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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  excellent van - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By iwonajurek - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have my van 4.5 years and no problem. Excellent, easy car-like driving.

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  Great - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By myronlg - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Have not had it long but ride and handling are great for this size pickup.

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  Sport model - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BUSTER - June 28 - 8:53 am

  Two sets of tires, one set of brakes and one transmission sensor (warranty) have been the only repairs. 115,000 miles later, I am still getting 18.5 mpg in city, 24.5 mpg crossing the country with family and luggage.

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  Great Price, Great Truck, Thanks Dodge - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By jmichel62 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Sold my F250 Crew Diesel. Just too big. Looked for a long time at Colorado and Dakota. The 5 cylinder and small sieze put me off of Chevy. I have the 4.7 with the 5 speed Auto, 4x4 Crew. What a great truck, a welcome change from the big ford. MSRP was 29,595. I got it at dealer cost 27,200, then Dodge gave me 4500 cash back. Solid feel, great engine, big cab and bed. Fun to drive, easy to park, good on the highway. If you drive easy gas milage is good. Good luck on your search.

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  Dodge Got It Right - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Berks - June 27 - 10:26 am

  I bought my Road and Track Charger a couple of months ago and I just love it! The style in and out, the power of the Hemi, the Mercedes influence. It just all adds up to the best car Ive ever owned. So much fun to drive. You see and hear this car coming and you know its a beast. Yet someone actually thought it was a BMW, its so good looking (I got the Bright Silver). Interior seating and room is spacious and comfortable, which was a big deal for me with a family of four to tow somtimes. Stock 500W sound system is perfect. Theres so much good stuff. If youre thinking about this ride, do yourself a favor and just go test drive it. Youll be hooked.

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  Great family car - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Nick H - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first minivan and I love it. So much room and storage space makes going places so easy. You dont need much strength to fold down the seats. I checked a few other minivans and they didnt offer near as much for the price of the Caravan. I definitely suggest the SXT model w/DVD because the kids love it and it keeps them occupied on long trips. This is definitely a keeper.

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  Go For It - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Thom - June 25 - 7:46 pm

  The 3.5 liter is the best deal price- wise. It gets about 20 miles to the gallon, and is great on acceleration. Only uses 4 cylinders on interstate driving. Uses 6 when needed.

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  Dream Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By SSN719 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Everything Ive Always Wanted

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  EXCELLANT - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By HANNAH - June 23 - 2:00 am

  IT IS THE FUNEST CAR TO RIDE IN! I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THIS CHOICE OF CAR. THAN

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  OVERALL 10 - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By DFREE - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I work for a dealership and drive a 2004 Dodge Intrepid as a demo. I also have a wife and two children who go everywhere with me on the weekends. There is just as much room, if not more in the Intrepid as our 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee.