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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  DURANGO - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Kevin P - September 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought this a few months back and are extremely pleased. Great family SUV. Has plenty of room our 3 children and all the extra stuff they like to take when going on long trips. Also pulls a camper very well.

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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RPete - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best riding Dodge I have ever owned. Ordered in May finally arrived July 22nd. Now have 1700 miles on it and have enjoyed every one of them. Ordered it fully loaded with the exception of the roof rack and Im having a great time figuring everything out including the hands free telephone. This is a vehicle that will make you feel young again.

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  all around suv HEMI - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By 04 MOPAR - September 20 - 10:00 am

  go with the hemi!

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  American Made - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By squidward20 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I looked to purchase this vehicle after I realized the Toyota Tacoma was too rich for my blood. I am very happy with the engine power and build quality. Plenty of storage in this vehicle. I feel that the ride of the Dakota is very carlike as opposed to the Tacoma which drives like a truck. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a great value for the money.

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  TWICE AS NICE - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By NEW YORK - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my first neon in 2000 and was pleasantly surprised. It handles great in the snow. I was in need of a car for my 21 year old daughter and bought her the 2004 neon. I thought the reliability, design, comfort and price was perfect.Great colors to choose from. The neon had all the options/safety features I wanted for a car. My daught loved the car, even more with all the compliments she received.

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  Most under-rated car out there - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By 71charger_fan - September 18 - 2:00 am

  13 months of flawless performance. No squeaks, no rattles. The only things replaced were the oil, oil filter, and wiper blades.

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  Great car to drive!!!! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By NikkiT - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost a year, its been great fun! No problems whatsoever, I have had it dealer maintained from the beginning. It is a great speed demon car, and the spoiler and rims make it look fabulous! I really like the car.

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  Homer - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Davjohn - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Good controls layout and excellent stereo.

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  Dakota Quad Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By TN_Leo - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Great truck -had to add padding to the bench seat to fit my back - but once I got the seat to fit me - it is a blast to drive with the small V8 handles loads very well

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  great - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Craig N. Roberts - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Best truck i have Ever Bought