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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  After 1.5 years - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Carlos - January 23 - 11:19 pm

  Reliable and build quality like a Lexus. Well put together, no problems, no leaks, nothing has broken or fallen- off. Never less than 20.5 mpg with my V- 6.

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  love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bird948 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I had a Ford Truck previously. Last Sunday we went looking around for a family yet luxury feeling car,and we found that the dodge magnum was so appealing. It has plenty of room for the 6ft and up husband and plenty of room for our children. The hatchback is great with a lot of room for groceries, etc. I wasnt sure about the dodge magnum at first, but after the 1st week of driving it I love it!!

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  Great Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Fire4825 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the second high(er) end SUV I have owned, the first being a 1990 Ford Bronco (Eddie Bauer Edition). This is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever owned, it is incredibly smooth, considering the GVWR and 4WD. It is truly a joy to drive, great feel, very responsive, plenty of horsepower (and even a tight turning radius for its size). We highly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking at SUVs.

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  Guess whos back - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By seldomnseen - January 23 - 10:00 am

  My new Durango is the fastest suv that ive ever drove. THe hemi motor just gives it the power like no other. The ride is smooth, the turning radius is great and the added size is exactly what this suv needed. The 50/50 split thrid-row seat is great and allows for more passengers or cargo. The heated seats, dvd, six disc in-dash changer is the ultimate package.Also, the tow package is everything a truck lover wants. The new exterior design was great for the survival of this suv.

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  dodge durango big tee - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Big Tee - January 23 - 10:00 am

  this auto ride like glass. It has great towing power. Ride like the old big cars.

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  Worth A look Great balance if you need.. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Wayne - January 23 - 9:25 am

  A family vehicle but want something with some go. Have had my R/T for three years now (35k miles). This is the first 4 door car I have ever owned (traded in a 04 GTO on this one). Very quiet and comfortable drive with a ton of room. She definately will move out although the Magnum is a heavy car and dont expect cornering like a Vette or pure sports car. Gas mileage really depends on your foot. I typically get about 21 mpg (75% highway 25% around town). Only issues with the car Ive had which many have already noted: 1) Small tranny leak at 15k miles (was O-ring replaced by dealer and no further issues) 2) The OEM tires (Contis) didnt last long and really stunk in rain/bad weather.

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  Very Nice Sedan - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Theron - January 22 - 7:46 pm

  This is the largest and most comfortable car Ive ever had. Its the basic SE version but with the 3.5L engine/5AT upgrade. This is a really roomy car! Despite the chopped off styling its not at all cramped inside. The interior is pretty simple and plain looking but I like it a lot, especially the old school straight across dashboard. I chose this car over a similarly priced midsize sedan because I really enjoy the heavy and solid ride. You can also feel that it is well balanced and turns very easily. Im getting 17mpg per tank in heavy city traffic commuting and 27 on highway trips at 70-80.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By lovethiscar - January 22 - 4:36 pm

  Traded my Civic for this (too small) knowing that I would be giving up my great fuel economy and it was worth it! Tons of room, a blast to drive. Took it 3000 mi. to Florida and back and it drove like a dream. 23 MPG HWY and 17 City. Came back to a blizzard and this car is a tank! Worried about the RWD but it goes through snow like butter. Trying to keep my foot light on the gas to improve fuel economy but its so hard! Even my husband and kids love it!

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  New 2008 Super Bee owner - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Girl Super Bee owner - January 20 - 1:43 pm

  I just bought the new 08 Super Bee, after owning an 07 Purple Daytona RT. Love this car. I thought the Daytona was fun. The new My Gig is awesome, and love the Blue pearl. Ride and steering feel tighter than the Daytona. I got number 046 out of 1000.

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  Rate this vehicle - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By magnum - January 20 - 11:32 am

  The best all around vehicle Ive ever owned. Sporty, family fun, looks great inside and out. Rides, drives like I said all around.