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:

• 

  Excellent Choice - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By Dallas - July 29 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my Dakota with 182,000 miles on it. The exterior was in great condition and it was a steal at $1,900. I lived in Maine for two years through the rough winters and my abusive driving. The truck really kept itself together. I did minor repairs and spent roughly $400 dollars on it, but never had to do repairs on the engine. I sold it to a friend for $1,100 dollars and I just talked to him recently. Its still going strong with 265,000 original miles! All hes done is oil changes. I had the best times of my life in that old truck and Im searching everywhere to find another one. 2wd 3.9 v6 magnum 5 speed sports are fun and dependable. I wont buy another Ford again.

• 

  Converted Chevy Owner - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Riggs1 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive got the Hemi - even though Edmunds does NOT have this as an option...the 2004 Tahoe would have been $8000 more with less power, convenience and OLD sluggish styling...The Durango does need more storage ability (pockets, etc.) and the third seat should come split with the ability to remove...all that said - I really (!!) like this SUV...

• 

  WOW - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - July 28 - 3:50 am

  I have never had a car with an automatic kick you back in the seat like this thing does. The first time I punched it, it shocked me. All I can say is WOW. And, in 2nd gear at 4,000 RPM is sounds incredible... you have to turn off the radio just so you can hear the car. Awesome. Speaking of the radio, its great too. No need for aftermarket stuff here. The only real surprise was that there is no spare tire, and no run-flats. Instead, you get a little bottle of fix-a-flat and a pump that plugs into the power outlet. Im gunna buy an extra tire just in case I ever get a flat. I doubt you can just go in anyplace and find one in stock. But, this car is simply incredible!

• 

  Dakota Rocks! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By cobb_cruiser - July 27 - 9:17 pm

  I purchased just it a few weeks ago, and all I can say is its a great truck. Best looking truck on the road. It has 127k miles, but rides excellent. Mine has a 5.2L V8 which produces lots of power! Gas mileage is OK for this much power. Great acceleration. Great turning radius. Good braking. The power steering pressure hose developed a pin-hole (have no idea why?). But replacing it was a breeze! Lots of room to work around. Easy access. I expect to drive it about another 127k based on what I have seen and experienced so far. Love this truck!

• 

  Viper review - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By buckey - July 27 - 5:07 pm

  I purchased this auto after much consideration of whats available on the market for a superior performing and appearing, as well as convenient sports car. I also wanted a convertible to be able to have the open air feeling that accompanies that. This car has completely satisfied that objective and I can truthfully say that I have been completely happy with my choice.

• 

  I love this truck - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Cindi Whitfield - July 26 - 11:35 am

  I love my new Durango. it handles well. I owned a 1998 Durango and it drove like a truck, very rough. My new Durango drive smoother than my husbands car. I have four children and two dogs and make trips to MA and DE and I feel were very safe in this new Durango. If I could change one thing the SUV does have a lot of blind spots, not just at the side mirrors.

• 

  Reliable - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By june - July 26 - 8:38 am

  This car is fun to drive and also reliable as long as you take good care of it. If something is wrong with the car, take care of it as fast as you can, and it will never give you any problems

• 

  Its a cute car and its fun to drive - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By ohmightyqueen - July 23 - 8:26 pm

  Just picked it up tonight. 5 speed fun shifting power shifting speeding along excellent comfort and drive. Wished the gas cap was lockable. I am not really crazy about the chill zone as I think its frivilous, but hey I might want a cold one sometime. Its very roomy. The back seat was a little odd until I discovered how to unrecline them. Very roomy cargo area. I have a PT Cruiser that I love but is now a teenage car. I picked the inferno red color and the beige interior. Love the lit cupholders. Cant wait to see the gas mileage. I have put about 25 miles on it tonight. I just think its the most fun car yet.

• 

  Great New Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By T. Bias - July 23 - 3:47 pm

  I have enjoyed this Durango on our trips and it feels like you are driving on air. This is very smooth riding with great get up and go power in the engine. I have been buying Dodges for many years, and this by far has been the best.

• 

  My Red Van - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LinMort - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this van from Phoenix to LA, Vegas severial times, I have never been tired when I got to where I was going, when I made the same trip with a car I was always tired, almost like jet lag. I do feel that this van is very comfortable, and most of all I do feel safe in it. This is my second new one.