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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  Stratus R/T - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By car_know_it_all - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have just purchased my 2004 Stratus R/T, and was astounded with how happy i was. I previously drove a 2002 Neon SXT, and the Stratus is a much better car. The performance is absolutely great, and with the auto-stick these California hills are a breeze. The bold and daring design of the Stratus R/T Coupe demands respect from every one on the road. Every since i picked it up from the dealer i have been reciveing constant complements on my new ride.

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  Just a few quirks - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By stratus04 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The car has been excellent. The gas mileage has been less than spectacular though. The wheels continually are covered with brake dust. The cup holders are small. I would suggest automatic headlights. Other than those minor things, I have had no complaints with my Stratus in short, day to day trips or long distance trips. I have not had any work necessary other than routine oil changes.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By jbgrandslammer - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Nice Truck fun to drive. Would like to see better gas milage. Also would like to see lower prices. I,ve owned fords and chevys so far this one is the best.

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  Excellent van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By David - September 30 - 10:23 pm

  We have a 96 Grand Caravan with 168,000 miles and it is still running strong, but figured the wife would be better with a newer model. The van gets 23-24 mpg, rides great, and everyone is comfortable. The power sliding door is a two edged sword, but the power liftgate is great, especially when it is raining. We have 65,000 on this van, and have never had a problem with it.

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  At 11K - So Far So Good! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By NeonGuy - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Neon SXT back in March of this year, and thus far, all is going well! The basic design, comfort and build quality are excellent for the price point. The seats and interior room house my 63" frame quite well, and the dash layout is a model of organization (if not materials quality). The auto tranny is awful however, and the gas mileage has never risen to my expectations for the car. Beyond all such simple reviews however, has been the cars durability and build quality. While I have only placed 11,000 miles on the odometer, those miles have been squeek, rattle and mechanical failings free. If the car remains reliable, I would wholeheartedly reccomend this car!

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  It just so happens.. - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By JeepBoy - September 30 - 2:00 am

  When a sports car enthusiast spends $40K on any performance car, then additional $10K on tuning, functionality and looks, he does not want to be overtaken while accelerating on a highway onramp. But this is exactly what happens when that "sports car" is lined up with this SRT-4. I will put this car against any $40K+ ride any day, and rest easy knowing that I paid more than 50% less for showing him what my rear looks like. Why? SRT-4 told me to do it. No really - car wants to be driven fast fast fast. I Tried to explain that to the authorities too.

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  2006 Magnum RT AWD - First Review - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By W. Carline - September 29 - 3:43 pm

  I have one of the first 2006 RT AWD to find its way to MA/RI. The car is simply awesome. I have only owned it for one week, but there is no question that the ride is equivalent to that of a $60K luxury sedan. The power....HEMI speaks for itself. Interior noise is virtually non- existent, unless of course you open the windows to hear the HEMI purrrrr through the dual exhaust. This is certainly not the Dodge of my parents generation. Cornering is solid around sharp turns on the interstate. Accelearation is smooth and decisive. Despite my short ownership, I had to let you all know about one thing- I got 5 "thumbs up" from other drivers on the first day!

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  By far the best - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Roche - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my stealth new off the lot because all of the specs and reviews said it matched or outperformed cars double or triple the price. They were right! Its by far the most reliable car and maintenance free Ive had too, although mainenance is expensive. Great in all weather including snow. After 12 years, Im still getting 21 mpg city and over 27 mpg highway. Not bad for a twin turbo & the way I drive!

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  HEAD TURNER---FROM A REPEAT VIPER BUYER! - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By PENNY GAUSE - September 29 - 2:00 am

  REPEAT BUYERS, CAN SAY IT ALL!!! THIS IS MY 2nd VIPER I OWNED THE 1999, AND NOW THE 2004. THE BODY STYLE TOOK ALITTLE WHILE TO ACCEPT, BUT I AM HAPPIER THAN EVER WITH MY NEW VIPER, IMPROVMENTS ON THE INTERIOR HAVE HELPED FOR FEMALE DRIVERS, I LOVE THE NEW EXHAUST, AND YOU WILL BE A BIG FISH IN ALITTLE POND, WHEN YOU ZOOM BY YOUR NEIGHBORS!!! GREAT ALL THE WAY!!!!

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  The Best Sedan Ever Made - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Papa_sword - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I leased a Dodge Intrepid for 4 yrs. and just purchased a new one. This car is the roomiest car I have ever been in and is great for road trips. My only complaint about the Intrepid I leased was that the back seats didnt fold down. I just purchased an SXT model and they have added that feature. I personally cannot say enough good things about this car. It has tons of leg room in the back, an enormous trunk, and a huge sunroof. It gets good gas mileage, has a powerful 250 hp engine(Ive squealed the tires more than once), and looks really cool driving down the road! Im not one to fall in love with a car, but when I saw Intrepids mischievous "joker