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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  love my magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By sardac - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this has been a most fun car, I gave it to my wife as a birthday present is very fast handles very well on the road and gets excellent mileage if you keep your foot outa it. It is bit shy on ground clearance . The dealer service has been excellent and I have not has a problems to speak of. still enjoying it.

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  Just Bought One - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By jnitschke - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The 3.7l v6 provides ample performance, although if I had the cash Id have bought the V8--quieter and smoother ride (drove both) but the big v6 is no slouch and its quieter than other vehicles I test drove. The exterior is a head turner. The interior is more than comfortabe witht he leather seats. Despite what the reviews said I didnt find the stereo to be difficult to operate, however the reviewers are on the money when it comes to rear visibility--the wide posts leave wide gaps in your rear view. Overall I love it.

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  Who Knows Yet - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Al Mumit - October 4 - 2:46 am

  Wife had to have it. I did not object. It drives easy and the ride is surprisingly smooth. There is plenty of power, it doesnt sound obnoxious, and the Boston Acoustics sound system is quite good. This Challenger beats the snot outta the Mustang in all respects. I drove the GT and the Bullit trying to find a comparable ride. The difference is astounding. I own a Toyota Tacoma, and have always been wary of domestic cars as there are thousands of horror stories. In all, this car is a solid winner. Retro/modern done right, if a little pricey. Never had a muscle car before, and now I know what the stink is about! People cant stop looking at it!

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Devonne - October 3 - 11:18 pm

  I have not had the best of luck with this car. I have had it for a year and a half and I have had to replace the ball joint, both axles (twice), speed censor, crank shaft, breaks, fan belt, battery (twice), lower left control arm, shocks, struts, starting coil, fuel pump, the over drive went out, and so did the cruse control. I drove it for 9 months without problems but once the speed sensor went out it has been down hill from there. My mpg have been really bad, I only got 15 mpg even after a new fuel filter, air filter, and pump.

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  Shame on you M&M Dodge in Kalamazoo,MI - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Sara - October 3 - 5:01 pm

  I never though my 97 Intrepid would have turned out this bad. I replaced almost everything. I even had a friend make me a bolt for the engine because no one had a replacement. On my way to work my car just died. The only thing I havent replaced was the computer and I had done nothing to the wiring. Towed it to M&M Dodge in Kalamazoo, MI what I told them what the problem was but they didnt want to hear it. Woman are dumb! Joking. Well they figured out it was the computer, after they pulled off my new water pump,wanted $400 to put it back on. When my mom took the car back they told her it was unsafe,give them the title. The car was safe, they took the car.She fell for it. Shame on you M&M Dodge!

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  A sad ending to twins - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By firephool - October 3 - 1:01 pm

  Dad bought this red truck used with 100,000 mi when I was in High School. I took it to school b/c of bad weather and ended up totaling it. bought a matching one in blue. and that lasted under very stressful driving including some unexpected offroading that required be to buy a new bed and replace a couple windows. I loved the V8 in that truck great fuel mileage for a v8 pick-up. but alas fate has its marker. She died b/c my father flat-toed her. :( she would have lasted forever and a day if it wasnt for that.

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  Eye Opener! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kustomkarl - October 3 - 11:40 am

  Wow what a ride. I now have close to 2000 miles on the car and it just keeps getting better! Looks impressive, handles smooth and out performs anything stock I have seen on road to date! Oh and did I say HEMI! This thing is awesome! Would I buy another? In a heartbeat!I havent found any flaws yet, and yes I keep looking. This car is, for the money, top dog in my eyes!

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  Bad Brakes - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ist Time Dodge Owner - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I am on my second set of rotors and calipers. The first set of rotors were all pitted at 20K miles. The first time the dealer covered the cost. The second time it cost me $400. Otherwise, the van has been OK. I have 50K miles now and wonder if I should get rid of it before a major problem, like the transmission going.

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  turbo dodges rule! - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By shelby steve - October 2 - 8:49 am

  i bought my 87 daytona shelby z brand new and have loved it ever since i have driven this car very hard and have never had a mechanical problem i raced this car at the mopar atlantic nationals at e-town in n.j. since 1991 the car handles awesome and is great to cruise in during the summer with the t tops off after 21 years of ownership i thought i would never get rid of this car but i recently gave it to my son for his 18th birthday so he and his future wife can enjoy it as much as is mother and i have

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  Brand New, its fun, jury is still out - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By ET - October 1 - 5:21 pm

  I have the Road and Track edition for 09. Lots of upgrades, but the 10 extra horse power and the Ricaaro style seats with red stitching and badging stands out the most. 20 inch chrome rims are a big hit as well with my friends. The engine is very responsive, and the ESP switch is nice when you want to burn out. I am impressed with the acceleration, although a rolling start and manual transmission mode will give you the best chance at a light to light drag. The engine performs the best in my opinion from 75 to 120. It really moves. It is very quiet in the cabin and I wish the engine would bark a little more from the factory. It does have a 8 to 4 cyl. feature for fuel consumption