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 - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By cmcl3m0r3 - October 8 - 8:56 am

  I am writing this review after owning the car for over 6 months. Also just found out Dodge is discontinuing this car. Which to me, is very sad. I bought this car as a daily driver (parking my 09 Challenger RT). I was amazed by the features, feel, tech, acceleration, looks...pretty much everything about this car. I have NO idea why it is getting such a bad wrap. I get compliments on it all the time (just as much as my Challenger). I am a 6ft 1 guy, and they seats are very comfortable to me. I also have 3 children, and they fit in the car fine. Trunk space is awesome. I have the 2.4L SXT with everything minus the leather. Black 18inch alloys, and the car is Dark Grey.

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  Dodge Rocks - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Krude 1966 - October 7 - 7:56 pm

  I bought this truck brand new, ordered just the way I wanted. V6 , 5 speed manual tranny, sport edition 2wd. I bought it to haul firewood and it has hauled anything you can imagine. It now has over 120000 miles and the only major problem was replacing the tranny in the spring of 95. That has been my only complaint is shifting from 1st to 2nd is very clunky. It gets reasonable mileage of 22mpg on the highway and 18mpg in town. This truck will be in my possession until I die, a very worthwhile investment in my book.

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  Love my Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By kevin - October 7 - 2:21 pm

  Hi, I really love driving my Magnum! The 3.5 gets the mileage I was looking for, and the fun as well. The air blows cold and the fun runs hot! Im really enjoying my ride. Have fun out there! See you on the road.

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  Love this Car! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Tante Lise - October 4 - 3:07 pm

  I only have the base model Dodge Charger, but I love it. It rides very smooth. I also like how it sits up higher than my old car (grand prix). It is nice and roomy too. Very comfortable to ride in. The seats make you feel relaxed and not strained. I am short (52") and it is easier to see over the steering wheel and dash in the Dodge Charger. I cannot wait until I can afford to purchase a more "loaded" Charger with leather seats (heated of course) and the "Hemi". :)

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  Go getter in big comfort - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Mike - October 2 - 1:10 pm

  This is more car than I need; However I am gald I have it all. Very comfortable with the R/T Road and Track package seats. Once you get the idea and the car learns how you want it to go it goes better then most out there. The gas mileage is OK for the power you get out of it. I had leased it but may want to buy out my lease and keep it for longer than expected. Fun family car

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  ONLY THE BEST - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MOTHEROF2 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  DODGE WAS THE ORIGINAL WHEN IT CAME TO CARAVANS AND THEY HAVE ONLY IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS THE SLEEK LOOK MAKES IT NOT ONLY A FUNCTIONAL VEHICLE TO DRIVE, BUT A STYLISH ONE AS WELL. THE EASY TO MOVE REAR SEATS MAKE IT EASY TO TRANSFORM THE VAN FROM A FAMILY VAN TO A CARGO VAN- GREAT FOR MOVING FURNITURE! THIS IS NOT YOUR MOMS OLD MINIVAN...

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  Wonderful baby - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By An-Drew Boger - October 1 - 2:28 pm

  Wonderful baby. I had a 1995 coupe and it sold me to purchase this 2002 sedan r/t. I love everything about it. Great car for interior and exterior room, gas mileage, handling and head-room. This is a very stylish car too. The price for this car is great for everyones average budget. I strongly recommend it for everyone.

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  I Like Durangos - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By carolyn - October 1 - 11:57 am

  Ive always liked the looks of the Dodge Durango which attracted me to them in the 1st place. I have driven 2 different Durangos for a 10 yr period and am seriously considering purchasing a new one. The only thing Ive replaced since 2000 is the brakes and an electric window mechanism

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  2 Hemi family - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By herkmech - September 30 - 3:13 pm

  Dodge did a great job with the re- design. Im a muscle car fan myself but this gives us a tatse of both worlds. My two boys love it and no longer want to ride in the 04 Durango (with a Hemi). They say its not as cool as the Charger. Fun to drive! Looks fast just sitting in my driveway! Throttle response is great. Very comfortable leather seats. Plenty of leg room in the back.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By SRT4 - September 30 - 4:50 am

  Great Performance without the big V8s A sleeper car in Europe. Only the Americans are driving SRT4s. Its fun to see a persons face who paid 3 times what you paid, when passing them on the Autobahn.