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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  SRT-4 - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By kc9id - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive! Awesome power that requires some skill to maximize. Handling is excellent with a touch of understeer. Finish and fit seems to be very good. This is not a quiet car to drive. It sounds like it runs, fast! I did not find the exhaust to be objectionable after a 1500 mile drive returning from Florida where I purchased it.

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  Great Van, best Ive owned - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ZakS - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I have compared and tested a lot of vans and this one by far has the highest quality out of the domestics. Its gas mileage, acceleration, and ergonomics are excellent. I would recommend this over any other vans.

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  bEST CAR i HAVE EVER OWNED - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By joeslo - March 31 - 11:26 pm

  I cant believe Chrysler is thinking of doing away with this vehicle. This is the best car I have ever owned. I was always a GM person, being retired from there. But Gm cant come close to the Journey for the same price. Their Travers costs about $10,000 more than the Journey. The excutives better rethink their decision to deep six the Journey. maybe they should do away with the Nitro and the Jeep Patriot instead of the Journey. If they do go ahead and discontinue the Journey I can see why the are the most disfunctional car company in the world. Maybe they should fire some of the excutives that are making these decisions. Why dont they advertise this gem instead their lousy trucks.

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  I love this car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By gvsugirl - March 29 - 7:13 am

  I love the all around look and feel of my white Caliber. Being a college student I needed something that would be reliable and also easy on the checkbook. I havent had one problem with my car.

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Impressed - March 28 - 12:39 pm

  This is the 2nd Stratus SXT Coupe Ive owned. Both trouble free, an excellent car in every respect. Fun to drive, dependable, economical and stylish. The 4 cylinder motor has adequate power and Ive averged 25 mpg in the 2004 with an automatic trans. The 2001 I owned was a stick shift and consistently got over 30 mpg. The 2001 had 90K miles on it when I sold it and never gave me any problems. The 2004 has been equally as impressive. Great sound system, comfortable seating. A terrific value!

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  A True Mid-Size in a class by itself - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Glen J - March 28 - 9:09 am

  I am very happy with my Dakota! After owning a Ram for many years I was hesitant to downsize, but my wife didnt like driving fullsized trucks. The Dakota is a perfect compromise between the smaller competitors and full-size trucks it has more room for the family, but is still easy to drive. It truly is in a class by itself and is often compared to the cramped feeling compact trucks that are not true Mid-size trucks. The Dakota can actually tow loads in the full-size range, it is heavy, solid, roomy, and has plenty of power (with the optional 4.7HO) to meet the needs of most. It has an aggressive look and nice interior. We have owned many Dodge vehicles and so far this is the best one yet.

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  Very Nice SUV - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Michael Bowden - March 27 - 5:20 pm

  Very nice SUV so far, have owned it for 4 days. Love the style, features, and performance. I purchased several additional options to include Rear DVD, MyGig system, chrome package with performance suspension & steering, pwr sunroof, back-up camera, and the list goes on. Lifetime powertrain warranty is included! Me and my wife really like this new vehicle. Also, lots of storage and we have 7 pass seating.

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  WOW American Muscle Returns - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemimagnum - March 27 - 8:28 am

  This car is unbelievable. It has room for the family and to haul different odds and ends. Even with 425 horses I have been getting 17-18mpg around and about town along with an occasaional jaunt on the thruway. But dont let me kid you, if you dont keep your foot out of it, which can be hard with the sensation you get when the motor starts to open up, the mileage will drop in a hurry. This car is almost too nice to drive on a daily basis. But what the heck, enjoy it. You only live once.

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  Gotta love a Dodge - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Andy - March 26 - 9:13 am

  Have been thoroughly pleased with this truck with only minor exceptions. This truck drives, handles, and tows exceptionally. Ive used it to haul cars, trucks, boats, campers, and my family without fail.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jake - March 25 - 6:53 pm

  My brand new 2010 dodge grand caravan se is very comfortable and fuel efficient. The small 3.3 V6 engine does a good job.