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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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Topip - August 5 - 12:53 am

  We really like the car and its performance. Had a piece of weather stripping fall off a rear passenger door and have some paint chipping off the front fascia. Dealer has agreed to repair.

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  Love It - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By thumperl - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Only had the van 2 months but just love the sto and go seats, Have the back up option and all the other bells and whistles I could get. Would recommend highly. The only thing that could be changed is the electric passenger seat should have as many adjustments as the driver seat.The more I drive the better the gas milage gets. It is just great.

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  2006 Charger R/T 5.7L - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By LuckyBoot - August 3 - 8:46 pm

  Excellent car. Fuel mileage is so-so (16.6 combined), but we expected that before purchase. Rides great, handles good, accelerates quickly and smoothly. Cant go anywhere without getting comments or questions about the car. Electronics Convenience Package, Premium Stereo and Convenience Package II are excellent options, making the perfect driving position a possibility for ANY sized driver. Only drawback about the car is that the "chopped/low roofline" requires you to "bend forward" at intersections to see traffic lights if youre first at the light.

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  Tight car, no complaints - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By DavidJames - August 2 - 9:14 pm

  I love the Magnums. Love the Hemi. The power is amazing. Its smooth like an old Caddy. I have 2 kids and am very glad I went with this over a Charger, a lot roomier.

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  Great large SUV for the money - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By RobinE - August 1 - 6:07 pm

  Did a lot of research before purchase. Durango was more bang for the buck than Tahoe, Armada, Toyota. Hemi is great, good mileage for a large SUV plus plenty of power. Towed trailer to Wyoming no problem. Beware, FlexFuel is a crock. In the owners manual it states up to 30% reduction in MPG with FlexFuel! Also, do not mix Flexfuel with gas unless all most empty. FlexFuel is media hype. Nice ride, a little tight on rear seat leg room. Dash latout nice and easy to read. 6 Disc CD/Radio takes some getting use to, not eacy to understand without manual.

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  Nitro Extreme - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By FRED - August 1 - 12:19 pm

  Nice all around. Great braking. Decent ride. Handles well, better then whats been reported. Great value for the dollar

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  dodge magnum rt - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By M.J.Pods - July 31 - 5:36 am

  this vehicle is everything i always wanted wrapped up in one package.the power of the big v8 is awesome.add to that the comfort of the leather interior and the low slung look it is just one great machine.it was a head- turner the day i bought it and probably will still be 20 years down the road.

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  Tried and True - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By TRowe - July 30 - 10:00 am

  If like me, you own/owned the well- known Durango body style,the new ones take some getting used to. Once you get over the new body style, youll be happy with the modifications...notwithstanding the MPG. I found the new model is better overall: good interior design, easy handling, great ride (you float) and fantastic sound system! Im only 53" and love being able to look down at people on the road! Like the longer wheel-base. Watch your speed, if it feels like 40, youre probably doing 60. Although I was initially reluctant, Im happy I stayed with the Durango. Thanks Anthony Ester at Covington Pike Dodge, youre an asset! Before you rule the Durango out, take the test drive

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  Wow!! What a car! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By alexia-1228 - July 29 - 9:10 am

  I have owned this car for about 4 months now and my family loves it. Its very sporty looking, rides smooth, and is VERY quiet. There is TONS of storage, and the seats are SO easy to fold down or move if needed. The 90 degree open doors are great for getting in and out. The gas mileage is very good. This is SO MUCH better that a mini van! I have tons of people wanting to look in it and just wanting to "check" it out!

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  The New Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Scott Ryan - July 28 - 3:43 pm

  Very impressive handling, combined with smooth acceleration, decent gas mileage, and a bold new style makes this SUV stand out from the rest. A nice and roomy interior makes this vehicle great for families or for individuals who simply need the room. Plenty of additional options lets you customize your Durango from the ground up.