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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  good car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bgrenier11 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice car. It rides very smooth.

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  Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Kevin Johnson - November 28 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. I was looking at the Durango when I noticed the Magnum. Much to my surprise, I got the best of both worlds. The fuel economy of the average car, with the pleaseure, enjoyment & functionality of an SUV.

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  Dads Dodge - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By scruffeone - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a family vehicle and ended up with a classic. This wagon has everything I need covered. From its great looks to fuel economy Ive been smiling since purchase. As a father of four small children, the wagon carries everything I need, as A daily commuter, its got the performance to get in and out when I need it, and as a 43 y/o teenager, I enjoy the looks I get when out cruisin. The sound system is extreme and a pleasure to listen to, and the whole package cost me much less than I expected. Dads everywhere are going to thank Dodge for this artwork on wheels. I totally recommend this ride to any Dad on a budget, it beats the wheels off of anything else out there.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By tba - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The ride is much better than I expected. Love the towing capacity and cargo room. Long trips are very comfortable. HEMI is smooth and powerful, helpful for passing and towing.

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  Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chuck Venable - November 28 - 6:43 am

  Ive had the car since July of this year and its still fun to drive and get business done.

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  This car is soo Reliable - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Lady K - November 27 - 9:30 pm

  This is my first car and suppose to get me through college. 140000 miles and counting. Overall the car works mostly all of the time, only normal general maintenance is required ( tune ups, oil changes, etc..) Never really had any big expensive problems with it and Ive had it almost 6 years. Love It !!

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  Great Ride - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By 20 Car Fan - November 26 - 1:16 am

  The 5.9 ate up the a recent cruise through the mountains. Brakes were strong and precise. Plus, the clean lines and classic look make it a great vehicle to cruise in.

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  2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4x4 4.7L - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By wizz - November 25 - 8:33 pm

  I have a SXT model with the small 4.7 v8 and was getting around 18-19mpg hwy, till I installed a magnaflow powerpack muffler and a cold air intake. Now Im getting around 380-400 miles to a tank full of 24 gals. Thats strictly highway though. But when you kick down into passing gear you can feel a huge difference in power and almost watch the fuel needle go down. 0-60/6.1sec--1/4mile/15.42. 3.55axle 265/70x16 tires. Cant wait to see what happens when I put headers on and tune it. Love that 4.7!

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  Neon Love - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Neon Love - November 23 - 7:00 pm

  I am a 2 time owner of the Neon R/T model. First was a 99 R/T sedan, which I loved. The car was great, only issue was the head gasket. Now Ive had my 03 for over a year and Im as in love with this car more and more every day. Reliability GREAT, Looks GREAT, Performance GREAT, Options GREAT. I love to drive, but I also have a family. This car puts a smile on your face through the twisties and hulls the family in class and comfort. Class is something the 99 fell short on, but not this little lady. Buy one you wont regret it.

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  4 Cylinder Works Great! - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Mark Weber - November 22 - 3:06 pm

  I only have 270 miles on this brand new van - I will update in 6 months and adjust "reliability" and "fuel economy" ratings then. Quite frankly, I am pleasantly surprised that a 4 cylinder engine can motivate this minivan the way that it does, and I expect much better gas mileage than I would have gotten with the 6. I am also surprised how much this drives like a passenger car - albeit a large passenger car - with confident, predictable handling. It is sure a lot quieter than the Focus I traded in! Pricing couldnt be beat either, cheaper than a midsized car and cheaper than many compacts, too.