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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  2005 grand caravan sxt review - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dan prosser - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Very thoughtfully designed vehicle! Stow and go is elegant in its simplicity. Great initial quality-no trips to dealer after 5000 miles. In a trip from IL to AZ, I got 21.5 miles/gal averaging 65 mph. Only concern was that the van seemed to float somewhat when passing semis at 80 mph in NM. Otherwise, the ride was great and the engine very responsive to passing requests. This is my 4th Dodge minivan and is the best by far!

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  I love this car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By KickerSolo2000 - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt sure about even trying the car becuase of the past designs, but I drove it and feel in love with it. It has a sporty look, plenty of power and it handles great!

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  Great Tow Vehicle - 1998 Dodge Neon
  By pacerpapa - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased to be towed behind our motorhome and used upon arrival at our destinations while travelling. It served us well for six years without a single problem. Just changed out the OEM battery after six and one-half years. No other repairs have been needed.

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  I absolutely love the old Durangos! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By myguysahottie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my 2000 dodge Durango! I traded in a 1993 Ford Explorer for this Durango and wish Id done it sooner!

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  Great 2006 Charger SXT - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By glenmrobinson - August 7 - 12:13 pm

  This is my third Dodge, and by no means will it be my last. The people at Dodge hit a grand slam when they brought back the Charger. This car is awesome in every respect. Great design, inside and out. Everything is driver friendly, and most of the equipment is standard. They used to be options, and that is a big plus for Dodge. It is so quiet and smooth. The transmission shifts without any of the usual delay or jerking, and the auto stick is great when in the mountains or if youjust want to shift it manual. Great job Dodge!

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  Lady in Red - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By Asphek - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Enjoyed driving it very much, but have to sell it as the "Lady" is getting old, but still has the ability to turn heads, and boy can she still run!! bet she does.....she sure zooms zooms through the highways.

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  my partner!O.O. - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By jackie_hottie - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I love it!!!! This car drives like a BMW! The sound system is like W-w-o-o- a-a--h-h-h-!

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  The Little Monster - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Pault Tupelo - August 4 - 7:40 pm

  Ok so about a year and a half ago I traded in my Subie for a 2003 Liberty. It was fun but not roomy. A month ago I traded that for an 07 Caliber. Let me tell you, this is the best little big car Ive ever owned. More leg and head room than the Jeep and that comes from someone thats 64". Brakes well and corners flawlessly. Acceleration is a little to be desired but hey, I get almost 400 miles to the tank! Thats perfect considering I manage to average 15000 to 20000 in a years time. I love my Little Monster (if only I got Sunburst Orange).

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  Will MISS the Intrepids - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By SHAW - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Intrepid. I was going to buy another one in 2004, but now I find out they are not going to make them anymore. HOW VERY SAD. There is NOTHING on the market with this much space and larger mid-size cars are getting harder to find. WHY is this? Not everyone wants an SUV or truck. Now all the cars look like a square box instead of the pretty sleek design of the Intrepid.

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  Dodge moving to the front - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By DODGE1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a joy to drive on short or long distance trips. It handles great at high and low speeds, plus the styling brings out positive comments from olld and yong alike. Very solid and dependable and with 30mpg on a trip an economical and fun car to drive.