hope this review makes it. It seems only certain reviews get posted. Anyway, love my loaded GC and have to fight my wife for it. The 4.0 engine and 6 speed transmission is perfect. The drivers door shuts a little hard and my Homelink is a bear to program. Other than that go buy two. great vehicles.

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  Fun Economical Drive - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By ps57 - September 26 - 1:13 am

  I have had my 08 Tor Red Avenger SXT for a couple of months now and love it. If you are looking for a performance car, this is not for you. If you want stylish, economical transportation that turns heads, take a look at this car. It wont disappoint. Seating for me is very comfortable (56"), fits the curve of my back just right. Mygig radio is a nice system, though I am disappointed as I thought I could load my iPod onto it and cant because it doesnt read the mP4 format. You can use the aux input to play your iPod through the system though. If I had known that, Id of stuck with the regular radio as I find myself having to look at the radio to change stations which is distracting.

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  Looking forward to my drive - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By SRT854 - September 25 - 12:31 pm

  Outstanding Car. Exceeded my expectations. True Muscle Car with great creature comforts. Great performance for the money. Every time I look at it in the garage I am thankful I was able to get it. I would have to spend 2 the price to get my 69 Chevelle in the same league. Dodge did a very nice job.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Mindi - September 25 - 12:12 pm

  Ive owned a truck for the last 30 years and never thought I would own a car again. The Avenger changed my mind! The exterior definitely turns heads when youre driving down the road. The interior is surprisingly roomy, and trunk space is great. The blue dashboard glow is very soothing, and the instrument panel is laid out nicely. There are, however, three things that I would personally change in the interior, and they are: add an overhead compartment for sunglasses, raise the center console a bit higher for a more comfortable armrest, and flatten the headrest a bit so it doesnt feel like your head is being pushed forward. The headrest was an easy fix for me by turning it around.

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  Love my baby - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By eric - September 24 - 6:28 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 36,000 miles. Ive put over 27,000 miles a year on this baby and have had little or no trouble. She now has 230,000 miles and just needs a speed sensor. As long as you service and change your oil and fluids,your intrepid will run forever. She has the 2.7 and Im very impressed. Too bad they have taken them off the market. I would not hesitate to buy another as long as I have the maintenance schedule. In all Ive only put about $1000.00 into her, other than oil and fluid changes/tires and brakes.

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  Get a CHALLENGER V8 - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By al kanchar - September 23 - 8:49 am

  Car is awesome!!!