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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  love this car - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By monana - November 18 - 3:21 pm

  dodge needs to learn how to market their cars. tested toyota matrix and pontiac vibe. this car far superior in style, comfort, interior room and price. love it!

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  2006 Viper - 2006 Dodge Viper
  By Joe M - November 17 - 10:26 pm

  The most awsome car I have ever owned. Used to be a Vette guy. I have had 1st and 2nd gen Vipers and just bought a 2006. Could not believe this car. Build quality is surprising. Ride is almost too smooth for a Viper. Power is never ending. I hope they decide to keep building them... Save your money and buy one. You only live once.....

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  my first Viper - 1994 Dodge Viper
  By Joe - November 17 - 10:14 pm

  The car is awsome. Deffinately not for everyone. I was a Corvette guy until I got into Vipers. Not the same vehicle at all. This is a race car with head lights. The new Vipers are even more fun to drive. If you are a race car driver buy a 1st or 2nd gen. All others buy a new style Viper....

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  The Pocket Rocket - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By David Cox - November 17 - 9:53 pm

  This is the best performing car that you can buy for the money out there in the market today. The car goes from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, whichh is better them the Chevy SS.

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  Surprisingly Fun to Drive - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Gary in Dayton, OH - November 17 - 8:34 pm

  This is the first Chrysler product I have ever owned. I have always had four cylinder, mainly manual transmission econocars. Most of the cars were imports too. I was put off at first by the negative consumer magazine reviews of the Avenger. However, after I took it out for a long test ride, I was surprised how well it handled and accelerated. It corners really well for a car of its size and weight. I really appreciate the kick of the six cylinder as I enter highways. I no longer live in fear of getting mowed down by semi trucks in the slow lane. I bought the car primarily for its looks but have not been disappointed by its reliability, performance and fuel economy. Critics be damned!!

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  2000 Intrepid RT - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Paolo - November 17 - 1:02 pm

  I have owned this car since 2001. I bought it with 14000 miles on it and drive it hard. The car is now 10 years old with 120,000 miles on it and I have never had anything on the drive train cause me a problem. The one area that has been a pain is the upper front sway bar link which has been replaced by me twic in 10 years. I replaced the brakes once so far but have to replace the front rotors and pads again. I also need to replace the front struts which is not bad as they are the originals. This car is in Massachussetts with its winters, the car is terrible in snow, and the worst streets and highways in the country. I would buy this car again in a hearbeat.

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  outta the SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By goopysteve - November 16 - 1:50 pm

  We went from the Ford Excursion into a new Magnum, and I must say, what a pleasant transition from a lunker truck SUV to a performance wagon. Actually, you dont even know youre driving a station wagon in the Magnum RT. Not only is the Hemi power impressive, but it rides so smooth and quiet (almost too quiet) inside. Nice stereo and sport interior are easy on the ears and eyes, too!

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  Not your grandpas Chrysler - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By theredbaron - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 97 Stratus pretty stripped down right out of college (purchased brand new). The car had decent performance, front wheel drive & all I wanted in a really attractive price & I had a relatively trouble free experience with that car. With 100,000 on that Stratus, I needed to break down and buy a new one. I looked at everything particularly the Altima, Mazda6, Passat, and of course the Stratus. While I really loved the Passat GLX, I really could not be convinced to pay $10K more for the Passat. The Stratus R/T came with a nice engine (though not nearly as powerful as the Altima, but hey, my dragracing days are over), and plenty of features.

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  Beast - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By clossc - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Getting over 16 ave. gpm in mixed driving over first 1000 mi. I have the 5.7 Hemi which just wants to GO. It just plain takes off when you mash the gas, but kind of feels like it is in idle driving around town. The engine runs best up in the 65-75 range. Third row seat is spacious, but second row could be a bit roomier. Love the new look and the power. Make no mistake, this vehicle is still long on utility and a bit short on comfort items unless you put up the bucks for the Limited version.

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  Best truck i ever had - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BADLEG75 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1998 Dodge Durango and it was the best truck I ever had. It was a very tough reliable truck that took the worst of abuse and recently due to inclimate weather I ended up sliding off the road into a drainage ditch.It was a very shocking depressing day. As for your new 2004 Durango I think that Dodge should be ashamed to call this vehicle a Durango. You went and changed the body style completly which you now have a so called Durango that looks just like a Caravan. I am very upset to see my best friend twisted like that.