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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  Its been great so far but..... - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pavloff - May 13 - 6:00 am

  We already had to take it in the shop and the van only has 4500 miles. We heard a knocking sound & dropped the van off for its oil change. They said it had no oil & had to be towed to the Dodge service dept. Dodge service said the belt had to be replaced & the PCV valve. Im already wanting to trade it back in and go get a Toyota. I really like this van but if it goes back in the shop within the 1st yr or 2nd, we definitely will trade it in or sell it.

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  KING OF 96 - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By WDunn2807 - May 12 - 8:56 am

  This car is my baby. My real only problem is the engine went out. Something in the cam and instead of finding the problem just had it replaced. That was a hefty $1400. And there really isnt much wrong with this car. If you want proof go and drive another car that is a 96. There you go thats all you need. For a 1996 car this thing owns the road.

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  Excellent Choice - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Journeyman - May 12 - 2:10 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle! After shopping around, we decided on a Journey for its combination of basic features and price. Our red V6 R/T cruises effortlessly, noiselessly and comfortably. It sits 7 and the layout is ingenious. Elegant, less nerd than a mini van. Fun and well designed. Wholeheartedly recommend.

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  Not your old Charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Doug Jackson - May 11 - 8:03 pm

  Daimler influence on style and interior features is unmistakable. The Hemi, though, is pure American muscle. I hear the marriage with Daimler and Chrysler has been bumpy, but this car is a great example of a successful collaboration. Meets my large car needs while giving me a sporty, fast, and great-looking car. What a concept!

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  2006 Dodge Durango - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Michael Fonte - May 11 - 1:10 pm

  Has power when needed. Very comfortable inside and the design of the interior looks great.

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  WOW!!! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By oheeare - May 11 - 2:56 am

  This R/T is one unbelievable car... The 5.7L Hemi is very responsive and fast. Not too bad on gas consumption due to the computerized switching from 8 to 6 to 4 cylinders, depending on the cruising situation--all occurs in 1/25th of a second. UConnect bluetooth set up with bluetooth enabled cell phones. Alpine Navigation with Boston Acoustic sound system. Leather accoutrements. The autolink transmission has the auto/manual feature that adds to the fun to drive quotient.

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  Troube Free - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dennis - May 9 - 10:03 pm

  No complaints or problems to date. Got the SXT with Stow N Go, power hatch, sunroof and tow package. Makes excellent tow vehicle, just make sure to get tow package to get 3800lbs ability. Mileage....24 highway, 20 normal, and 18 towing large popup RV.

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  You Have To Love Them - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By KACHINA321 - May 6 - 1:16 am

  I wanted the Magnum and talked my wife into getting rid of her Toyota. She liked the Toyota but it was getting a few years older and I wanted a Magnum. So everytime I saw one I said "honey look there is another one". It didnt take long for the Magnum to grow on her. She loves her new Magnum. I put a billet grill on it. The chrome pillers and back lights. Also the door handles and mirror are now chrome. We have the hottest Magnum in the Las Vegas area. Everyone in town that has a Magnum thinks ours is a custom Magnum. I wont tell them where I got my parts from. Let them do some work to make theirs maybe as nice as ours.

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  A good & reliable car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Annie - May 6 - 12:10 am

  This is a great car whether you drive in the city or highway. It is a good and sturdy car. It does great on gas mileage. I am disappointed at the comfort of the interior. The seats are uncomfortable for long trips. But if you intend to drive this car daily to work and around the city, it is the right size and the right car for you.

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  U.S. muscle with Italian DNA - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By eagles - May 5 - 11:30 pm

  The SRT10 convertible is arguably the fastest production convertible known to mankind. I have owned previously a 1996 GTS coupe and it was fast with plenty of power. The 03 SRT10 is however even faster with more power and torque and incfredibly also much more driver friendly than its predecessor. It is a much more refined car than I would have thought. The top is a 15 second operation up or down and is simple to use. This engine easily overpowers the rear tires in first gear and during upshifts requiring throttle modulation to resist wheelspin. I have driven race cars, Ferraris, Lambos, and Vettes but none compare with the exhileration when stompiong the throttle of the Viper SRT10.