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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  Great Family car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By luckieleah - January 19 - 11:42 am

  We have owned this car for a few months and absolutly love it! We had been looking for a toyota or Honda, but decided on the 06 Stratus instead because of the space and price. Since we were buying a used car, it was an added bonus that the car still had a factory warranty! We have a 2 year old boy and the car is big enough that we can haul all his stuff around and still have plenty of room for the three of us and a guest or two. My husband and I are both above average build and the front seats are very comfortable for us as well. The longest trip weve taken was a four hour drive through Kansas and the car handled well and we had no spacial complants as well. Great car!

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  This ones mine, get your own - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Hemi Gal - January 17 - 3:04 pm

  My husband and I have never owned a new car before the SRT8. We couldnt find anything good enough, until now. I find myself looking for excuses to go to town, just so I can drive this wonderful car. I love everything from the kicker audio system to the 20" wheels! The trunk space is massive and the interior is roomy enough for 6+ tall individuals and the handling is better than a tiny sports car in so many ways. I dont even mind the extra weight, it makes it feel so stable. The brilliant black crystal pearl paint just makes this car that much more eye catching. This car truly turns everyones head where ever I go!

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  Not for the weak or timid - 1995 Dodge Viper
  By has venom - January 16 - 11:18 am

  This car is a blast to drive! Always gets looks and smiles. Do not buy this car if you are shy. Also, do not buy this car if you are an inexperienced driver. Tons of power and gobs of tourqe may be a handful if youre not used to it. This car is not friendly with bad weather. Do not reccomend driving in the rain. Stock top and side windows are not the best. Also be ready for every teenager in a Camaro or Mustang want to race(and a couple of adults in Porsches). The stock radio sounds like a tin can. I leave mine off and listen to the mucic of my 488 cube V-10. This is the most fun car Ive had - definitely a toy.

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  Great car! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By modernmom - January 15 - 9:54 am

  I bought this car for a general drive around. I have done 2 road trips from MO to MN. I love this car $60 for gas round trip! Great stereo, great handling, no repairs other than general maintenance. I love the 28-35 mpg. Nice get up and go. I am a 40 something mom and let me tell you this car makes me feel 25! I would recommend this car to anyone. Downside, noisy brakes and inconvenient console storage. Everything else is a win win!

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  Love my man wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chuck Greinke - January 13 - 2:16 pm

  I have three kids and tow a little, I cant beat it . I average 17mpg city 22 hwy. I have a few aftermarket add on and will be doing more next year.

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  Dodge Dakota - Drive the best! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By john p. - January 13 - 10:38 am

  I have owned Dodge Dakotas since 1991. I have seen the evolution of this truck. I now have the latest 2006 Quad Cab Sport SLT 4.7 high output. What stands out - Heavy duty truck! Very strong and stiff frame, solid sturdy cab and body. Braking is good. Great styling, very comfortable interior. Ram wheels bolt on for instant 20" look. What it lacks - fuel economy, H.O. 4.7 lacks power (compared to the old 5.2 & 5.9 & some V6s) yet has plenty of grunt with bolt on upgrades. Trans is slow to downshift. Body roll on higher speed cornering. Changing oil is messy. The oil drains onto the trans x-member and creates a 15 inch cascading mess. None-the-less, a very impressive truck. Solid.

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  2005 Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Navin - January 12 - 11:14 am

  The Dodge Magnum RT combines great looks with fantastic performance. With the tow package you can pull 3800lbs- a fair size boat or trailer. The car is far more comfortable than you would expect. Excellent seats for the long haul. We drove 550 miles in one day with a 4 year-old in the back and towing a jet-ski, no problem. Even stopped at a museum for a few hours. The luggage capacity is great for travel and with the back seat down you can load an enormous amount of stuff into the vehicle.

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  Great Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike - January 12 - 8:38 am

  This Magnum was a dealer demo with 4900 miles on it. I have had it for 8 months and it now has 19000 miles on it. The car has been great and has required no repairs. Very comfortable to drive the long distances that are required, at times. Getting 22-26 mpg. Would not trade it for any other wagon on the market in its price range. First wagon that I have ever owned that my kids even liked!

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  Dodge Intrepid 1999 - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By penman - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 3 years. Previously owned 3 Fords (Taurus). Liked the Intrepid very much, very roomy inside and large trunk. Car handles very well, with good power and great highway mileage. I would buy another Chrysler product.

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  good - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By PERLA RIVERA - January 12 - 2:00 am

  i had a good experiance so far