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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  dodge viper - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Ian shivo - December 4 - 2:47 pm

  well my experience with this car is unbelievable i never drove a car like this i am use to a car going like 80 tops and i this car go nice and fast and this car is the best

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  Venom (My License Plate) - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Justin Carroll - December 4 - 1:18 pm

  I got a Viper SRT-10 for my 17th birthday, and it is one of the most exciting things to do. My dad owns Auto Selects of Williamsburg, Virginia and this is where I got it from. When I drive up to my high school and people see this car, they just stare. I know that I am very fortunate to have this car but I would sell my first-born child before giving up this automobile

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  the best - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By smith - December 4 - 12:34 pm

  it is the best handling car i ever drove.plus it is very well put together.nothing bad to say about this monster.

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  Vipe...The best performance sports car - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Larry - December 4 - 11:57 am

  The acceleration is awesome ...the handling superb!

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  I Love this Car - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Fastfrt1 - December 3 - 11:22 pm

  What a great car!!! Fun Car to drive, I get about 27-28 mpg. I run it to just under a 1/4 tank and it only takes 7.4 gallons! Great sound system!

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  Fantabulous - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Roy - December 3 - 5:26 am

  Fourth Chrysler product. Intrepid, 300M Pacifica and now the Grand Caravan. Only the 300M was better, as it is a car and meant for comfort and style. Grand Caravan is a joy to drive. Backup camera, ambiant lighting, all interior doors side lighting and stow and go are great features. CD/radio great sound and easy to download CDs. Did not get video system, no small children anymore. Bluetooth makes cell phone calling and answering easy and you do not have to hold a phone in your hand, thus driving safely. Fantastic vehicle

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  Awesome Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By dodge lover - December 2 - 5:23 pm

  I love this vehicle. Outside of the purchase price...1st one bought at this dealership I love it. Very fun to drive and the MPGs are not that bad for a vehicle of this size. We are getting over 20 on the highway. Resale value sucks though just looked it up and lost 6 grand allready. I wish the 3rd row seat layed flat though.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By bobbyjoe - December 1 - 9:11 pm

  For the money, this has to be the best deal on wheels. Lot of bang for the buck. I feel like it is worth every penny spent.

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  Stratus ES - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jimbuc43 - December 1 - 10:44 am

  My 2002 ES is fun and reliable. Performance with the 2.7L engine is great and it gets good gas mileage. It also looks sporty with my added spoiler.

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  Good Solid Car - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By Dave - A Neon Driver - December 1 - 3:06 am

  I have spent less money on repairing this car than I have on toothpaste.