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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  Dodge doesnt stand behind their cars! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Lynn - September 16 - 4:30 am

  I leased a 2009 Dodge Journey in May "08". I had to replace the entire front break system at only 22,000 miles and the rear break system at 44,000. I was told it was normal wear and tear so they werent covered under warranty. The tires are very expensive, hard to find, and dont last. The so-called stain resistant interior is a complete joke. It has been such a horrible experience, I cant wait for my lease return date.

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  03 R/T Ride - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Bleu - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Dodge Durango R/T is a fitting departure for a class of SUV that has completely stumped the comptitors. In short, and SUV/Sports Car with an excellant engine conbination of HP (250 stock - 295 expandable @ 3800-4000 RPM) and torque (350 - 380 @ 3000RPM). No other vehicle in its class can touch its performance, comfortable ride, and looks..... and it rivals even the large SUVs in internal comfort and amentities. With a towing capacity of 7000#, theres not much I cant do. With 2003 being the final year for the R/T (welcome the 2004 5.7 Hemi Durango), this model is destine to become a classic.

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  WOW - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Doug - September 14 - 11:39 pm

  Traded an 07 C6 for this 09 6 spd SRT8 and could not be happier. The comfort level, smooth ride, and power when you need it is what driving a car is all about and this car has it. It certainly does get the attention from others. Dodge did this one right.

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  Love my Hemi! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By CCCarter - September 14 - 11:50 am

  I love this car. I have driven a lot of different cars, but this one is the most fun, yet comfortable car I have ever owned. I love the feeling of it pushing me back in the seat when I punch the gas. I have had many comments on it and enjoy it when people tell me that it looks mean. It feels like a solid piece of machinery and handles great, even at very high speeds. I had a spoiler added to the back and had the windows tinted black to make it unique from others I have seen.

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  Vroom vroom! - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Dan Bruns - September 13 - 2:26 pm

  If you do not like going fast, do not buy this car. It is the perfect combo family car plus performance. 375+ horsepower to tow the kids around? Oh yes I love it.

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  Bring back the Magnum - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Stephen - September 13 - 6:49 am

  If you are looking for a slightly used cross over, I highly recommend the Dodge Magnum instead. First Dodge Ive owned, and I love it! Fantastic alternative to those boring CUVs. I drove Jeeps for 12 years (last 3 was a Commander), and wanted something better on gas, but more fun on the road. The Magnum has a deeper cargo area than our Nissan Murano (07 SL), costs less, and is 100% more fun to drive. My wife discovered this, too and now I have to hide the keys to the Magnum. My daughter is 3, but already demands "HEMI". RT package is excellent, the torque from the HEMI is intense, but refined and smooth at normal speeds. Visibility is perfect with an aftermarket rear view mirror.

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  Not Bad for $500.00 - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Anyon - September 12 - 3:53 pm

  This little car has 133,000 miles on it and it still starts and drives very well. Very reliable, couple of gremlins, but nothing major. Lots of aftermarket parts available. Fun little project for the four banger enthusiast. Shaky idle (probably could benefit from a tune up).

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  Best car for the $$$ - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By KAC1972 - September 12 - 3:46 pm

  I have owned BMW, Lexus and Infiniti before buying my SRT8. Yes, I do miss the superior service department experience that comes with a luxury car. However, this car is something to marvel at. I believe it is money well spent. The performance, power and control is pretty impressive. I love the interior design and room provided to the driver and passenger.

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  100000 and still going strong - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By joe pup - September 12 - 1:29 pm

  Great truck, bought to tow boat only mid size that would do it the V8 has good gas mileage average 18mpg have towed over 10,000 with it with no problems off road it fun. Only problem is I bent the u joint and that when I tried to pull 12000 lbs other then that, all normal wear and tear.

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  Nothing But Fun - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Samara - September 12 - 4:40 am

  I have owned 2 Ford Explorers. They were good, but this vehicle is a blast. I have eveything on my SLT except the navigation system. I am a teacher and a coach. The kids absolutely love it and the Sunburst Orange color really turns the heads.