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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  I love this car! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By ktracy03 - April 25 - 10:26 pm

  I owned my stratus for 2 years, the ONLY reason I traded it is because my husband wanted a Charger, only because he would have done it for me, did I do this for him. I did absolutely love this car though, it was sharp looking, comfortable, and just "fit ME" like it was made for me. I highly recommend this car for reliability, comfort, looks, etc.

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  Hot Wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By JR - April 25 - 10:12 pm

  An excellent choice if you want stunning performance with functionality. Ive owned many sporty cars but never one that I could load a full family and all luggage in with ease! The Magnum also has the looks to turn heads.

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  I love my Magnum!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By magnumamma - April 25 - 8:11 pm

  I really do. I usually switch cars every two years and have had this one for almost three now, and I plan on keeping it! Not only is it beautiful and unique, it is not bad on mileage for how large it is (I average 19- 20 mpg), it is great for a young mom like me, I can use the back trunk area space for changing diapers, and there is tons of room to get in to install the car seat, and store all the things I lug around. The only thing that has happened (knock on wood) is that the power steering hose blew after 4 months of ownership, but the warranty covered it no prob. It really is an awesome and reliable care, I work for Infiniti and prefer my Magnum over their newer vehicles.

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  Lust at first sight - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Fixerone - April 25 - 7:44 pm

  I purchased this car as a salvaged rebuild. Some Russians put it back together. Yeah, i know what you think, but this car is still amazing. My mechanic said the car is made of two cars welded together, but done very well. Whew! I saw my first Stealth in 1991 and said that some day one would be mine. In 2004 after searching for 2 years, I purchased my rocket. It now has a VR4 motor under the hood and some upgrades to push HP to 435HP. Hardly anything can beat it. This machine is great, the body flows and the stance says "dont mess with me". I get yells from young girls trying to get my attention, but my wife is my girl. Still fun though. Keeping this all my life.

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  No complaints here - 2008 Dodge Viper
  By Rick530 - April 25 - 6:39 pm

  Bought the car out of VA, flew back, picked it up and headed home to California. Drove it almost 3000 miles with NO problems. Outran 2 tornadoes in Oklahoma. Has to be the most fun car to drive Ive ever been in. Did I mention the looks ya get when in one of these... Buy one and youll see. Now it just needs some upgrades from Hennessey.

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  Sorry to lose this vehicle but medical - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Gloria Benner - April 25 - 1:21 pm

  This has been a very reliable auto and am sorry to have to sell but medical reasons insist and there is no one to drive it. It has been well kept and is very comfortable. Hope to find a good owner.

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  Mopars pre-Challenger performance coupe - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Huether - April 25 - 12:41 pm

  FAST! Keeping my Stratus R/T stock for 4 years, this thing has been a rocket. My Indy Red R/T has seen top speeds of 135, and great braking and handling characteristics. Its an aerodynamic shape, with a great coupe design. Its interior needs more pizazz in its design, but still useful, and spacious. I have 55,000 miles on it now, and plan to drive it until I reach 100,000! Go Mopar!

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  Best car I ever had - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Steven - April 25 - 3:18 am

  This car is simply amazing. That 3.5 H.O engine should not be underestimated just because its not a Hemi. It is a powerful engine. The car is very roomy and comfortable inside and I love the sporty exterior that it has. It is like a 4 door coupe. If anyone is looking for a sporty sedan that delivers great power and solid gas mileage, this is the car for you. By the way, you cant beat the lifetime powertrain warranty and one year free of Sirius satellite radio.

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  mycarreview - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By jboregon - April 24 - 11:57 pm

  The dodge stratus has been a car that I have always admired. When it first came out I said that is a car I wouldnt mind having. When it was time to get a new (new to me) car, I was able to find the stratus I have now. I have had very few problems with my car & hope to have it for many more years.

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  Econo Dodge - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Sheena - April 24 - 2:27 pm

  I had a wonderful bright red neon. Unfortunately I got in an accident (not my fault) a couple weeks ago and due to the low value of the car the small damage to it totaled the car. Although, my car was hit and it spun a 180 and ran into a curb and all Ive got is a bruise on my leg. Pretty good Id say. If youre a safe driver and you want something reliable and cute with great mpg, get a neon (especially if youre a bit low on cash). I only had the base model and it was a great little car.