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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  Worth Every Penny - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bglover - November 15 - 10:00 am

  The new style is a real seller. The overall fit and finsh of the van is excellent. This is our first new van purchase and am glad we waited. The Stow and Go option has been a long time coming and we have made valuable use of it already.

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  They only get better - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Peter KY1. - November 15 - 10:00 am

  From the first Caravan I purchased the quality and comfort have only improved. My hat is off for the 2005 Grand SXT! Comfortalbe, easy to fold down seating, engine and interior quality has finally put it into the Toyota class. And in my mind better. I have tested the Toyota, Nisson and Honda, they do not stack up to the SXT! While this is a new design, in my mind it holds up to its top compettitors. Buy it you will like it.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By 16DurangoBlacktop - November 15 - 12:09 am

  I have the 2016 SXT PLUS Blacktop Edition. Love the look. Drives smooth, hugs the road, great gas mileage ( 24.5 mpg average) The entertainment system/ controls ( touchscreen) is VERY user friendly. No problems at all with the Bluetooth. My favorites include the heated seats, heated steering wheel, the exterior and interior look. And you really feel like you are driving a SUV. The ONLY con I have is the acceleration (particularly uphill- ( but I have the V6.) Not complaining too much since it is a larger SUV and weighs more than the average counterparts so it is expected . The acceleration during driving on flat roads is fine. I had a Jeep before this and a Jetta before that. I will NEVER not own a Durango again

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  Durango R/T - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Ryan - November 13 - 7:34 pm

  No breakdowns except for standard service calls. One emission sensor failed during warranty.

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  My studly station wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By brenda peek - November 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love my new car. This car has so many features that make it a real deal. The power is awesome and the comfort is great. Great car for my family of 3.

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  2006 Magnum from Ontario - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By robbo68 - November 11 - 3:07 pm

  I am a lifelong Dodge fan. From the Dodge Dspen to Dakota now to the Magnum I am very impressed witht the structure of the whole car. I believe they spent time on this and made it right. Spacious in design with a whole lot of sport.

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  My Two Cents - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By A. PHILIP - November 11 - 11:15 am

  I bought it to drive it in the snow, but changed my mind and still live in the south. Im in the car business ( luxury sales) but fell in love with this car at first sight. One year and 16,000 miles later, I love it still! I have chipped it, and added a performance filter and exhaust. It is a blast. Wish I had the bought the RT though.

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  i love my black 2004 neon sxt - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By neon lover - November 10 - 10:00 am

  As you can see I love my neon. I have high aspirations of fixing it up with new side skirts and front and rear bumber. I already have a 7 color lcd underbody kit and I had a spoiler sunroof installed also. The one reason why I got the neon is that it is one of the most customizable cars on any lot. You can make your neon be whatever, look like whatever, and do whatever you want it to. Oh yea and did I tell you how much I love my neon! :)

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  Who the hell needs an SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Todd Werth - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This thing is just a cool car , go with the larger wheel and tire package and get the 5.7L Hemi at whatever cost, you wont be regret it. The Hemi runs as a 4-cylinder on the highway. And it handles excellent, smaller turn radius than you think. The V6s are pretty stout too.

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  Smooth Riding - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By James Lockwood - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Easy to handle,quiet ride, visual ability excellent. Roomy inside makes shopping a breeze with high hatchback door up high. Very comfortable seating, for 5 people with large leg room in back seat. Adjustable peddle and seats make it easy for myself at 6ft. to drive and for my 53 wife to easily change quickly as she drives 90% of the time. Smooth at turns and brakes are excellent. See what winter will bring.