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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  Near perfect - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Alex - May 6 - 6:13 am

  A great crossover! Love all the storage space and built in coolers! Only trouble so far is the cramped back seat. Average gas mileage for a mid- size crossover

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  Sweet ride - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Junior - May 5 - 7:57 pm

  This Magnum R/T has Performance package. Bought it used,had 15,000 km built in July 07. Fun to drive. So far no issues. Get between 25-27 MPG when cruising with MDS engaged.

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  The best car I have ever owned! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By KATRINA - May 5 - 5:55 pm

  I bought my car 3 years ago and it has been excellent. No problems at all. My car is the sport addition with the slap shifter, which is rare. It only had one owner prior to my buying and it only had 57,000 miles on it. I have never been stranded. It has never let me down. I have made several trips to Texas. A 600 round trip. The best car I would recommend it to anyone.

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  great truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By yankeeinthemud - May 4 - 9:15 pm

  I had bought the truck with 114,600 miles on it, and now have a lil over 153,900. All I had to do with it was replace the battery, and the radiator. Though now it is due for an alignment. Overall though this truck has had the snot worked out of it by me, and the previous owner. It is fitted with the Reese 3/4 hitch so it can manage 7500 lbs though I wouldnt attempt this without making sure yours is properly prepared for it. Mine has built with the tow package and 42rh trans giving it the towing ability. Off road the truck doesnt know the word stuck and has pulled other trucks w/trailers out of soft sand with a/t tires. Im debating about fixing up this one, or getting another, ill probably fix

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  If you have a heart condition dont ride - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Chris - May 4 - 8:46 pm

  This car is super quick and super fast. I was in 3rd gear and the car was up to 80. Has great handling. I used to drive a Mustang GT, and a 350 hp 72 mustang. and this car blows it out of the water. Its quicker, faster, holds turns better, and is extremely fun to drive. If your looking for a fast car in the low 20s this is your car. I was amazed from the first test drive till now. With the 3 stages of upgrades this car is truely unbeliveable.

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  wow,sooo much better! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pentafan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Like the 3.8 ltrs smooth power. Traded a 92 voyager 3.3. Handles like a sports sedan. Wanted power to tow, got it. Leather seats, seperate air temp & fan ctrl. for ft & rr, dvd w/wireless headphones & remote. Kids love it! Easily brought home a big recliner w/the 3rd seats flipped fwd. The Anniv Ed.= Deal o/month.Wife loves the pwr everything:d/locks, windows, drs. seat, sliding rr doors, pwr lift&close rear hatch;side drs & hatch open with remote/key at up to 25ft. Secured w/embedded chip in key,wont start without matching key/remote, it has a panic button starts horn & lights flashing. Bought the same day.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Nina - May 3 - 11:37 am

  This Durango has gone 134,000 miles with very little repair (mostly wear and tear). Like most Dodge cars the interior is quality material and has lasted beautifully through two kids growing up. Unlike Fords and Chevys, it is comfortable to get in and out of and easy on the back going long distances. The 4WD is great and has gotten me out of some tough construction sites. I enjoy driving this vehicle as much as my husband. Just wish they put the extra handles on the newer models and it had better gas mileage (but that is what happens when you buy a V8)

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  Love my Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By paul171 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a 2002 Durango. I took it on a 2000 mile road trip this weekend and the Durango performed flawlessly. It is not as bad on gas as I thought it would be and it is the most comfortable SUV on the market. The V8 is excellent and the interior room is fabulous

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  Fun Vehicle - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bob - May 2 - 6:33 pm

  Traded in a Chevy Imapala for a fun change. Really enjoying the ride and the comments from others really positive. Miss a few of the luxury features on the Chevy, but think the Caliber is delivering for me.

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  Classy workhorse - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By mary buie - April 30 - 5:12 pm

  I love my Durango... It has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. Its stylish and classy, but still pulls a horse trailer as well as a pickup. I haul golf clubs and horse food in the back... And it does have plenty of room back there! I had the smaller Durango which I also loved. But this one is much more versatile! I do wish the gas mileage was better. But Im not willing to give up the power and comfort to go to something smaller!