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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  My Caliber is better than my old car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Michael Gonzalez - January 24 - 2:40 am

  I like the Dodge Caliber because its a great car. I notice that when my friends ride in it they are surprised that it is a powerful car and the comfort of the seats are comfortable.

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  Shiny Red Super Stock Dodge - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike_M - January 23 - 5:54 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars from muscle cars to high-end european and this car is the absolute best buy ever. The performance, handling, looks and capacity are all incredible for the price (paid $25K with 8000 miles on it). I have spent many hours driving over mountain passes and interstates in horrible winter weather and this baby is rock solid. Maybe its the Mercedes all wheel drive.

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  2004 Pocket Viper! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Nathan - January 23 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car with a passion! I think of it when I am not driving, then when I am, I couldnt be happier. The coolest, most awesome car I have ever owned. Totally fun to drive, without a doubt. A true racing car through and through. Great for racing, and practical use as it is a four door sedan for families.

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  Wow! - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By Bill - January 22 - 3:45 pm

  Ive probably owned a 100 cars. This one has made me the happiest. I dont know whay the sticker fuel economy is listed so low as I get over 20mpg. Sure some auto mags say its too heavy, too big, too what ever and some little car can post better road track times, well so what! I dont drive on a road track course, I drive on a highway. Im a big guy at 6 foot 5 and 265 pounds. I can still ride in comfort and get there fast. It has plently of room for kids in the back if you need that space. Nothing compares to the thrill of the ride. Ive owned Vettes, and BMWs and they dont get a second look when you are out. I bought this car for fun. Its easy to get in and out of and is fun.

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  This Thing Rocks! - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By richinsc - January 21 - 11:48 pm

  I previously owned an 06 SLT with the 4.7. I went and checked out the 08s and new that I had to have one. Next day traded in the 06 for the new one. The new SLT with the Hemi is freakin sweet. When you put the hammer down you know that there is enough power for anything and everything that you could ever need. There is plenty of room and the extra options that you can get make it amazing.

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  Expect problems - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By stottsbc - January 21 - 7:06 pm

  The car parts were not designed to last forever. If you own one its very obvious. But if you are into making any car modifications then this car is an excellent choice! To buy this car now, youre not gonna pay a fortune, and you can enjoy making this a beautiful and fun car.

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  06 charger R/T W/R/T package - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By dennis - January 21 - 12:06 pm

  By far the best car I have ever owned. I would highly recommend the 2006 Dodge Charger.

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  Irritating Problems - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bill - January 21 - 3:30 am

  I traded in a Dodge Dakota V8 to save on fuel costs. The Caliber has comfortable seating compared to other smaller cars. It has a smooth ride. The second day of driving I noticed a high pitched ringing noise. This appears to be the high pressure fuel pump. The dealer and Chrysler refuse to acknowledge it is a problem and refused to replace the pump. I dont think I should hear the fuel pump operating inside the vehicle. It did not make that sound when I took delivery but started 100 miles later. It is very annoying unless you listen to loud music that drowns out the sound.

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  love the AWD - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By caryn - January 21 - 2:00 am

  little monor annoyances - steering wobbbles at speed - balance/alignment dont hold.

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  srt4 fun factor - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Aa266 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  the srt4 is a very fun vehicle.The seats are a bit too much and the exterior is very appealing to the public.The overall feeling of driving this vehicle is very exciting and I look forward in driving the srt4 everyday.