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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  Best used car I have ever bought - 1992 Dodge Shadow
  By Spendaddy - December 23 - 6:49 pm

  Bought this car in Vegas with 85,000 miles in Jan of 2004. Drove 2700 miles in 3 days to Florida and not one problem. Car has 102,000 and I cant beleive that every option still works! Just change oil and repack bearings regularly and you will be fine. Paint is not the best, but who cares its 14 years old!! Best used car I ever bought for $1000!

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  1 Year of ownership - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By calibur lover - December 23 - 2:20 am

  After 1 year and 8000 miles, No problems. averaging 26 miles to the gallon. Fun to drive. Still turns heads. I like the comfort of the car, and all of the bells and whistles. I have the 17 inch wheels, which look better on this car. also have cvt transmission and love the silent shift. probably the best car I have ever owned.

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  1993 Intrepid outstanding - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bob - December 22 - 8:18 pm

  Bought the car because it had plenty of room compared to the Volvos I was driving. At first I was afraid that it would be unreliable as I was trading down from a Volvo. The car has never let me down. It has been one of the best three cars I have owned. Only minor repairs and just going to retire it and get a Charger. With over 150,000 miles on it the engine and transmission are strong ... it can MOVE!!! The air conditioning just lost its charge but with winter, no problem. I would buy another in a heart beat. Just change the oil as you shoiuld and it will last.

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  Its all they say it is - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By MIKE - December 21 - 8:06 am

  I find this car to be all the ads say that it would be. I normally dont get excited about cars. I used to sell them. This car is fun to drive, good on gas, and very comfortable. Try it and you will buy it!

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  Great 4x4 - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By beecuzz - December 20 - 6:17 pm

  Well I have had quite a few vehicles in my time 56 to be exact --- most of them Chrysler products and my current aquisition is a great one. Comfort, power, room ---- what else can some one ask for?

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  Glad I Bought - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By New Fan - December 20 - 4:51 pm

  We needed the functionality of a truck, but also needed to carry four or more people. I spent many months researching and driving different trucks which would fill our needs included the 05 Tacoma, 05 Frontier, Sportrac, Colorado, and S-10, but I kept coming back to the Dakota. Reasons: solid feel, comfortable interior, tight turning radius, looks, power, pleasant ride, and plentiful options. We have not been disapointed. We knew that we would be sacrificing fuel economy, but it is still better than full size trucks. Though used with over 55K miles, it still feels new and other than a loose gas cap, have not had any problems.

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  Good "First" New Car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Mike - December 20 - 3:56 pm

  This is a great car if youre new to the "new car" market. Easy to drive, has what you need, and nice safety features as well. Back seat is spacious and the flip down seat is nice as well. Overall, the Stratus is a good sturdy car for the just-out-of- college buyer (like me).

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  First minivan - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 6979 - December 20 - 11:13 am

  First minivan and love it have owned suvs and cars. This is the best vehicle so far. Great with backseat TV for the kids

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By rango2004 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a new Durango from Manhattan Dodge and the second I took it for a test drive i knew that this car was something special. Handling is extremely crisp and accurate, while the braking is also responsive and quick which makes this the perfect city SUV. After getting a chance to drive it on an open highway I was equally impressed with the performance and power. The suspension is the best I have ever seen in an SUV and the combination of power and handling makes it feel like I am driving a car. The cargo room is also extensive. I am looking forward to a lifetime of happiness with my new Dodge.

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  Love my Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Reesie - December 19 - 6:08 pm

  My Durango has EVERY available option, and I absolutely love this car, its a good family car without looking like a family car. The HEMI does use a lot of gas and the gas mileage could be better but I think its worth the little extra it costs to get the powerful engine.