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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  Excellent "car" - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pam horan - June 18 - 6:20 pm

  An excellent minivan. Very comfortable, reliable, and good-looking too! Didnt want another minivan until my husband and brother talked me into this. Truly handles just like a car. With the big engine, it has great pick-up

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  You Wont Be Disappointed! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By FastFish - June 18 - 3:45 pm

  (R/T Daytona – Orange) A dare to test drive the car resulted in buying on the spot. At the expense of sounding like a broken record with the other reviews posted here, I must say: DAMN NICE CAR! From owning BMW’s to Mercedes, this car has what it takes and for way less money! In short, just an extreme pleasure to drive! More features and creature comforts for the money and tied with outstanding performance, it’s a combination you just can’t walk away from. It’s still new so I cannot report on reliability but from what I have read from this forum as well as countless others I am sure that I will not have any surprises. Guess what my wife’s next car is going to be????

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  Does It All - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By doug - June 18 - 2:20 pm

  My truck is actually a Sport w/V-8, crew cab. This is my 3rd Dakota. So far, my favorite. Its red, fast, looks sporty, handles great, rides good, doors open wide, seats firm and supportive, tows, looks good anywhere, best warranty of anyone. Traded down from full-size Chevy. Like this better. Easier to get in and out of and wife likes the size. Mileage is 21-24 on highway driving sensibly. City is lower of course. Acceleration is matched by nothing else is its class. Brakes and transmission work flawlessly. When you turn on your truck, does it return the favor? Mine does!

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  I love it.. - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Kali - June 16 - 7:56 pm

  I love my Magnum. I think it is a great bargain and a well thought out design. It even surprises me its an American car. Ive had 2 BMWs and this is way better than both of those cars. I only wish the gas mileage is better. My AWD gets a little thirsty on fuel but at least I recognize its partially due to my driving style. The interior and ride are comfortable and natural and I am surprised by how much "stuff" Ive been able to carry in this vehicle. Its a shame they stopped making them. Hopefully theyll figure it out and bring it back.

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  # 1 Vehicle in Canada - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Happyvanner - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Love my Caravan., With 3 kids and a dog you need versatility, reliability and performance to haul the RV. This van has it all!!

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  Poor Mans Viper - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By gotebo - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Went to the dealer ship with no intention of purchasing a vehicle for myself.Read the specs on different vehicles available. When I saw the specs on the srt-4 my heart started racing. I saw a red one on the lot and went and looked at it and liked what I saw. When the sales person came back I mentioned that if they had one on the lot in a different color I just might buy one. Well it just so happened they had a one in electric blue. It took just one test drive to convince me that this car was all it had promised and more.

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  The ES! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By zinger69 - June 15 - 1:29 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 years now. It had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it. It now has over 150,000 miles on it as of today. I have had to replace a few things here and there, radiator, thermostat, ball joints, but the exterior and interior are still in great shape and the engine is still purring. I will drive it till it dies.

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  Exhale please - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Andrew - June 15 - 12:24 am

  Wow, I cant believe how much power and performance for the price. I traded in my wifes 07 Caliber R/T AWD for our 08 SRT4. We just wanted a stick and I cant believe what a great car we got. fantastic power, great handling and comfortable. Wish all cars had this power and performance! Just might have to get myself one now! Yup Ill take red.

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  Hot and fun car to drive - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By INFERNO - June 14 - 9:08 am

  I just bought this car brand new excellent performance, ride, and comfort and nicely priced for a brand new car. You will not be disappointed.

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  Never a problem - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By hardrock086 - June 13 - 11:35 am

  I bought this car about a year ago and have put 30,000 miles on it since I purchased. I got it with 35k and the only maintenance Ive really had to do was oil changes. I also did plugs and wired at 60k and rear brake, but thats all. They didnt really have to be done, but did them anyway. Im a service technician and a BMW shop and I love my neon. Do want a little more pep, but cant complain about the get- up and go with this car, especially considering the 39 mpg I get on road trips. Simply love this car!