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 Longest Test Drive! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By DodgeLover - November 29 - 4:50 pm

  We live in Charlotte, NC and purchased a 2006 SLT 4x4 only 12 days ago. This, after 8 months of shopping for that "Perfect Safety Vehicle". The Durango is a "safety tank" 5-star everything. Essentially, we have taken it on the "Worlds Longest Test Drive" by driving to upstate NY (900 miles each way). What a great ride! The seats are great, dash design is sharp, the gauges at night are a very cool aqua green, and it has a very good stock sound system. As for gas, its an SUV, it will not have Honda Accord gas mileage. But, we tracked 5 tanks at an average of 20.2 mpg. Great for the size of the vehicle! Why people buy expensive luxury SUVs is beyond me after driving our Durango.

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  Hillspot - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By hillspot - November 29 - 11:43 am

  The comfort for a family of six is great. The kids have a lot of room to maneuver around and not be crowded.

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  Best car Ive sold out of. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By rmercer - November 28 - 6:04 pm

  I travel the Houston, Texas area and am very happy with this car. The dealer recommended this one and I was skeptical. He was right. It looks small but is very roomy. I get excellant gas mileage and this car is holding up very well in the city atmosphere. Stop and go or on the highway this car is awesome!

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  GLH deja vu - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By C Howard - November 28 - 12:20 pm

  Reminds me of a GLH I had except its an updated version. Am having a little trouble with hearing distributor noise through the stereo system, otherwise no problems ..I have the live n loud system. Whenever I drive the car ...it puts a grin on my face.Just as my GLH did.

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  The Best Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By J-money - November 27 - 9:29 am

  I brought the 1998 Dodge Stratus form a friend and there was never any problem with the car ever. It has 100,000 miles and no leaks and no engine problems.

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  what a beautiful detroit made vehicle! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By big walt - November 26 - 2:00 am

  this suv is a terrific vehicle. it is a vastly improved design over the old durango. the handling, the engineering, the interior are all extraordinary. i could not be more pleased with my purchase.

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  Amazing car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By travis - November 24 - 12:12 pm

  I have had this car for a couple of months now and I am in love with it. Iit is the best car I have ever owned and I feel like a king driving it. I would suggest it to anyone. The only problem is the blind spots and its hard to see out of the back when backing up. Other than that. its an amazing car

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  Canadian eh? - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Cliff Sadgrove - November 24 - 8:33 am

  It has been three months since I picked up the cCaliber and I do about 85% hwy and 15% city driving. To date Ive averaged about 35 mpg IMP. The car is good on gas and is very responsive to drive. Interior head room is exceptional and it is roomy in general. The overall look of the vehicle is strong and the styling is unique. The only negative I have so far is that the knee room is a little tight. I can however, fix that by lowering the drivers seat. Overall Im very happy with this vehicle and the way it operates.

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  Georgia Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By nate1981 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I Love This Car. It looks great with black pearl and crome wheels. Great Drive and lots of Power.

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  2006 charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By david enyart - November 21 - 3:56 pm

  I love the design and the way the car drives! You can tell the vehicle has European influence. There was a time not to long ago that I wouldnt have considered a Chrysler product! Things are truly different now! I just completed a road trip of 4000 miles. The car averaged between 28-30 mpg. The trunk was loaded with luggage of 4 people who made the trip. I love the car and always look forward to driving! Everywhere I go, people point, and look at the car! Chrysler/Dodge/Mercedes, have done a great job !