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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  Duraaaango! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Badlands - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is THE SUV folks. Sure, some people will swear by the newer design of the Ford Explorer, but lets face it - at the end of the day the Dodge Durango is an SUV - a truck with style and functionality. The Explorer has just turned one step closer to being a car lifted up a bit to look like a truck. Not that the Explorer is bad but its sort of dainty compared to the Durango. The Durango handles great off-road and in 4 wd for snow and mud. Its interior is clean and crisp and it has a solid feel all about. The leather seats are comfortable. Its just a solid sporty rig!

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  LOVE MY JOURNEY!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By DodgeGirl09 - December 23 - 3:43 pm

  I really havent had it that long, but I must say, for a crossover, you really get a lot of features and extras for teh price. It has a lot more leg room that it looks like from the outside. Drives smooth, and handles very well. I have seen in other reviews that customers were not happy with the way thinterior is made, that it is too cheap, but I disagree. Yes, its not a lexus, but for a mom driving her 5 yr old, and 17 yr old around, it is very sturdy and functional. Its easy to clean, and takes the abuse that my boys have to offer (LOL). Its also very easy to fold the seats down, or scooter them forward, very user friendly for a mom on the go!

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  Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By TOM - December 22 - 4:42 pm

  The most comfortable car to drive on a trip. Has plenty of get up and go for a 6 cylinder. I love my Magnum.

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  Most fun and comfortable SUV - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By JACKIE - December 22 - 3:22 pm

  This is the best vehicle for your money. Reliable, fun, and exciting. Great for trips and I get about 20 miles to the gallon in my Hemi limited. Awesome to sum it up. Has all the options I will ever need.

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  2008 Dodge Avenger SE - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By 2008 Dodge Avenger - December 22 - 12:16 pm

  This car is peppy and takes hills very well. Sharp styling. Fun to drive. Check out the paint before you drive in home from the dealer. I noticed when I got home a few imperfections in the paint. I have Silver Steel metallic and its great. Plenty of room on a trip with kids. Dont think because its 4 cylinder thats a dog. Its a 16 valve.

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  2006 Dodge Charger RT Hemi - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Michael - December 22 - 10:56 am

  Will put any car on the road today to shame. Excellent handling, more power than you can imagine, runs circles around the stang... Very well crafted and fun to drive. Handles the road better than any car Ive owned or seen in along time. This is the one car youll brag about for years to come...

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  Versatile and comfortable - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Frodo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  You wont believe how smooth a ride this van has! It has a HUGE interior room that is versatile and easy to care for. It can handle the scratches from dogs, and hauls tons of stuff. It gets suprisingly great gas milage, even in the city. It is DRIVER FOCUSED; the control panels are directed more toward the driver, making it easier to reach all the controls and keep driving the vehicle your first priority. The sound system is great; and having separate heating and cooling for drivers and passengers front and back is wonderful. The filter is priceless! My child is an asthmatic, and this filter has been the difference from discomfort to absolute pleasure.

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  German Influence - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Lars - December 22 - 9:51 am

  You can tell that Mercedes has been involved in the quality of this car. Good tight feeling when you are driving. Handles well in any weather-I live in Northeast Ohio. I bought the car used and have 38,000 miles on it at present. The only problem I had was the tie rod ends needed replaced at 35,000 miles. Started to hear tire noise in the front end and realized the tread was beginning to wear uneven. Not happy with having to spend money on this at 38,000 miles. Mileage good be better. Drove to Wilmington NC and averaged 21 mpg. Love the engine and transmission though-good reponse.

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  Dodge has the power - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By SLT magnum - December 22 - 5:51 am

  The Dakota demands respect. Acceleration is instant and commanding. The beauty and style are remarkable and I get a lot of positive comments on my taste in vehicles.

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  Love My Mag - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Deanna - December 20 - 3:33 pm

  This has got to be the best looking car I have owned. Its fun to drive and own. The only drawback to this car has been the lousy tires the car came with. I kept the tires on the car everytime I purchased until now. I just purchased my 4th set of tires since I purchased my car in 05-05. Other than that I love it.