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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  Awesome Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By JOVANNA - December 20 - 2:14 pm

  This is the best car I have driven when it comes to speed and curves. Had a little trouble with the clutch after 36,000 miles. Got it repossesed, regret that and cant wait to get another one.

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  Satisfied Grand Caravan Owners - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ATC - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very pleased with our Grand Caravan. Not a single complaint. Very easy choice for us to make at the time vs. the Honda Odyssey. Dodge had a better warranty, rebates and financing than Honda was offering and we got far more van for far less price than if we had purchased an Odyssey.

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  2006 Dodge Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Richard - December 20 - 1:26 am

  The car is amazing it has A good preformance and I think that it should be upgraded to A new style like design A new muffler.Or something ?

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  Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Clark Andrew - December 19 - 6:48 pm

  The Durango is one on the best SUVs I ever owned. I have never had a problem with this vehicle. I would have no problem buying another Dodge Durango in the future.

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  What a Versitile Vehicle - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Lisa Greene - December 18 - 5:53 am

  I have the larger edition of this vehicle. I can say as a single Mom with family over 2800 miles one way to visit each summer, this car is a champ! Less than $150 in gas from OK to FL in the midst of summer w/ a family of 5. Hail to Dodge. Please, make more like this!

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  What An Automobile! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Chief - December 16 - 8:43 pm

  This car is the most fun I have had behind the wheel since my first Corvette ( a 1973) and a Shelby Mustang in the 60s (1966 GT350H). The ride is silky smooth, the autostick is very close to a stick shift, and of course the Hemi is totally awesome. We both love this car and highly recommend it to moms and dads who need a sedan for their family, but who still "love to drive" a cool car!

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  Brendas - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By srt8* - December 15 - 7:12 pm

  I love my SRT8 and am still amazed at its driving capabilies and stopping power. This car is a must for a hot rod momma!

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  Great Car for a Low Price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By nywoman77 - December 14 - 4:23 am

  Ive had my Journey for two weeks now. I looked at many other vehicles and found this one to offer all the features I was looking for. It was the best price in its class. It has fair gas mileage for a vehicle of its size, weight and engine size. I think the space and convenient storage exceed any expectations I had. I cant wait to take it on my first road trip. All in all, its fun to drive

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  Fun To Drive and Economical - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry s. - December 13 - 3:29 am

  Have 44K miles and almost 4 years on my lease. Get the 5 speed, quicker and better mileage. About $6 grand less than Honda Civic. Dodge made mistake by replacing this car with Caliber, which doesnt handle as well, and aint as sporty looking. One problem that has come up recently is the front strut bushings (rubber ring to cushion ride) have slipped down making ride more rough. Car shop quoted $330 to fix, but they tend to be more expensive for repairs. Hope for a recall since this problem should not happen on a car with 44K miles.

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  Fully Charged! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Oliver - December 9 - 11:54 pm

  I traded my 2000 BMW 528i for this Dodge. I was hesitant that I would not enjoy my Charger as much. Wrong! Excellent car. Good gas mileage and sporty styling. I am always getting compliments. And the ride is better then the Bimmer. I wish Dodge would go the extra mile and give the minor touches that would put the car over the edge.ie.. lighted vanity mirrors, light in glove compartment, auto adjusting rear view mirror and more cup holders. Also move the cruise control to the steering wheel. Overall very pleased. American muscle with European refinement.