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 4 cyl pickup - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Dodge man - January 11 - 10:38 am

  Bought new in 99, this truck has been great to me so far. It gets up to 26 mpg on the hiway and yet hauls anything I put in the back. Im easy on vehicles and at 118K Im still using the original brakes and am on the second set of tires. I went this year to buy another and discovered Dodge doesnt make the 4 cyl in the Dakota anymore. Such a shame! I just have to baby this one some more!

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  Nice Wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Rollin - January 10 - 7:19 pm

  Black metallic with blacked out windows looks cool. Nice bark from the 3.5L V-6 (dont bother with the 2.7 rental car engine, get the 3.5 or the V8 Hemi). Excellent highway handling. Great seating even in mid grade SXT. Quiet. Solid feeling construction. Cool interior.

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  06 Daytona - GoManGo - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Daytona - January 10 - 6:57 pm

  Bought Dec 31 2005. Car has great syling, is a lot of fun to drive. It is everything I expected when buying. Has very comfortable front seats. I would highly recommend the Daytona or Road & Track Group with the upgraded seats. They are much more comfortable than standard seats. Car handles very well, although I store it in winter so I am not sure about snow,/ice. Dont buy for fuel economy. .I still have never gotten anywhere near the 25 highway on the sticker, closer to 21. So far my only problem is a squeak in the dash that comes and goes. Otherwise, no problems in the first 13K miles. Very roomy, kids really like riding in it!

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ROGER CAUDILL SR - January 10 - 3:50 pm

  THIS IS A FANTASIC CAR VERY COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND GREAT FUN. EVERY TIME I STOP IT DRAWS A CROWD AROUND IT.

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  Charger R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Mark - January 9 - 9:47 pm

  My first Dodge of 8 new car purchases Ive made, and wow, what a very nice product! Dodge has certainly designed and built a top notch vehicle. The vehicle is precisely what Ive read and more. Its engine/tranny is responsive, precise, and impressive. All the features are nicely done and worth the options cost. The sound system is impressive and allows you to rock like we once did. So many positives and updated technology with a retro look. Im left very impressed with my white R/T every time I get behind the wheel and when I unwilling disembark. Have driven European/Asian/and GM vehicles, Dodge has come up with a great product to match the best of the best.

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  Best new car I have ever owned - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jason - January 9 - 2:54 pm

  She has all the sophistication of a classic road car with all the creature comforts a man needs. Her performance will be a ten when I add the supercharger system and all the mods to push this beast past any conventional two door sports car. Dodge hit this one right on the money with the nascar body styling and four doors for the family man. A perfect car for the midlife crisis. I love the fact everybody on the highway gets out of my way when they seen me coming from their rearview mirros. I cannot stop smiling for two hours after I go on one of my "country cruises." I have had as many thumbs up with this car as I have with my classic collection.

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  I love my new Daytona Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Brett - January 9 - 12:20 am

  I had this car for 3 weeks now and already put 1300 miles on it just because i have so much fun driving it. It is the best of both worlds fast and sporty but also comfortable. My sister falls asleep everytime she gets in because the seats are like sitting on a lazy boy. Also the stereo is out of this world. I bought subs to put in it but I dont even have to now it will vibrate the whole car. I would recomend this car to a teenager looking to have some fun or a family of 4 going on vacation.

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  my nitro - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Donald Rodriguez - January 8 - 3:24 pm

  Its been great, have no problem with this vehicle

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  Nothing But Fun - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Gs Wagon - January 8 - 8:26 am

  Just received my red wagon after waiting over 5 months for my order. It was well worth the wait! I love the interior design as I am 52". Having trouble keeping off the pedal, loving that V8! Great drive on the highway.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Orange SXT Sport - January 7 - 3:26 pm

  This is an all around great car! Its fun to drive, has comfortable seats, and the MusicGate sound system is just simply amazing for a factory premium stereo.