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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  Great second life car - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By PLEASED - April 22 - 6:43 am

  I have been driving a Pontiac Sunfire (2) since 1996. With my kids grown, a sporty little 2 door was all I needed. Then came the grandkids. The came my mother and her wheelchair. There was NO WAY in a Sunfire. I love the Magnums look! It handles as easily as the Sunfire tho I have some concerns about winter driving in Ohio wtih a rear- wheel. I cant say eough abou the room. Ive ridden in the backseat and I wouldnt hesitate to go cross-country in it. Gas mileage 20 mpg city and fill up was a real shock to me. The absolute selling point was the pedals coming to me (at 54") and ease of handling. It gets a lot of stares and questions. I first said it when I bought it. Love at first sight!

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Mike - April 18 - 8:22 pm

  We purchased Dodge Viper a month ago and both me and my wife already fell in love with it. We almost bought new Vette and thank God we didnt. By far this is the best styling (in/out) and performance you can get for your money. The car is gorgeous from any angle you look at and is probably best designed car ever. The dealer was nice enough to throw in a free (Mopar) navigation system which I highly recommend.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By Thom - April 18 - 11:00 am

  The Dodge Viper has always been my dream car. The latest generation Viper is the best yet. The performance is amazing, the acceleration incredible. And the car really does attract attention everywhere it goes.

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  Solid Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Weav - April 15 - 2:39 pm

  I bought this RT as soon as the dealer could get it in 2003. I got every possible option except the engine block heater. Other than the significant amount of brake dust (that messes up the nice stock mag wheels) and a weird engine heave every now and then, this car is exceptional. Performance-wise, its sweet, with plenty of get-up for a non-supercharged V6. Style-wise, everyone loves it...the leather seats are very comfortable and the 8-way power seat makes it a perfect fit for anyone. Id buy another one in a heartbeat if I hadnt fallen in love with the Chrysler 300 SRT-8...

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  Its ultra cool, and so much more! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Kari - April 15 - 7:30 am

  I love this car. The whole family loves it. Were tall people and we ride in pure luxurious comfort. No more scrunched up knees! I could live in it, happily. Getting on the freeway is so much fun. I gotta be real conscious of my speed in this baby, the Hemi appeals to the speed demon in me. Very comfortable, and adjustable seats. The paint "brilliant black pearl" is beautiful! The stereo system is lovely. I really like the steering wheel& the big console, I can easily stuff my purse in it. :) Its a pretty big car, but it doesnt feel like it when I drive it. Its a smooth ride and hugs curves like a dream. My 70y/o neighbor is selling his Honda and getting a Magnum.

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  I love my Dodge - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By gellis8491 - April 13 - 9:39 pm

  I like the way my car rides, and I like the way it looks. Its very dependable. I go out of town with it a lot, and havent had any problems with it.

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  Switched from Intrepid - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Jenny - April 12 - 8:53 pm

  We travel a lot, so we wanted more room but comparable gas mileage. We traded in our 2001 Intrepid SE toward this, and so far it seems to have been a good move. It drives like a car, and I get much less road fatigue when we drive to Chicago (2.5 hrs. away).

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  I love my Stratus! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By A Russo - April 12 - 10:25 am

  I bought my Stratus in March of 2004. Since that time I have honestly fallen in love with this car. It has been mechanically sound the whole time Ive owned it. I love the sporty look of the car, and the gas mileage is great. Havent regretted my choice for a minute!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By King Cobra - April 11 - 1:32 pm

  I own a 1994 Dodge Spirit V6 model and it is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I got into an accident with it a couple of years ago that should have thrown me from the car, but the way the car is built I stayed in my seat the whole time. I still runs to this day and I just love the way it runs.

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  2005 4WD Club Cab SLT V8 - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Phil S. - April 10 - 3:15 am

  Interior is very plush and roomy even for big people. Lots of compartments for your stuff. Electric Bucket Seats are comfortable and has lumbar support. Sound system is good. Rear of club cab is only suitable for small persons or children. Better used for storage. Rear doors of Club Cab open which is great. Bed is 6.5 feet and holds lots of cargo. This truck is bigger than it appears, rides high in my opinion not much smaller than a F- 150. Ride is smooth and quiet for a truck and handles very well. Off road it rides like any other pick up. V8 is very powerful, good acceleraton with little effort. Gas mileage is only about 14 MPG. For safety it just got a five star rating front, side impact.