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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  The best truck i have ever owned. - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Bill O - March 10 - 6:43 am

  This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. The engine is very strong and its great in the snow. Annual repair cost for me is under a $100. All I really do is change the oil, rotate the tires and give it a tune up every 4 years. The only big expense was I needed to do was put rotors and new brakes on the truck.

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  Great in the snow! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Don - March 9 - 10:16 am

  We moved to very snowy southwest Colorado and realized we needed a SUV that was comfortable and rugged. After test driving the Ford Escape, Jeep Libery and Kia Sportage we drove the 2008 Dodge Nitro. The Nitro had the best look, most cabin room and best ride of everything we tested. Since our purchase weve had 3 major snow storms and the Nitro has been absolutly awesome getting through the deep snow. Weve also taken the Nitro on a couple of long road trips and the ride is smooth and comfortable and I love the sound of the engine when you put the pedal to the metal.

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  Mean looking family car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Jason - March 9 - 9:10 am

  It is about time someone built a four door family car that has some attitude. We bought our Caliber SXT about a week ago and have loved every minute of it. As I guy I like the power and height of a truck or full size SUV but my wife cant keep the keys out of my hands. The Caliber sits up high and being able to adjust the seat height (with ample head room) makes this car great for those of us who dont like little cars. I dont even need to mention how great the exterior of the car looks, wow is that front end mean. But it is the little things in the interior that make it a winner. Front and rear leg room, tire pressure, lighted cup holders I could go on and on.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By jerry - March 9 - 7:07 am

  Every time I see my car I cant believe how good it looks. @hat a beautiful, fun to drive vehicle it is. I wouldnt mind having one of the bigger engines, however I enjoy the gas mileage and cant complain about power or acceleration. Overall Im very satisfied with my car, it gets me from point a to point b in style and comfort.

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  Ill buy another one! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By flower - March 9 - 1:52 am

  When Im ready for another vehicle this one will go to my daughter who at that time will be getting her license. Then Ill buy another newer Durango. Ive loved it since we bought it!

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  nbabei live - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By lc - March 8 - 10:26 pm

  its good and i really like its speed and quick accleration

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  Love the Charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By vrvray - March 6 - 2:07 pm

  Im a snow bird and the R/T is a road car. The power levels out the hills in WV with total style and comfort. Mileage is as advertised providing you keep your foot out of it! That isnt easy to do! I averaged 26.6 mpg from Hartsville, SC to Tampa, FL. Cant beat it and boy do we get the looks, all black is the way to go!

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  kick ass ride - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Baja Ben - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. you know its a good buy when every time I get out of it I think to my self damn I love that car. the bang for your buck vaule is unbeatable. it is nice to know that you could whoope on any car out there that is less then 50 grand. just watch out for poles

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  satisfied buyer - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By greg - March 5 - 11:03 pm

  I drove the 2 wheel drive model a few months ago,and liked it alot. I decided to wait until the AWD model came out before buying one. I am very happy with the one that I bought. It really is a pleasure to drive this car. It is very comfortable, solid and quiet going down the road. For a car in the $30,000.00 price range,it really has alot of good features. People do notice it when I drive it.

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  Nitro rules! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By J Roberts - March 4 - 11:30 pm

  Killer looks, smooth ride, plenty of power. Handles well, fun to drive. A real head turner. A real pleasure to drive. My wife took it away fron me. So I bought me a 2007 Dodge truck. We are a Dodge family.