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 surprised me - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Dont trash my car - March 20 - 4:23 am

  This is a great car. Ive been driving it on the autobahn in Germany for the past couple of months. I dont have the road noise people compalain about (unless I open my windows). I drives great. Accelerates great for the money (its not a 5 series BMW), has plenty of room and great gadgets to make long trips comfortable. Sometimes it feels like its going slow, untill I look down and realize Im doing 90. I have driven this car in every condition, and it has done nothing but surprise me.

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  Nice family car - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mresener - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice family car. Roomier than other mini-vans.

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  Adreneline rush onwheels - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By cummimns family - March 19 - 3:50 pm

  We recently bought this car because we needed something reliable to drive. We wanted something fun and economical plus the price was great for a brand new car. We have had nothing but a great time driving this car. The way it handles on tight corners and in parking lots is wonderful, and we love the safety features. For fuel mileage on the first tank I got about 28 miles to the gallon, which was tons better than my 98 Isuzu Rodeo which got about 14. We love the headlights. They are better for driving at night because they give you a better field of vision. All in all this car is a dream to own.

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  Even great as a resale! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By rg - March 18 - 11:10 pm

  I bought this SUV about 9 months ago. I love it! It still looks and drives like it is brand new! Friends dont believe it is 3 years old. I drove an Explorer for 10 years and have been very happy with the switch.

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  Best purchase I ever made - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By jbchoc - March 17 - 4:46 pm

  This car has been everything I expected it to be and more. I had been eyeing the Charger ever since it first came out again in 2006. I love the way it looks, handles, and feels. The Hemi in the R/T version will take on any Corvette or Mustang hands down. The cabin is very roomy - almost too roomy in fact. I am 6 1" and I have to lean forward to adjust the rear view mirror. Theres enough controls on the steering wheel to control the radio, cd changer, and navigation system. I love this car to death and I plan on keeping it for a long time.

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  2008 Avenger SE 4 cyl - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Jim - March 17 - 1:43 am

  I really love the design of this car. Its sporty and was reasonably priced. Would like to of had the RT, but that was pricey. The interior needs to be a better quality. It looks cheap. I think spoilers should not be an option, keep the car sporty. I am buying a spoiler, looks much better. Would recommend to everyone. Mileage is great, do not have to fill up at every gas station you pass.

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  The Colonel Mosby - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Francesco - March 16 - 9:10 pm

  Went the distance and got a silver R/T w/Performance Group - well worth it, esp the leather seats. Mine is the only one in the hood and all are transfixed. Took it from Quebec to Georgia and back and smiled the whole time. The smooth sure performance of this machine amazes. Its 350 ponies yield so much mature, confident power I can only shake my head when some kid is foolish enough to provoke it by revving up his engine at a stoplight. This Dodge muscle car is King of the Road and all must concede the fact. I highly recommend it to anyone. But if you go for it, make sure its equipped with its legendary growling soul: the Hemi engine that makes the crazy sane and the sane crazy...

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  Looker - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Scott D. Owens - March 16 - 7:43 pm

  Great car! It gets quite a lot of attention. I have been approached numerous times from folks loving the styling and wanting to know more. It has great power and moves effortlessly. It is very roomy and has plenty of space. I am 65" and still have room to move my seat back if I want. Very stylish and holds the road well. Havent seen the gas mileage others have been getting. Im averaging about 16 mpg. Wish the GPS was touch- screen instead of using the joystick. Cool vanilla color is absolutely COOL. It truly stands out!

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  Sweet Car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Tanya - March 16 - 8:44 am

  I commute about 100 miles a day and have been very happy with this car.I have had the same front end problem with the shaking and also had to have my inner tie rods replaced but with as many miles as I have put on it I have to expect some maintenance. When its really hot and I have the ac on it tends to want to stall when I come to a stop light but has never died. Great gas mileage, love the 4 disc CD changer, and love the style of the car. I upgraded the wheels and rims and it makes it look extra sharp. The trunk is huge and great for groceries. It is kind of low for my parents to get in but I like it because it adds to the sporty look. Overall a great, sporty, reliable and economical car

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  Fantastic Fun Super Bee - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Steve - March 15 - 9:15 pm

  What an amazingly fun car to drive. Incredible power, handling, and looks. The SRT-8 will go like the wind, stop on a dime, and give you 9 cents change.