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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  OK if you like basic truck ride - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Golfnkappa - November 27 - 3:03 am

  This vehicle is excellent towing large items. When all seats are down there is enough room to carry large items The engine is excellant. My navigation system has been replaced once and now its not reading the disc again. Also the seats feel cheap along with everything else in the cabin. The only other problem is that both the driver and passenger side square piece breaks easily.

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  My thoughts about my base model - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By c - November 26 - 8:41 pm

  I have had my 97 4-banger stick as the original owner with only 17 miles on it when delivered to our dealer. I have gotten 500 miles to a single tank 4 times. Mine is not governed so I have had it up to 131 flat straight away in Germany and 136 downhill there. This car is fun to drive and has a huge trunk. And at 159,634 miles still going strong

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  Not too shabby - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Brittney - November 26 - 3:01 pm

  I bought this car for $800 and 161,000 miles on it. I really enjoy this car. Nothing major wrong with it, just general maintenance. This will probably last me one more year. It is fun to drive and has a great stereo system. I love the size of the steering wheel. The only con I can really think of is the turning radius and the low bumper. It sometimes scrapes the ground if youre not careful.

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  A Fun Car for 31K - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Jason - November 25 - 9:38 am

  Im very happy with my new Dodge Charger overall. I was traditionally a Ford guy, but I now have 2 kids and the backseat of the newer Mustangs just didnt cut it. It is a perfect nominal for me. There is plenty of room for the kids and plenty of horsepower for when I dont have the kids.I have taken the car on some far trips and have gotten 24 mpg on the highway. I average 15 in the city, but I have a heavy foot.

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  Good Quality - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By valkerie55 - November 24 - 11:40 pm

  Purchased Caravan used with 48,000 miles in 2003. Traded vehicled in 2008 with 135,000 miles for a Chrysler T&C Touring. Best vehicle we had for the long traveling for the past 5 years. All I had to do was change the oil, 2 brake changes, 4 new tires (1x) and routine maintenance. Good power, transported 4-6 people for soccer games, basketball, New York, New England area and Florida. It was the best workhorse. Hopefully, Fiat will revive Chrysler products for the future.

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  Total mistake! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By RudysMomma - November 24 - 5:37 pm

  Since the night I bought this car 12/31/07 it has been a mistake. The night I drove it off the lot the radio died because it blew the fuse. It does that every 3 months or so. Every other time the radio dies and has to be replaced completely. The roof rails have rattled and been loose since day one. They have been replaced 2x under warranty and still rattle. The brackets holding the seats were all rusted and had to be replaced. The door hinges are rusting. The side panel in cargo area was warped and was replaced. Part of dash was bubbling and was replaced. Now the transmission is making noises and hesitating. My driver seat back wont adjust at all. Been a problem since day one. I hate this car

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  Midlife Crisis Cure - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Billy Bob - November 23 - 7:26 am

  Just traded in the Buick and I feel alive again. This car has a much better ride and handles like a dream. I had a 68 Charger back in high school and think I will have just as much fun with the new one.

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  Possibly my all-time favorite vehicle!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hank in Dallas - November 22 - 9:50 pm

  Dont be fooled by the "station wagon" description assigned to this beautiful, terrific machine (although we appreciate it, because it no doubt helped with our insurance rates)! The Hemi engine is awesome, and isnt the gas-guzzler you might think. Over the years, weve owned Corvettes and Cadillac Allantes - our Hemi-powered RT gets as good or better gas mileage than they did. We read a review recently that trashed the cruise control system in the RT (mainly its location) which totally amazes me because its location on the steering column is one of the most accessible/handy Ive ever used, and its very easy to manipulate. Go with the RT - I promise you wont be disappointed!

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  Perfect - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Simonsays - November 22 - 10:00 am

  We are a family of 7. We love our van Its quality is perfect!!!! More spacious than our last van. Driving it is way better than expected. When we test drove it, I fell in love. I didnt want to leave w/out it. We picked it up 2 days later. I am 150% satisfied with our Grand caravan & would reccommend it to any family looking.

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  dodge does it right!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ggstromboli - November 22 - 10:00 am

  this car rocks!!!!! the hemi is a sweet addition to a cool looking car. i opted for the v-6 for fear of my right foot!! the 6 is a capable motor, it moves fairly well and with the stability control turned off and with a little water under the tires they can be turned!!the ride is smooth,and you don`t get the feeling of being in a land yacht.