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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  Make sure it has the "G" pkge! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By L&G " 2009 " SE-G - August 29 - 6:00 pm

  We just picked up the new 2009 SE-G Challenger. Shes a sweet, boss looking ride. The 1st one off the rail car from the factory, and we got her! Inferno pearl red is a head turner at every light in town. The base MSRP, 09 Challenger is nice, but the dealers are still trying to sell them like the numbered SRT*8, 08s. The 3.5 high output V6 is not very quick off the line, but very quick to respond after youer out of 1st gear. The car feels well balanced and can scream around bends and turns like the best of them. Outstanding road feel and a rocket on the Hwy. The G package ( 26G )has larger rims, fog lights, all speed traction control, 4 wheels ABS disc brakes, electronic stability program

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  Dodge is better than what editors say - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 4.0 six speed 25th - August 28 - 1:03 pm

  Im so impressed with my new van. The transmission is the smoothest - 6 speed is highly recommended with the 4.0. Stow and go is second to none - love it. Quality is good for a vehicle of this price range. Overall drive is quite, controlled, and especially great on the highway. Dealers service was great. I think the engineers in Detroit beat Japan on this one. Dont listen to the critics in California, drive one and compare and support your fellow Americans along the way with buying this superior product for the price.

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  Only Dakotas - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By dakota dave - August 28 - 11:23 am

  I have been driving Dodge Dakotas since 1993, I have had 6, 4 new 2 used. Over 400k total. these trucks are bullet proof, very reliable stylish, very roomy in the quad cab back seat. the v6 & v8 both tow my large pop up camper with no problem. the Dakota is the perfect size it is not to small & not to large. my wife drives it more than her car. well I hope this little blurb helps you out. I look forward to my next one.

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  Love the looks - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By margo - August 28 - 3:33 am

  I just wanted to let people know if your looking to save on your gas bill Ive been getting about 28 miles a gallon. I live 12 miles from my job and its been great. My husbands a big guy and likes the car also.

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  Sweet - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By undertaker - August 27 - 3:23 pm

  A good driving car. For the most part the car does a good job of hiding its ponderous weight. I would recommend getting the R&T Performance group and definitely Sirius satellite radio. Exhaust note sounds better the more you drive the car, but if youre used to TownCar like quietness, youre going to be upset. In general Im a pretty low key guy, and Ive had trouble dealing with the volume of comments, looks, etc. that have come with driving this car. The Road and Track performance group will give you the best seats that youve ever had in a car (unless youve had the Recaros in the Evo).

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  Fun Road Pounder - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mopar Lover - August 27 - 9:43 am

  My Father said it best when I took him for a ride, " I havent felt torque like that in Years!" Great ride! Great Stopping Power, both the car and onlookers.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By retzman - August 27 - 3:13 am

  We are very happy with our new Nitro. We traded in a 2005 Mustang for it so first impressions were important. Only have around 1000 miles on it and absolely love this vehicle. Great for our Wisconsin winter. The only negative we have at this point is that gas mileage is terrible - hope this changes once the vehicle has broken in some. At this point we are averaging 12 - 13 mpg in the city and the best highway so far has been 19 mpg. (In comparison, I am averaging 16 mpg with my full size Dodge with a 5.9 engine!)

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  I love my Challenger - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Janie - August 25 - 2:06 pm

  Ive only had my red Dodge Challenger for 2 weeks but it is a blast. I wanted the fuel economy (25 mpg) of a 6 cyl so didnt go for the V8. But I have not been disappointed. It has the most comfortable leather seat Ive ever sat in and boy does it get the looks. The stereo is great and the retro dash is a joy to look at. I just love it!

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  My baby - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By cynthia boiler - August 25 - 6:16 am

  This car has a smooth ride, and is very responsive to quick turns. Passing is effortless, having the power when you need it. The gas mileage great when driving sensible. I took trip from FL to IN and back, and had a great ride, very comfortable . It definitely turns heads. People stop me when getting in or out of it and want to look inside. I have had more people intrested in this vehicle than any other I have owned.

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  Great Economy Crossover - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Drew from Nebraska - August 25 - 4:46 am

  Studying to be a mechanical engineer, it took me about 1.5 years to finally find a car that would "pass the test." My wife has a 60 mile commute to work every day so we needed something safe with good gas mileage. Thats why we bought the Caliber. She wanted an SUV, but I didnt want the maintenance associated with 4 wheel drive.