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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  Perfect new Dakota Styling - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By BG MA - April 4 - 3:09 am

  Dodge really improved on the body styling for 2005....Its good to see that a reasonably priced truck can look better than what the other automakers are selling....I also had a 2000 Quad Cab 4x4 and never had a problem with it....

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  Best car ever owned! - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By chris - April 2 - 1:59 pm

  This car is good looking, reliable and tough...and Ive owned many cars. I expect alot from my vehicles and I drive them hard. My Stratus SE has never given me any problems and its currently at 85,000 miles!! I recently had the original brake pads replaced and new tires all around (third set of tires since new), those are the only things that needed to be replaced. Very easy on the wallet car. I highly recommend this vehicle! Happy motoring.

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  Rocket ship - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By John - April 1 - 12:11 pm

  This car is so fast and fun I am suprised it is legal! I bought it in October of 04 with 4k miles on it. In the 5 months that I have had it I have put on 18000 miles without any problems. Even with all the performance I still get an average of 28 mpg. Everyone that has ridden in the SRT4 has been super impressed with the performance. The interior is quiet, comfortable and super supportive. The handling is good, the performance is awesome and the gas mileage is good and the stock stereo sounds pretty good too. What more could you ask for!

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  In Love again - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Mr Macho - March 28 - 9:43 pm

  Upgraded from a Dodge Caliber to an Avenger RT 08. I needed more trunk space for my golf clubs and other items that the caliber could not help me with. I love the 235 horsepower (feels like more) and the way it feels around the turns. It looks good, it feels good, it drives good. I am in love again after 40. If you want fun, try driving one. I love the satellite radio, navigational system and the blue tooth. I gives you what it promises. Some might complaint about the MPG, but they forget, it is a V6 mean machine.

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  great car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By J maynard - March 27 - 4:14 am

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  Best i ever had still going strong - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By pgtek2001 - March 26 - 11:09 pm

  Hi bought it new and now i have 290,000 miles on it and runs like a charm. does not shake on idle the radio antenna is still no shaking. i put about 2100.00 in repair since i bought it. retired mechanic i do my own repair. This Durango slt 4.7l 2x4 wheel drive haul a 5x10 trailer loaded since 2004 from Quebec to Florida and never had problem going 70 mph. Never seen a winter and still have original shocks with dealer sticker on them. already at 290,000 miles and still going fine. just replace bank 2 sensor 1 on exhaust pipe and engine light went off. hit a deer last year in North Carolina not to much damage luckily its high from the ground

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  Dodge Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By C. Edgar - March 26 - 12:00 am

  I love my Durango. The gas mileage is better than I anticipated. I really like its smooth ride and acceleration. It is never sluggish, not even on a very cold morning.

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  The hottest 4 door for the money - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By crl69 - March 25 - 9:26 pm

  Im 20 and I have had 7 cars before this one and of all the cars I have found the one that i really enjoy to drive. it gets great gas mileage and it has great horsepower. I love to see people when they look and you can tell they are saying, "what kind of car is that". I have never wanted a red car but this red is hot. if you want roominess, sporty looks, and great performance go test drive this car. Im almost positive you will not be disappointed.

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  Viper - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Ken - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  I have had many super experiences with this car. It is the best car I have ever owned. I am a car collector and have a 360 spider and am on the waiting list for a Mercedes Benz SLR. I also have owned many different performance cars but i still live the Viper the most.

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  The not so new Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Faith Huff - March 24 - 4:14 pm

  We are a family who drives nothing but classic cars, so, buying this Durango was very difficult - but necessary. Knowing that its painful to buy a new car, this particular vehicle numbed it alot, as its good on gas, great on sleekness, and wonderful on reliability. I am a 21 year old female, and I would trust this Durango to get me across the country from California to Michigan alone without any worries. Its not new, its not a C.P.O., but its got all the space we need, the comfort, reliability and gas mileage we desire. I reccomend this vehicle to anyone, even though I generally am anti-new car. I am impressed.