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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  This car was a life saver - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Janet - June 9 - 10:33 pm

  Bought a 96 Avenger ES with 104K for my 17 yo son. The most important thing I can say about this car is that it was substantial and well built enough to save his life in a bad front end collision. Both airbags deployed and the car was totaled, but he walked away without a scratch. He is crushed about losing this car-his first and like a friend to him. Well designed inside and out--I found it comfortable to drive and am 50 yo with a young one in a carseat--easiest 2 door to get child in and out of carseat I have ever used- loved the way the front seats slid forward automatically. Quality for this American made car is exceptional and ergonomic. Handled well, fun to drive, no major problems.

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  2nd Neon Purchace - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Kay - June 8 - 6:55 am

  This is my second Dodge Neon purchase. I bought the 2005 Dodge Neon STX model with rear spoiler this time. This model is sporty stylish and still turns heads. Its roomy and has pep when you put your foot on the gas. I love this car for the price and gas miles. Relieable so far.

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  2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT+ 2WD 3.9L - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By stevew - June 7 - 4:15 am

  The Dodge Dakota has been a great truck for me. I originally had a 90 Dakota that was still running great at 230,000 miles. Then I joined the Marine Corps and bought the 03 Quad Cab. The only problem Ive had with it was a crack in a rubber hose for the fuel EVAP emissions system - a simple inexpensive repair. After sitting in a parking lot for 7 months while I was in Iraq (twice), it ran perfectly for me when I returned (as well as after 2 one month trips to AZ.) It gets me 18 MPG (mixed) and has reached 20MPG (hwy) several times. Bottom line - I love it! I see myself driving this 1 for years to come and probably nothing but Dakotas for the rest of my life.

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  2002 Dodge Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Joe Smith - June 5 - 5:00 pm

  Great truck!!

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  Love my van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By vallie_girl - June 4 - 5:36 pm

  This van drives much like a car. It has a fluidity in movement with an excellent turn radius. Problems have all been minor. We had a plastic piece come off one of the windows, had to replace brakes both front and back. But overall an amazing deal.

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  My Magnum Rocks! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Karen - June 2 - 5:31 pm

  I sell Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep products, and have been looking closely at the 300, Charger and Magnum for some time. Comparing all things equally, my Magnum fits my kids and their stuff (hockey, lacrosse, football and all other equipment), and my golf clubs and my hubbys. It has the hot looks of a sexy sportscar, but has the capability of a family sedan. I feel great driving this amazing vehicle, and working as a Sales and Leasing Consultant, I get to drive dozens and dozens of vehicles and models all the time! I love my leather interior, sunroof, autostick and Boston Acoustics stereo for when I want to crank it up!

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  RT Hemi - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By rick - June 1 - 1:56 pm

  Am overjoyed with the 350 horse Hemi. Only two problems with the car seem to be the brakes do not match up with the power and there seem to be a couple of blind spots when driving. I have only put 7800 miles on this car and am going to try to keep the miles low. The car handles like a race car with the tight suspension and the incredible power of the engine. It has the sound of the old muscle cars of the 60s. I weigh 270 and am 64", there is more than enough room for me. The 4 doors make this car more practical than any new Mustang on the market and both my kids have put dibs on it when I die

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  Great looking fun car - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By krd - June 1 - 1:49 pm

  If you want a four door sedan that excites you everytime you drive it then the Charger SRT8 should be your choice. Wonderful acceleration and great handling for a heavy sedan. The interior is very comfortable. The seats just coddle you. Controls are easy to reach and use and work well. Car does what it is supposed to do and looks great doing it.

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  Best purchase ever made! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Susan Patnode - June 1 - 7:49 am

  Bought this car in 1996 with 36,000. Purchased extended warranty. Had transmission issue in 98, covered 100% by warranty! Have had no other issues! Never had a day when the car didnt start (gets cold here in winter) When I purchased needed reliable car..single mom 3 kids. My youngest were 5. They are now 16 and learning to drive. Guess what theyre driving? The intrepid! 175000 miles, a year in storage, and still going strong!

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  May, 2007 - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Nancy Davis - May 30 - 2:42 pm

  I love this car! It has been very reliable with no big repair problems. I have put two new starters on it and it is using about a quart of oil /1000 miles. The mileage is 20 mpg in town and on the road. It rides with a soft ride and is easy to drive. It has no big problems that I know of. The color makes it look classy and the style of the body is very sporty. I just want a newer car with dependability--or I would keep it!