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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  I love my car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By I love this Car - December 3 - 9:55 am

  Ive had this car 18 months. Its fun to drive and beautiful. Mine is red and got me two tickets shortly after purchase. Since the warranty expired I have noticed quite a bit of wobbling in the front end, and during a traffic jam it over heated. Not sure its going to be economical in the long run. But maaaaaaaaan I love this car.

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  The thrill is back! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jeff Bryan - December 3 - 4:26 am

  Dodge? I actually bought a Dodge? I couldnt be happier! The Magmun RT AWD is great on snow, looks fantastic, and gets 22 MPG highway. It fits my three kids with room to spare. The climate control system is great! The styling is the envy of my friends! Did I mention its got a Hemi? Ive died and gone to Dad heaven!

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  Durango Review - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Theresa - December 1 - 9:02 pm

  Even with the low gas mileage I have been very happy with my Durango. Not only is it a comfortable ride, it is also very capable in bad weather. The interior has a lot of room for extra passengers and with the 3rd row of seats folded down there is a lot of cargo space. Going on vacation with 2 adults and 2 children we had plenty of room for everything we packed along with a couple coolers. When extra space is needed to haul bigger items, the 2nd row also folds down. With both the 2nd and 3rd rows folded down we have even slept in the back when weather got bad while camping. Would highly recommend the Durango.

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  Weather king - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By mmmggg - December 1 - 7:03 pm

  There is almost nothing not to like about this vehicle-performance is outstanding with the 5.7 hemi. In bad weather, this car is a dream: heat is excellent, including the seats, handling is stable, snow drifts are no problem. The controls are simple, including the steering wheel radio buttons. Visibility is excellent. A month after purchase I had a head-on collision with a huge deer at seventy mph, the front end got crushed, but I simply braked and got out.

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  Return to 1967 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Joe from L.A. - December 1 - 4:56 am

  I wasnt expecting much in buying this car for my daughter. I drive a Porsche GT2 and just thought I was humoring her. But to my surprise, our Charger R/T in Top Banana and fully optioned is fast, comfortable, and handles extremely well given its weight, tire size and price. The looks evoke memories of the late 60s, and there is nothing subtle about this car. It turns heads and evokes friendly smiles. I have not purchased an American car in years, but if Dodge is building such a fine automobile, I have no doubt that the U.S. auto business will flourish. I will upgrade the wheels and put on wider rubber, but other than that needed upgrade, this is a superb automobile.

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  New car for the Used car guy - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Bob - November 29 - 9:31 pm

  I have always bought used cars because of the instant huge depreciation when it is driven off the dealers lot, but with the insentives and rebates offered to make way for the 06 models, this was an excellent deal. I am very impressed with the smooth ride and agile handling of this large, heavy SUV - this thing is rock solid, not a squeak anywhere. The 4.7L V8 engine has more than enough power to get out of its own way and haul an average size boat or trailer. The 4WD and antilock brakes make driving in snow effortless. I still prefer the more rugged styling of the older models and the dashboard seems a bit bland, but it dosent have overdone flair and glitz like other "luxury" models.

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  Fast, Comfortable, Very Dependable. - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By donaldrocks - November 29 - 9:07 pm

  This is my daily driver, and has been for awhile. This car has never left me stranded, or broken down. Its taken 7 trips from michigan to flordia, and never hesitated to do anything, including stopping, dpeeding up quickly, taking curves at high speeds, and always has gotton good gas mileage. I had bought this car after its acident in 2004, and the lot fixed it, and I drove it off the lot, and have had alot of fun with this car in the summer, and it handles great in the winter. By the way, teh heat in these little Neons rocks! A+

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  I love my car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By DEB - November 29 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased my car a few weeks ago and just love everything about it. The handling is great, the dash is easy to read, the stereo is awsome, and plenty of interior room for my family. I usually drive a van or a full size pickup buy really enjoy the size of this car. It is easy to manuver in parking lots. The only thing negative I have to say is the the front end is hard to see from the drivers seat. Judging the front will come in time, but for now I have to watch out for it.

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  Custom ES Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TXSPARX - November 28 - 7:26 pm

  Since I purchased my 01 Intrepid ES in 04 she hasnt ceased amazing me! I live in NORTH Idaho where the weather turns quickly & have NEVER had traction or handling problems even in the very worst conditions. Talk about comfort!!! My husband is 65" & has room to spare! Not only is it a roomy, quick family car, she has tons of personality. Custom striping, purple LEDs in the headlight compartments & tint & she turns the head of even the most dedicated of the street racer crowd! I love my Intrepid & wished they still made them! Only costs Ive incurred are those of maintenance which arent bad!

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  The Spirit is with ye - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By arlo - November 28 - 2:48 pm

  I bought my 94 Spirit in January of 02. It has plowed through snowstorms and over mountains without fail. I paid $2500 for it and have put on over 40000 miles of hard winter driving in Vermont. Great car.