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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  Love It! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Lovin_chevy84 - July 21 - 2:23 pm

  My husband bought me this truck because my Chrylser finally died. Im not a fan of little trucks. Im more into long cars or full sized trucks like the F-150, or a Bonneville. I wasnt that impressed by the looks, but once I got to drive it, I never want to buy another car again. Im used to being low, but now I can see everything! Also I own horses, so now I can tow them myself instead of paying someone

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  My dream truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By BCDodger - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive onlt had it for a month, but I love everything about it! There is plenty of room, for my family of six. The ride is great! The looks are AAA! Overall the truck was very much worth the price!

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  I love my Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BNJ - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many different SUVs & found the Durango to be a quality vehicle that is fun to drive. It is very responsive. It carries my wife, five children and myself in comfort and safety. I love it! Service at the dealer is also fantastic!

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  GREAT!!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Robert Gialloreto - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The best,Ihave driven them all;and VERY POWERFUL!!!

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  I love this car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Melanie Andreasen - July 20 - 2:09 pm

  I have wanted one of these since they first came out on the market. After finally finding one that was equipped the way I wanted it to be, I have to say that Im not disappointed in any way with this car. It is extremely comfortable and quiet. The acceleration and handling are amazing,and it is a pleasure to own. Since I am a very descriminating comsumer, the only complaint I could ever have is about the color choices that Dodge is offering this model in. They stink. They are boring and drab and in no way reflect how truly special this car really is!

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  2003 Dakota SXT - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By GT - July 20 - 9:56 am

  Great truck. Had over three years with no problems in 28,900 miles. Original brakes and tires. Decent gas mileage for a 2WD, approximately 19-21 MPG on the highway.

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  Great purchase - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BRobertson - July 20 - 12:16 am

  After driving a 1999 Grand Caravan to death I decided to purchase a 2005 as soon as I saw that I no longer had to remove the seats. I find that the comfort of driving the Caravan is much more comfortable than most minivans...I rented most makes before purchasing my 99. The added features of automatic rear door and side door opening is wonderful, especially on rainy days. I enjoy the six play cd/dvd player and it kept my grandson entertained the entire week his family visited over Thanksgiving. If you havent given it a try...do so, you wont be disappointed.

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  great mpg - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By john benton - July 19 - 4:16 pm

  this car is great. I just got back from moving my daughter from California. It is a 2000 mile trip. the car was packed with her stuff to the point that only she and I could fit. The car was quiet, comfortable and the fuel economy was great. The car is rated up to 30 mpg, but when I figured out what we got, it came out to 35 mpg. I didnt take it easy on the drive either! I drove 80mph the whole trip. I would recomend this car to anyone!!

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  Great Ride - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By PARGOLFER - July 19 - 2:13 am

  It has been 23 years since I have owned a muscle car like this. The 5.7 V8 is the same that I have in my 2006 Ram 2500 except the Charger has the deplacement that helps save on fuel. I am averaging 19 in the city and 23 on the highway. This car gets to 80 quickly. Interior is great and there are a lot of features to keep me busy. I choose the Charger over the 300C becuase the Charger rode better and has a cleaner look.

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  Great room - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Russell B. - July 16 - 4:50 pm

  I had a 2004 Ford F-150 5.4L V8. I traded it in for the 2006 Magnum, and the two things that I was worried about was leg room and fuel economy. My truck was great with interior space, but with gas hitting $3.00 per gallon, and me having to drive over 100 round trip to work, I needed something better for fuel. I was a little put off on the Magnum, but the leg room sold me. There is almost as much leg room as my truck, and even though I get the same mileage on fuel, it cost me 1/2 has much to fill up.