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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  One sweet ride - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By anita wright - February 10 - 3:33 am

  I have always owned sports cars. I had no need to worry about the choice I made when I bought the Magnum RT. It has a great look, plenty of room, and has more than enough power when I need it!! I recommend this car to everyone who wants something with room and class.

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  SRT-4 Commemorative Edition #35 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Jay Brown - February 9 - 10:53 pm

  This is my second SRT-4. This one replaces my 2004. My new 2005 is #35 of only 200 Commemorative Editions ever made. I love that car in just about every way. HUGE bang for the buck. The performance is ASTOUNDING!!! I bought another one, what else can be said that more positive than that.

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  2000 mi assessment - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By LEER - February 8 - 8:49 pm

  I suppose Dodge could have done a better job with the design of this vehicle --- but I really dont know how. This truck is so refined. The ride is great -- road and engine (4.7 V-8) noise is minimal -- handling is fantastic. I have been pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy. It will turn exactly as advertised on the sticker (15/20 mpg). I have made two 600 mi round trips and found that if I dropped my interstate speed to 62mph that the mileage increased by approx. 10 % to a little over 22 mpg. As you can surmise I really like this vehicle --- just cant understand why they arent moving off the lots in my area.

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  Finally a quality Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Sg - February 8 - 4:45 pm

  I have had a several different SUVs over the years and 2 older model Durangos. They always rode rough and felt and looked low quality. Now this Durango rides awesome, noise level is great, and feels sturdy and tight in the corners. I love it.

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  Great truck - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Warren Johnson - February 8 - 3:26 pm

  One paint flaw and a transmission electric doo- hickey have been the only problems. This is my fifth Dodge. I really am a Dodge guy and this is one of their best. I am not too fond of the new body style though and will probably get a truck next. The gas mileage smokes the Ford and Chevy SUVs and it doesnt look like a big box. I tow a hybrid trailer on camping trips and am close to the GCWR and am very pleased with my performance. Get 9-13 mpg depending on terrain.

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  I love my R/T - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Ken Smith - February 8 - 2:26 pm

  The build quality, materials, and styling strike me as being European. Some reviews assess the interior as "cheap" and "small". I found the interior to be very roomy and comfortable. The road noise is much lower than I expected from a car at this price-point. Options are plentiful and make it easy to make it exactly what you want.

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  Great Truck, sad to sell it - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By ChrisM - February 7 - 10:38 pm

  I have been the sole owner of this truck and have loved driving it. It performs EXCELLENT off-road with the 4.7L engine. I have been in many questionable situations off-road and it has pulled me through with no issues at all. As a daily driver it has also been very reliable with good gas mileage considering its a V8. Plenty of get up and go to get on the freeway or around town.

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  Viper SRT 10 - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Viper owner - February 6 - 2:28 am

  Super fun car to drive. fast acceleration, top speed, and great breaking. Super red color. Great engine with outstanding 500 horsepower engine. Love the lights. Seats could use some work, so does the transmission but other then that it is a super car.

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  viper srt 10 - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Viper owner - February 6 - 2:28 am

  Super fun car to drive. Fast acceleration, top speed, and great braking. super red color. great engine with outstanding 500 horsepower engine. Love the lights. Seats could use some work, so does the transmission but other then that it is a super car.

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  Calibers are Cool! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By DODGElover - February 5 - 1:40 pm

  The 2007 Dodge Caliber is an amazing car! It provides exellent power, fuel econemy, and reliablity. Weve had it for over a year now, and it is just out-standing. The payments of the car itself is great for anybody! I would recommend this car to everybody!