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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  Mean Green - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Chris - November 13 - 12:58 pm

  If you are a Dodge, and truck lover, consider the Dakota. It is easy to park, and fund to drive. However, only look at the V-8 the 4x4 truck is heavy, and needs the bigger engine. The paint quaility, is great, and the interior is comfortable. The transmission shifts a little slow for me, however it is designed for towing. Once up to speed it does just fine. The gas mileage is horrible, but it is a truck. If you dont step on the gas too much and drive at a reasonable speed the mileage is much better. Consider the mods below you will find these changes make the truck much better. I love the 5.2 ltr. The 2000- up 4.7 is a step back for the Dakota. Last, check the ball joints, tranny, and brakes

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  My GTS - 2001 Dodge Viper
  By Steve - November 11 - 3:21 pm

  I find my Viper to be the perfect cure for todays cookie cutter vehicles. The exterior design is as elegant as it is outrageous. More car companies should be so bold as to take such a chance on applying creative design elements. That said, the interior pays a slight price for maintaining the aggressive outer appearance. The drivers footwell is perticularly tight. A small price to pay considering a quick stab at the throttle forgives all.

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  Happy Dakota owner - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotaowner - November 10 - 1:44 pm

  I have a 2005 Dakota Quad Cab Laramie with the 4.7-liter High Output V8 and All-wheel drive. The only way I recommend a Dakota is with the High Output V8. It has a better rear end, limited slip, and less restrictive exhaust. All of this adds up to better performance, better handling, and better traction. Add this to the Dakotas good looks and I think its a winner.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jake - November 10 - 1:53 am

  This car is great and with gas over $3 it makes it even better. I travel for work and use the cooler and ipod holder every day. I also have the music gate feature and love it for tailgating.

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  Wonderful Ride - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Oldtimer - November 9 - 7:13 am

  Never thought I would own a Chrysler product bui I bought a 97 ES which I loved. I though that with the deals available today why not look for a new one. I bought a 09 SXT, only had it a week, but I didnt think I could top my 97, but this is really nice. My wife says it is like traveling in a plane, really smooth ride. The 3.8 engine has plenty of power. Seats arent as nice as my 97 though, kinda hard. The stow and go seating is nice, My old seats were getting to heavy to remove. The whole van is larger. I did have some minor adjustments to my garage, just barely fits in my small extra garage. Just had my first long trip and was a dream, especially compared to my last long drive in my 97.

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  Nice Ride for a Permit Driver - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By SDC - November 8 - 9:59 am

  Weve had our Durango for 4 yrs. Its great, though the water pump was damaged by a rock causeing the engine to overheat way too much and blow. Other than that this is one damn fine truck.

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  Love this car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Mia - November 7 - 9:18 pm

  I bought this car 6 years ago with 20K miles on it. 3 cross country trips later with over 130k miles and its still in great condition with only routine checkups and TLC needed. I bought another car 2 years ago but we still use this one. I will miss it when we eventually sell it.

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  Love my Durango! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Love it! - November 7 - 12:00 am

  I just picked this vehicle up and its a dream. The HEMI is very responsive and it drives like a dream. Kind of like driving a recliner down the highway. Got the loaded out Limited with navigation, 6 disk changer, Sirus Satellite radio and DVD player. Its Inferno Red which I guess is a new color for this year. Heated seats, love the auto climate control too. I has the tip start feature to which works pretty good. I always have a confident feeling while driving this Durango. Ive read other posts here before deciding to buy and a few listed gas mileage specs. Ive got over 1000 miles and the average economy on the highway is between 18 and 20 mpg. I supposed a heavy foot could change that

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  Awesome - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By ROB - November 5 - 2:57 pm

  I love my Magnum. My wife told me that I had to loose the sports car because we had children. I couldnt bare the "m" word. (Minivan) I figured that if I had to loose the sports car, I might as well purchase a family car that hauled some serious tale, and cornered like it was on rails The Magnum is such a wonderful option in a vast sea of the same. The power and handleing are second to none. Not to mention, my fuel economy is wonderful, even with the Hemi engine. No mechanical, quality issues thus far. Very impressive. You really need to check this car out for yourself. It is absolutely amazing.

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  Replaced Jeep GC 4x4 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Ray - November 3 - 7:20 pm

  Not sure why so many national reviewers are giving this vehicle so much grief. I have the RT with the 2.4L 5spd Manual. Coming from a V6 SUV, I think this car has a lot of pep. Love the color options, my model is Black ext with black and red accents interior. Very roomy in the front. Although, I wish they narrowed steering column. Having short legs I have to be a little closer to the steering wheel. My legs scrape getting in and out.