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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  Id buy another - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Ray Bank - July 2 - 1:19 pm

  This has been a fine car in nearly all respects. The only gripes I have is the difficulty of replacing the air filter and the battery. Otherwise, the car has everything I want: looks, performance, handling, comfort and economy. I have the 2.7 V-6. Maintenance costs have been minimal and I have 77,400 miles on it. Ive been looking at other cars, but I guess Ill just wait until they come out with the re-styled Stratus and Sebring sedans.

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  I love my Maggie! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Terrie - July 1 - 1:25 pm

  Have had a few electronic gliches, but otherwise, a very good car thats fun to drive.

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  Better than I expected - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By FrankAssist - June 28 - 5:23 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. The SRT-8 is pure pleasure. My cousin (next door to me) bought the Mustang Saleen and its nice (same price) but the interior is nowhere near as nice as the Chargers. Everything on the Charger seems well thought out. You can even dim the nav system screen! The interior is better than Ive seen on any priced car. It looks good and feels good. Plenty of room in the back seats and it feels safe when driving. You cant help notice the large lump in the hood while behind the wheel and then smile knowing how the drive will be. The power is there when you need it. This is the best car I have ever owned and Ive been driving performance cars for 20 years.

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  My Magnum I - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By gregcarithers - June 28 - 2:50 pm

  I chose the 2.7L Magnum. Black on Black. For such a large car, I couldnt find another that would beat the gas miliage. I am getting an average of 30 miles to the gallon on the highway and a tank of gas will last me almost 2 weeks going to and from work. I use my car for customers and they love it. It has all the room I need for their bags and carryons as well as comfort for the trip. While I have heard some things about the 2.7L not be enough for this large car, for me its plenty. It has the power when I need it and then drops to the cruise mode when Im in fast lane. I can drive this car and 115 and it feels the same as driving at 55mph. And yes it will reach 115 with not problems!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By thestuff - June 27 - 12:02 pm

  Ive put about 40,000 on my Durango thus far and must say I love it still. Rugged, nice ride with plenty of creature comforts for the family. The 4.7L engine is more than adequate. Only repair Ive had to do so far is replacing a cracked vacuum hose. Beyond that, its been a very reliable vehicle.

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  69 r/t vs 06 r/t - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By charger man - June 25 - 8:26 am

  To do justice for the newer Charger, one has to base it on experience, which I can do because I have a 69 r/t big block with the 440, automatic. Back in 69 carmakers were not worried about gas mileage, nor were they worried about quality. If it performed, it was great. The 69 was a 2 door coupe and the 06 is a 4 door sedan which is something people can complain about, but they have to know that Chrysler did its homework. The 06 Charger r/t is a fun car to drive. It has power on demand. It is very comfortable, well designed and handling and braking are amazing. It has simple badging which I think should be addressed, like have something besides the Hemi on the side of the car to ID it

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  Pleasently Surprised - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob Watkins - June 24 - 2:17 pm

  I bought this about a year ago. Ive had no trouble with it. Ride and drive is really good and better than I expected. 4 cylinder is quite athletic when the air is off, a bit boggy when its on from a stop. A/C is ice cold. Overall quality is much better than my last Chrysler product, a 96 Sebring conv. People comment on how handsome this car looks and I agree. I know some people have had trouble with their coupes but I must have gotten a good one. I like the dash and door panels a lot. My car has the Special Edition package, which is 2 tone leather seats and a couple other goodies thrown in. Inside, with the blk/gray leather seats is nearly luxurious. Gas mileage is good. Love this car!

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  Grocery Getter with an Attitude - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Noah and Kristen - June 23 - 10:22 pm

  We bought our new Magnum three weeks ago and I have been in love with it ever since. The weekend after we bought it, we drove it to Nashville and averaged 27 MPG. The power out of our 3.5L is amazing. It is nothing to bark the tires at a light or around a corner. Now that I got rid of my old beater, my daughter always wants to ride in Daddys car.

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  Finally a SUV for a realistic price! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BBall Mom - June 23 - 6:43 pm

  Just purchased my first SUV yesterday. Previously I had Chrysler Town & Country LXI for 6 years and wanted something sporty but yet roomy enough for my children. Pricing is very reasonable for a SUV type vehicle. I went with the XLT w/o the 3rd row seat. Both versions have plenty of room. I purchased the black with silver chrome wheels very stylish. I am very happy with my purchased!

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  Viper SRT10 - 2006 Dodge Viper
  By Jason - June 23 - 4:05 pm

  Great Car, good handling. It can use traction control to help inexperienced drivers. The suspension is great on smooth roads, however it does get a bit harsh on the Michigan roads.