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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  Better than I thought! - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Dovey - December 30 - 12:05 pm

  We bought this van in high hopes that the whole family would be comfortable. Our son who is only 14 yet over 6 feet tall finds that he has plenty of space, both kids and even the dog are happy on long trips now due to the seating and DVD feature. My daughter loves that she can watch a movie and we can be listening to the radio at the same time. I enjoy driving the van, it is very comfortable and user friendly. My husbands favorite feature is the stow and go seating, we can change arrangment at any given time for our convience. Never thought I would enjoy a mini van.

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  Love my Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By J. Lorenzo - December 29 - 5:56 pm

  Was always a Chevy lover but as soon as I saw this new Charger, had to have it (Chevy and Pontiac missing the boat on styling). I drive 30 miles each way to work and it is a pleasure. Car gets plenty of attention and I get ask about it all the time. My wife was scared of the power at first but now wants to drive it all the time. I can say with truth that I have no regrets about buying this cool car. Great for family and greater for me who loves the power.

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  Faster than I expected - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By Willard Giansanti - December 27 - 11:06 pm

  The car will rip the road out from under you if you dont respect it. It is so responsive it is hard to drive at first. It is hard not to push down on the pedal and let it rip. You do not have to race anyone to prove anything, the car is fast and they all know it. After owing my Viper for five years it is still a thrill to drive. It feels good to even wax it and see the body lines and stripes glisten in the garage lighting.

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  NH Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By peter - December 27 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased my Durango in May 2005. This is the first Dodge product I have ever owned I sold and drove Ford products for ten years and never would dream of owning a Dodge product. Well I can honestly say Im sold on this product. The vehicle is so much nicer than any Explorer or Expedition I have owned or driven. Fit and finish are very good and it is quieter than my wifes 06 Honda Accord. It is the perfect size and goes down the highway like a Caddy. I have 6000 miles on it only maintanence is oil changes and tire rotations. No rattles or squeaks feels like it is molded from a piece of granite. Only regret is the 4.7 it has decent power but i wish I had a Hemi. Hats off to Dodge, great SUV

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By runninwild - December 26 - 5:57 pm

  I bought this car with only 200 miles on it, i love it. It hits high speeds and handles like you would not believe. The only problem I found was that it stalled but that was fixed buy replacing the sparkplug wires and replacing the plugs with platinum plugs. Also use semi-synthetic oil. Otherwise it works great.

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  First New Car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Michael N. - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I studdied alot of cars and this one just stood out. All of the features and rebates made this car a real winner. The performance is great with the 5 speed and i love the standard six cd changer. All in all the best $14000 I ever spent.

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  Wish it was a two door but... - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By wreckless - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The only problem is all the kods want to race you. The cars handling is above average bur sprung softer than my previous ACR Neons. The quality of construction is much, much improved. Fit and finish is excellent. Huge spoiler takes some getting used to as it blocks rear view. The major plus is that wonderful engine. Wow! Oh, the seats are tight so if you are larger than you should in girth save yorself the trouble and order the R/T seats with the side airbags.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Tonya S. - December 26 - 7:19 am

  I am very pleased with my Caravan. I love the ride and the handling. Not much I would improve except my husband hates the seat belt chimes that require you to buckle up before it stops beeping. Plenty of room for our family and has all the features I needed. I would buy one again. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Oliver - December 25 - 10:18 pm

  We went from a Mid Size SUV to yhr Durango and it was the best choice ever. Its fun to drive, the interior is well designed and its very reliable. Fuel mileage is what you can expect from a V8. It was a great buy, seating for 8 easily, comfortable and a very smooth ride. Love It.

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  Excellent vehicle to run around in - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By sxt sedan - December 24 - 10:39 am

  We have owned 4 Neons, 3 at present. Excellent 36+ mpg all highway. A little stiff on storage but otherwise fun to drive. AC is comfortable and heat is comfortfortable. Easy to maintain and wash. No problems with running. Virtually maintenance free with exception to regular oil changes and the like. Great in parking lots and tight spots. Fun to park. Maneuverability is excellent, ride is good on good roads but a little bumpy on rough roads. Fairly quiet ride with factory tires, better with newer better quality tires. Use cruise control all the time and like tilt wheel for better position on long drives. Power windows and mirrors are great and just love the sound from radio or CD player can play