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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  Back to the Future - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum - Radar - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have always loved the Chevy Nomad, and when I first laid eyes on the vechicle, I knew it was build for me. The station wagon 50s look. The feels of nostagia, I get when Im behind the wheel. This vehicle reminds me of when I was a child. I have always loved wagons. That was the main reason I bought this. Exceptional automobile. Beautiful. Comfortable. Great performance. Test drive this car before your next purchase. You gotta be in it, for it to truely win you over.

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  Love that Hemi - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Daniel L. Kosanovich - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Hemi engine awsome, excellent handling,ride quality excellent.Brakes ok could be better a/c very good,very good interior and cargo room.In my opinion much better than ole style

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  Good Pickup - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Preston - July 9 - 2:29 am

  I bought it brand new and besides a new waterpump and a radiator, it has been wonderful. I own a farm and this truck out hauls any Chevy or Ford twice its size. The 318 engine has a lot of power. This truck will really move. Keep the oil changed and this baby will purr! Dodge is all about performance.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By nl1223 - July 6 - 3:50 pm

  This has been a great vehicle for me and my 2 girls. On the 3rd day we had the Journey, we went on a camping trip. It held all our gear and supplies easily. The seats and the handling made the 6 hour drive a breeze. When my girls want to take a couple of friends along, its no problem with the 3rd row seat. As a busy, single mom, I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  A great car to have! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Danny - July 6 - 1:08 am

  My family and I took the 1st road trip to Vegas. It was a smooth and fun drive going across the desert. Car stayed cool woth the AC on the whole way. Love every minute that I am behind the wheel of my Magnum!

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  Love my Durango - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By hart - July 3 - 3:35 pm

  I enjoy my Dodge Durango 4.7 auto 4x4 air and all the xtras! I have figured out how to get over 20 plus on fuel mileage. This has me sold on further Dodge investments

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  Dodge Stratus r/t - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By joe - July 3 - 12:18 am

  Very good performance. Better than expeted gas mileage, (about 26 mph city). Car is admired by young people. Have not had it back to the dealer except for one minor issue. Lots of room in trunk. I like the automatic stick shift.

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  Great little car! - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Chanda - July 2 - 10:34 pm

  I have had my Neon since May 5, 1997. Shes only let me down once due to a freak problem with the idler pulley causing the timing belt to disintegrate at 87,000 miles. We rebuilt her and shes stronger than ever. She was hit on the front passenger corner in November of 2005 and was declared a total loss by the insurance company. We bought her back, fixed her up, and she lives yet again. Shes a great car that gets awesome mileage while being a total blast to drive! Shes a hoot on the autocross course, too )

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  Fast for Cheap, Sleeper from Factory - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By CMonsterGT - July 2 - 6:41 pm

  Im a 300 lb guy. I wanted a fast car that was relatively easy to get in and out of. At first in my car shopping experience, the SRT4 didnt even show up in my searches due to the fact that it only comes in a 4 door. Its one of the sharpest 4 doors Ive ever seen. Even better looking than the WRX and Evo8. It still needs to be dropped at least an inch, though. This car is fast and fun, and with 4 doors, you can still have a family and enjoy this car! Plenty of room and plenty of sound from the kicker sound package. Make sure you get the sunroof! It feels great to drive, and its hard to keep your foot out of the gas. Plenty of room in the trunk, and the Viper seats keep you planted!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By DS - July 2 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 01. Have had zero problems and Im very happy with the performance of the 4.7 engine. Towing a 17 foot boot is a non-issue. The gas mileage is ok. The paint has put up with the everyday use and its kept outside 24/7. The rear end is a little loose in the snow while in 2wd. Other than that a real nice ride for this car. Plenty of go when needed.