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 Family Vehicle - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By KEEBCPA - November 6 - 2:00 am

  The Dodge Grand Caravan Sport is attractive, very comfortable, functional, and the 3.8 V6 is very powerful. The handling is great for a van. The quality has been good and our dealer has been excellent with any little problems.

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  SXT 2WD 2006 3.5 250hp V6 - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By SXT2WD_Guy - November 5 - 10:28 am

  I have just purchased this car recently and took a trip of about 1000kl/600mi. loved the way the car handled and comfort was very good. Fuel mileage was above my expectation as I averaged 39.84 mpg hwy and 34.32 city, very excited about that. 3.5 engine has lots of power and is all that is needed in this wonderful wagon

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By badkitty - November 3 - 10:05 pm

  It is one of the funnest cars I have ever owned. Gets good gas mileage considering the engine. I usually average about 21 mpg. It has been to the dealership a few times. Five times for the same rattle which we finally tracked down to the front passenger wheel well plastic not being screwed in properly. More recently gearshift would get stuck in park. Repaired the brake sensor (twice). For a car in its introductory year, I have been very pleased. Tonight my airbag light came on. Im going to monitor that situation. I love the roominess. I have a two year old and I love when I speed up and he giggles. I think he likes it as much as I do

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  2005 Dodge Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemijak - November 3 - 9:33 pm

  Best car I ever bought. Has the power of a SUV, and good gas mileage. Very comfy, and very useful for house projects. Great looker, and I really enjoy it as my daily driver to and from work.

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  What a machine! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemibp - November 2 - 10:16 am

  While I have only put 1500 miles on this Hemi-powered rocket, I was impressed from the first moment of a test drive. I was attracted to it by the syling and Hemi power. I read a lot of reviews on the Magnum and researched every bit of material that I could find. When I finally decided to buy it, I never regretted my decision. This car handles like a sports car with the Mercedes suspension. The car is bearly broken in so the only issue I have is with the city mileage. The first tank was all local driving (NYC) and I got 12 mpg. I have to be careful getting on the highway because you are up to 85 mph before you know it. Great stereo and plenty of room. People are impressed with this one.

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  Red Rocket - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By jlball1727 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. It is very fun to drive. Very good value for the price. Its NOT a NEON!!! It may resemble a neon, but you will have to drive one to truely understand.

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  My evaluation GSW - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Gordon S. Weiss - October 30 - 7:59 pm

  It would be nice to have a deeper and longer trunk area, a telescopic stearing wheel, and electric front seats. The dashboard controls, gear shift, and emergency brake are very user friendly. The night lighting on the dash is very easy on the eyes, and not distracting. Front seating is confortable and tapered nicely. Back seats a confortable, but could use a little bit mor leg roommainly for long drives. The vehicle handles extremely well and is very responsive. Brakes are strong. Gear shifting is nice and smooth. Noise level (outside) is very good. The ride and suspension are smooth and enjoyable. I feel we got a very well made, solidly built sedan that meets our needs.

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  I love my car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid fan - October 29 - 4:06 pm

  Bought this car in 2002 and have been very happy with it. Kids were still little and with all the storage room, it was the perfect family vehicle. Also handy that you can fit a full size bicycle in the trunk! Now kids are both 6 with long legs and all that leg room in the back is a bonus. No complaints from backseaters even with the front seats reclined. I drive this car everywhere, city and long highway. I havent had this much fun driving a car since I owned my 67 Camaro. Husband does all the mantainence and the engine is a dream to get to. I wish they were still making this particular styling, only with the better motor. We have the 2.7 and sadly, it is now going.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By CA Snyder - October 29 - 10:37 am

  I bought this truck in 2002 and it had 11,200 miles on it. Ive owned a lot of trucks both foriegn and domestic, and this is a great truck. Other than normal wear and tear there have been no problems. I replaced rotors, brake pads and changed transmission fluid and filter at 58,000 miles.

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  Buy one, you will love it - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By paul - October 28 - 3:31 pm

  I drive mostly highway and I am getting about 20-21 MPG on the highway. I love this truck, Its the first truck I have ever owned. I only wish I would have gotten the V8. I like the V6. I would go out and buy another Dodge and not think twice about it. I have not had one problem with it and I have 12,300 mile on it.