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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  King of the road! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By CrackaJack - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Dodge built this car for one reason. To wipe the floor with anything that pulled up next to it. You dont drive this car for comfort or for a nice leather covered dash or seats. You drive this car to go fast and enjoy the ride. If you want comfort or a butt warming seat... get a VW or a Toyota...Just make sure you remember that you will be seeing our tail lights.

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  best deal going - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By the real hannibal - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I feel as though I pulled one over on everyone. I bought this because it was the most inexpensive deal that I could get. Turns out that it suits everyone of my needs and is very economical to operate. Took it on a 6000 mile road trip around Europe this summer and it has satisfied me every kilometer along the way. It has enough speed for the Autobahn, sufficient power for the swiss alps, causes me to ignore the high price of fuel in France, and is sexy enough for the Italian Autostrada. I love this car. What a bargain.

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  Magnum RT Magic - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Bobbydog - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is an attention getter with an admiring population that is totally inclusive. Young, middle aged, older, male, female....all ask questions, admire and comment on the car. In terms of the car itself, I have found it to be a dream to drive, smooth, powerful, responsive, comfortable, and it fulfills my need for hauling space for my dog, computer stuff and other belongings as I travel back and forth across the country. I am retired, a widower, and on my own. I need a car like this for my new lifestyle. The best car I have ever owned, by far.

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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum boy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  it looks cool going anywhere! This car turns heads everywhere I go and people come up to me where ever I stop to tell me how much they like it. i love this car!

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  Nice - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jagfan - July 20 - 1:36 am

  I am very pleased to date with our Caravan. The DVD system with the remote headphones is a blessing on long drives. Had one problem with the drivers side window, dealership replaced a voltage regulator. Gas mileage is not quite getting what I had hoped, about 17-19 MPG.

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  Owner - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By John Ross - July 19 - 10:05 pm

  It is a good solid truck. There have been few problems with it so far - I was a Ranger owner before and I like this truck a lot better. It was a good choice for me I am very happy with it.

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  Love my 94 Intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Suzette Gregory - July 19 - 7:59 pm

  I bought my 94 Intrepid new, have had it 11 yrs. Ive kept it properly maintained, with tune ups, etc. When mileage became higher, I routinely had the oil changed with a new oil filter every 3,000 miles. I have purchased new tires 3 times, had some transmission and air conditioning work done about 3 different times. Considering the car currently has 121,000 miles, maintainence does not seem unreasonable over an 11 year period. I still drive around town, and on the freeway in southern California. Ive had 6ft plus rear seat passengers amazed at the room and comfort. I plan to sell soon, and was surprised at the unhappiness I read from other owners.

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  Love it! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Margaret - July 19 - 11:38 am

  My husband and I have owned many Dodge vehicles, and everyone one we have loved - this one especially.

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  Reliable! - 1990 Dodge Caravan
  By avidvacationer - July 19 - 1:36 am

  We are the second owners of our Caravan, and have loved it since the day we got it. Our family was embarking on our first long vacation and left the day after we bought it, crossing our fingers it would hold up alright. Boy has it ever! It has gone up almost every mountain range without major problem, accompanying us on many ventures. We had the transmission replaced at about 50,000miles, but havent had to do anything else major since, although minor problems that come along with any older, high mile vehicle pop up. It has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. 15 years old and 150,000 miles later, its still going strong. We love this van!

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  SXT sedan review - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Robbie May - July 17 - 10:17 pm

  I bought a Stratus SXT sedan (4 cyl), and I have liked it from the start. The handling is great. I get about 27.5 mpg from the car, so thats pretty good too. I love the styling of the car, both exterior and interior. I get complimented all the tme about the car. And now, the aftermarket scene is starting to pick up.