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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  The best car Ive ever been in! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By JamesAlfano - February 7 - 10:11 am

  The 2006 Black Charger SRT8 is the car Ive always wanted. I cannot afford to own and maintain a dedicated play car, and this is better than that anyway. I get to drive it all the time. Surpsiingly good in snow with Perrilli Scorpian Ice and Snow tires. There is nothing under $80,000 that even comes close.

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  Love my Durango! - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By AlaskaMamaBear - February 7 - 1:38 am

  We bought this Durango as 2nd owners from a rental liquidator and were worried. But we have had no problems what-so-ever. I trust this vehicle in the Alaskan elements with my children on board. Its been a wonderful family vehicle. I feel very safe with the side curtain airbags in the both the front and back seats. I couldnt live without the third row seat! The cargo area is spacious enough for our two dogs, or a full Costco run, and has made a conveinent diaper changing station on more than one occasion! Weve taken excellent car of our Durango, but I have to say it has taken even better car of us.

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  Dodge Stratus #1 - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Bill - February 6 - 4:59 pm

  The car is a pleasure to drive, it handles very well, it feels light and nimble. It getts good fuel mileage. I have been getting 28mpg week in and week out. I am happy with the performance, it is a 150 hp 4 cylinder and it feels very strong off the line.

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  SRT-8 Automotive Art - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By NICK PROSCIA - February 6 - 12:36 am

  I first saw the SRT-8 at the International car show when it was just a concept. At the time, I told my wife that if they build it I want it. I first test drove it July of 2006 and fell in love. I have been a GM person my whole life, but things were about to change. I have owned 24 cars from classic Impalas, Corvettes, Camaros and list goes on. I actually traded a 1996 Impala SS for the SRT-8. There is nothing bad at all to say about this car. Styling, comfort, and oh yeah, performance like you never had. I can carry my family of five around, or pick up a TV and still lay rubber like I was in a sports car. Cold air induction and a catback exhaust is now on order. Can never have too much power.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Anderson - February 5 - 10:10 pm

  This vehicle is as advertised on the sticker, fuel mileage has been better than expected. I have two complaints after almost 30,000 miles. It needs at least two more inches of driver seat hip room and back up sensors.The Hemi is great, very responsive.

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  Anyone ever see/read "Christine"? - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Jason - February 4 - 9:39 am

  Yes thats correct, I think I love my car a little too much. I dont know what I like best about my Stratus R/T but a few of my favorite things are the handling, the ability to accelerate in traffic, the feeling of being "attatched" to the road via the low profile tires and stiff suspension, the leather seats and the stock "Infinity" 4 disc changer. Love the looks of the car and the way Ive seen people stop and take a gander at it. What can I say, Im in love.

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  Hemi Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mark - February 4 - 1:06 am

  A very tight, solid and powerful ride. The passing capability is incredible. I recently purchased a large gas BBQ still in the box and it fit right in the back with the seats folded down (nobody at Lowes thought it would). Very roomy inside even with 5 pasengers. I only have one complaint, quite a bit of tire or road noise (loud hum) when crusing on the freeway. You dont here any road noise in city driving just on the Freeway. I use the Magnum as my work car and it is the best yet.

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  Love It! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Jackie - February 2 - 10:34 pm

  I traded in my 1 year old Jeep Liberty that my husband surprised me with, way too small, he was understanding and we decided to look for new trucks. We almost bought the Lexus GX440 for alot more money, but decided to leave the dealer on the way home saw the Durango for a lot less money. We did purchase an extended warranty a week after at a Chrysler dealership and the warranty was much cheaper. I love this truck, rides great, gas is what I expected it to be. And with the $6000.00 rebate you cant beat it.

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  New to me 04 Neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By X-CamryOwner - February 2 - 4:58 pm

  I got this 04 SXT used with 85,777 miles on it. I test drove it twice and loved it. Was easy to back into the space on the dealers lot on the first drive. Only had to take it back 1 time for a diagnostic code 0340. The dealer also programmed the door remote I purchased elsewhere and gave me another when I took it in for the 0340 code. It has been fun to drive. It is a bit noisy on the highway and rough roads, but come on, it is not a Lexus. I am not regretting buying it. I have an 05 PT Conv and the dash is almost identical. I did get the 6 cd changer in the Neon - love it. Its a little low to the ground, but will get bigger tires/wheels when tires need replacing.

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  Solid Build Great Car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By travelin man - February 2 - 4:57 pm

  I am a cross country sales rep and drive an average of 30-40k a year. I recently sold my 02 Dodge Stratus with 194,550 miles with no problems whatsoever. I change the oil every 3- 5k and it gets me where i want to go. Solid car. My 2006 SXT has 55k on it already and has been just as reliable. How can someone buy a Camry for 4-6k more? I havent yet figured that out. I owned an Accord before my Stratus and lost the vtec engine at 100k. Pretty bad Id say. For the price and reliability you cant beat a used domestic.