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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  Best Car made in Anybodys Lifetime - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By kuwen - April 6 - 4:08 pm

  This was my first car. The power response from the gas pedal to the acceleration is one of a kind, turns on a dime, with after market parts exceeds 800 hp. Smooth ride but rugged when needed. Slices through air like a hot knife through butter. Never got one ticket, played it safe. But if I did it would be for tripling the high way speed limit.

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  Dodge Durango Limited - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By C. LOEBER - April 6 - 12:36 pm

  Drove 4000 miles to Florida and back to home. Comfort and drivability was great. GPS system was excellent. Carried luggage with room to spare for 2 month stay which included golf clubs and coolers. Service at Scotia Motors has been excellent. This is 3rd new dodge vehicle that we have purchased from this dealership.

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  Stylish and flexible with lots of room - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Greg - April 6 - 11:04 am

  The SE is fun to drive, has wonderful racy styling and handles like a dream. It corners flat and holds the road beautifully. The 2.7 Liter engine is a little underpowered for the size of the vehicle, but considering it is such a small engine, I have no problem with available power. I purchased the 2.7 specifically because I wanted a vehicle that affords good fuel economy, and it delivers that plus I like driving the Magnum. I purchased the car in 2008 and am very happy with the value received. I get a car that looks and feels like a new car and the 2 years depreciation (60% off new price) give me a real bargain. I dont understand it but like getting such a great bargain!

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  Lifelong Ford Man Finally Goes DODGE - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By H/Oly_SXT - April 5 - 12:08 pm

  Ok, I have been a Ford guy most of my life, but when the Dodge Charger came out a few years ago I knew that was the car for me! I drove the doors off my 2001 Ford Focus, suffering quietly... while watching gas prices soar. Pretty much the same story as "DVLocker". I found a stellar looking SXT at a great price and so I freakin did it! I finally bought the Charger!! All I can say is Dear God, it is everything I hoped it would be and more. Its heavy, yet remarkably nimble, feels almost armored like a Hummer. I agree the cup holders are poorly placed but seriously, there isnt a person around that doesnt love my car... maybe a SRT8 owner somewhere. Buy one right now if you can.

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  We like this car so much, we bought 2! - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Caliber Couple - April 5 - 8:44 am

  I originally drove a Mazda 3i Touring and then I test drove an 08 HHR. My Mazda was a light car and the HHR had no oomph. We by chance test drove the Caliber and fell in love with this car. The dealership gave me an excellent trade deal and they also gave my girlfriend and awesome trade on her car. So we bought to. The actually got the SE PLUS version. Power everything, Keyless entry, 17" rims and much much more. Overall this car handles great and I dont have any blind spots with this car. Though other reviews said they had blinds pots. The motor is great because you dont feel it shift. We love our Calibers.

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  Great Truck! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By zclary923 - April 5 - 5:31 am

  I absolutely wish I would have just fixed the minor mechanical issues on my 95 instead of trading it for my 06 which was an expensive rip off compared to my 95. My Dakota had the 3.9L v6 which is by no means a powerful motor but it ran well and it proved reliable. The exterior styling and overall build quality of the 1995 Dakota and the 1992-1996 Dakotas in general to me is better than any of the newer iterations of the Dakota. The interior was plush with options for a 1995, and it actually had a good amount of storage space in it unlike my 2006 which is probably the most useless ext cab ever built. The 1995 Dakota is a good truck, I highly recommend if you are looking for a used truck.

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  Great lil car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By lil red - April 4 - 6:49 pm

  Great little car could ask for a better quality car. Im disappointed they stopped making them.

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  great car - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By ziggy445 - April 4 - 6:38 pm

  I bought this car new, and I do all my own maintenance. People will drive a car, not notice that it needs maintenance, and when it finally craps out, they blame the car. The only problems had were minor, and taken care of while the car was in warranty. The engine runs great, but working on it can be challenging, like removing the intake plenum to change plugs. After all the miles, there are some fluid leaks, but I will keep adding fluid until I can get the time to fix it. Overall, I cant imagine a car lasting better for the amount I drive.

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  The eagle of the dodge - 1990 Dodge Dynasty
  By banidad - April 4 - 8:43 am

  i have this car since 1994, and still love it, very reliable to drive, sharp, very comfortable, looks nice, i would buy another at any time. I can say for sure this is one of the best cars by dodge.

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  Amazing car - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Luke - April 3 - 9:26 pm

  This car is one of the most fun i have ever driven. It has great performance and handling. The car roars to life as soon as the throttle is floored.The interior is very small, like Porsche or Ferrari small, and the back seat is pointlessly small. the driver and passenger comfort is great and very, very spacious. I am 6 4" and I can stretch my legs straight out in the passenger seat. The styling comes stock looking like a high performance supercar, including gauge pods for the many different gauges. I have not had any problems with the car since I bought it. This car is a unique eye catcher even fully stock.