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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  Muscle and Looks - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Steve in Idaho - April 14 - 1:13 am

  A little light on the steering, but still fairly easy to control on hard/fast corners. First week took on 1,000 mile trip with 2 other passengers, everyone was very comfortable and didnt experience any fatigue after 6 hours of continous driving. Solid feel at high speed. Very good stereo and all controls are logically laid out. Traded Porsche Cayenne S which had better handling/suspension, but feel this is a far better vehicle for price, features and performance.

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  So Fun! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Carrillo3948 - April 13 - 11:13 pm

  Wow! I saw it, had to drive it, and was so impressed with it, that I bought it! What a car! I am a mom of 3 and traded in the minivan for this red beauty. I cant tell you how fun, smooth, comfortable, reliable, and roomy this car is. I have no regrets. The kids love it, and my husband is a bit jealous.

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  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By tgrbtr - April 12 - 12:18 pm

  I was going to just pass this car by when I was looking, Im glad I didnt. I needed a car to go back and forth to work in and this car fits that job to a T. Its no rocket but compared to my old 99 Neon it feels like one. I really am glad I found an R/T as there dont seem to be a lot around here. Ive added a few things to help out the fun factor (Brembo rotors w/ new pads, K&N filter, Tornado air foil) Cant argue with build quality as it is a Chrysler so Ill forgive some of it, but as a work car or just for running around town its great!

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  I love my Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Byron - April 11 - 7:03 pm

  I think its a great car. Although this modern Hemi is nothing compared to the original (Ive had a 440 Cuda that would outright kill it), the modern Hemi still seems like a great motor, just dont ever think you have a chance against the 440s and 426 Hemis of old. My Charger has the Goodyear RSA tires, which I hear are better than the Continentals, but Im very disappointed with the tires. They dont grip well, especially in winter. And P225 (thats 225mm wide) tires are too narrow on a car of this size. Upgrade, Im telling you. I think the steering could be improved, and as someone else said, the cupholders. Theres nothing else on the market as fast and practical.

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  Return of rear wheel drive - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Cory - April 7 - 2:23 pm

  Traded in 2004 Dodge SRT-4 for roomier and more comfortable car. Im not pro- Dodge, it just happens to be the roomiest, least expensive RWD 4 door sedan on the market. After a high performance FWD car, I wanted something that wouldnt rip my arms off with torque steer. The R/T was what got me looking at the Charger in the first place but I ended up leasing the SXT model beacuse of overall cost. Being 66" I needed something I didnt have to curl into a ball to fit into. Only had it for a week but am very pleased with the Charger so far.

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  Best truck ever - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Spyder - April 6 - 10:11 pm

  I bought this truck new and still own it. It has never failed me and Ive put it through some serious work. I load a large, cabover camper in the rear and take it off road here in Nevada. Even though it is not a 4- wheel drive truck it still handles almost all 4 wheeling roads as if it were. After 15 years I doubt Ill ever get rid of it. Ive owned a lot of different trucks over the years and this one is heads above all of them. Mine is pretty basic, no big power options, but that just makes it easier to maintain and more reliable. If you ever are in a position to buy one of these trucks, you will not be disappointed.

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  Best Buy - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Lad - April 6 - 7:38 am

  Bought this vehicle to tow a big trailer. Had an 02 Sequoia, and it was great, but gutless. Got the Hemi engine option on the new Durango, and it has the grunt to do the job. The multi displacement engine control system does a fine job for squeezing the gas consumption. I actually get the posted gas mileage, or a little better. The seating capacity is great for carrying the whole family, in comfort. Love the looks, and its fun to drive. Yep, shes a winner, a best buy for the money.

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  I Love this Car! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By M Phillips - April 5 - 8:29 pm

  My husband and I bought this car about a month ago. We were looking for something roomy enough to fit our 1 year old car seat comfortably as well as me who is 61. Well, we found it. This car is awesome. My husband loves the fact of how sporty the car looks even thought it is a mid-size 4 door. The compartments are great and the car gets awesome gas milegage. Roomy and just a nice overall interior. Could not ask for a better car.

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  Great Vechicle- Exceptional Value - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Mr.Mom - April 4 - 7:08 am

  Exceptional features minus the bling. As a 64 Mr.Mom, I can comfortably haul our kids or sheets of drywall without missing a beat! I get 14mpg in the city and about 19-20mpg on the highway. Our Durango is a pleasure to drive. Steering is smooth and responsive. The interior is quiet. By the way, on the freeway the Hemi is the real deal! When you need to change lanes it goes into warp speed although the driver always feels a sense of being in total control.

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  Most Fun for under $22K - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By cubano5611 - April 3 - 10:17 pm

  Great vehicle, only cost me $21,950 and has been worth every penny. The power it delivers matches that of a mid priced sports car and can easily fit four adults. Comfort is great and so is the ride quality. Iit is not luxuriously smooth, but is equal to your compact four door cars on the road today.