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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  it soars - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By ivy - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought the Neon and it is the most comfortable ride. It has a great audio system. when I rev it up, the car seems to soar on the highway. I was concern in buying a neon, but I think I chose a great car at a great price.

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Malik - July 26 - 11:54 pm

  I love this vehicle. Its fast and sporty. Everywhere I go people stare and ask how I like it because they were thinking about getting one

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  It was for the wife, but... - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By EMRMAN - July 26 - 1:21 pm

  Bought it for my wife as our family car in lieu of a van. I drive it more than her. I have a Crown Vic for my daily driver but the Durango is much more fun to drive. Love the power and sound. It hauls the 21 foot inboard better than my fathers new Chevy truck. I knew gas mileage would stink, but what can you expect from an SUV? We owned a V6 Chevy Blazer which did just slightly better in gas mileage, but it was the worst vehicle I have ever owned, always in the shop. Family members with TrailBlazers and Envoys love the Durangos looks and powers.

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  Magnum Supreme - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Fred Baustian - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous car...fun to drive. Goes fast and comfortable. Best move I ever did was to purchase this great car.

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  Magnum R/T, we love it! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By shortc4c777 - July 24 - 7:51 pm

  We absolutly love our new Magnum! The ride, performance, interior, sound system are all very good. Ours came with 20in. wheels, and it rides better than I expected. It is also the quietest (interior wise) car I have ever driven. I have no regrets in buying this car, I may go back & purchase a 300 or a Charger. I may even wait for the Challenger!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By SPNH - July 24 - 7:50 pm

  I recently bought a 2005 Dodge Magnum SE. The base model with none of the fixings, and let me tell you that this vehicle has all that I will ever need. I fell in love with the Magnum over a short stint working for the dealer that I bought it from. The car I bought became my motivation to succeed. I have owned many cars in the past, but my Magnum is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The 2.7L V6 delivers plenty of power, even when I dont need it. It is as civil at 70- 75mph as it is at 30. The gas mileage is acceptable and the ride ie exceptional. Not to mention the turned heads everywhere I go. Do I recommend it? A resounding yes. Add in its versatile nature and the Magnum is #1.

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  Favorite car to date - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By BenzGuy - July 24 - 7:14 pm

  My Magnum has been my favorite car to drive of all the many Ive owned. I reluctanly gave up my Mercedes for one and have not looked back since! I would suggest going for the engine upgrade, but even with the 2.7 I still have plenty of fun. I tend to drive my cars very hard, and my Magnum takes it all in stride. Cornering, hard braking, floored at most greens/toll plazas.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4.0L Great van!! - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dave - July 23 - 6:40 pm

  The SXT is the best van in the Chrysler line up for price and available options. If your looking to buy go for the 4.0L its the most fuel efficient and is a time proven platform. This van has much more to offer than its competition including stow and go seating better fuel efficiency larger more powerful engine better exterior appearance and the best warranty even if government backed. Regardless of deprecation or the outcome of a Chrysler bankruptcy Im satisfied that I have that the best van I could find, it meets my personal needs better than any competitor and at a great price. Dont be scared off by the political/economic hype, this is a wonderfully designed well built van.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Eddie - July 23 - 4:23 am

  I am very impressed. The coupe has such a more sporty feel and kick to it. i finally feel like I have a car I enjoy driving, and look forward to being "The driver". With tints and the great silver paint job this car just gleams at night.

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  Perfect - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By denver caliber sxt - July 22 - 9:03 am

  I am one of those people that researches beyond the necessary. I did my research and narrowed it down between the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. I went with the Caliber and couldnt be happier. The comfort is amazing and that is saying something since I am 65", 230lbs. This vehicle fit me the best and also leaves room for someone to sit behind me comfortably which is a first. The speed is great for a 2.0 4 cylinder. The upgraded stereo with the 9 speaker boston acoustics is well worth the extra money. Couldt be happier!