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 Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By EmersonC - November 30 - 3:57 pm

  With the exception of the trans/engine "stutter" between 45 and 58 in OD, the truck handles and drives great. So fun to drive, and everytime i see an open field or a big mud hole, i cant help but want to drive in it. Have never gotten stuck once. Interior is not overly done, but not plain. Very reliable, only problem i had was with the O2 sensors when i first got it. None sense.

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  2001 Dakota Quad - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By tcsmpsi - November 30 - 3:09 pm

  From the day one, we experienced exceptional service and pleasure from this vehicle. Driven in many different conditions, we never experienced any unpleasant surprises.

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  Our Next Car Will Also Be A Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tom Rucker - November 27 - 4:10 am

  After a year and a half, we are still getting looks and favorable comments.Driving is still a lot of fun and comfortable. On three different occasions I had driven for ten or more hours at one stretch (stopped for gas of course)and felt great. Its been the most reliable car I have ever owned in my thirty two years of driving. The overall experience has been great and well buy another one.

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  First Time SUV Owner - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By chorallib - November 25 - 11:07 pm

  I test drove several other SUVs but I kept coming back to the re-designed Durango. It was the quietest, most smooth riding, and best handling of all the ones I tried. Not only that but the third row of seats made it possible to comfortably fit all our family in one vehicle. We drove it through the worst ice storm in recent history of Western Oregon last winter. The Durango was sure footed and solid over wind-driven icey interstates and country roads. One final clincer in our choice was Dishamn Dodge in Spokane, WA. There was no hastle, no pressure just a helpful staff prior to the sale and every time we have been back.

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  Grand Caravan - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By L. Alldritt - November 20 - 4:00 am

  This vehicle is a joy to drive, but seems to use more fuel than we expected. Actual gas mileage city and highway is 16 MPG.

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  Midwest Family Van - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Midwest Family Van - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought new. Haven taken several cross country family vacations. It has been very reliable, never broken down. Change oil myself every 5000 miles. Only rountine maintenance needed; tires, replaced battery at 5 years - typical life of a battery, front brakes at 87,000. We would definitly buy a another Caravan, but we do not want to get rid of this one.

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  my new car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lorrie - November 19 - 2:00 am

  inside seats should be made with better materials

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  great car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By marco350z - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Dodge Neon SXT is one of the best economy cars around. I have a 2003 Honda Civic LX and the Neon beats the Civic. The Civic is a bit more luxurious, but has a bland character. The Neon is fun to driver, it has nice personality and is very refined for 04. I paid 13,550 for my Neon, but i paid 16,870 for my Civic and i enjoy my Neon so much more. Its comfortable, powerful, great audio system, smooth, quiet, big windows.

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  fun truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By fst4dr - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck because it was bigger than the S-10s and rangers ect. but not too big. The 4.7 V8 is a great engine and has plenty of power. Opting for the 5 spd manual and 3.92 gears like I did makes it really fun to drive.

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  This car rocks! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Justin - November 18 - 9:20 pm

  I previously owned a 2001 Chrysler Sebring, but was looking for more room. The Magnum was an outstanding melding of cargo capacity, fuel efficency, and the all important, fun factor. I have had not problems with this vehicle and have put over 27000 miles on it. It is great on the highway.