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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  My Dak 97 - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By My 97 Dak - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Exciting to drive, my favorae toy, realy enjoyed this vehickle. Another party came left of center and totaled this 97 Dakota, party went to sleep.

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  The Golden Chariot - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Vinny from Brooklyn - May 30 - 2:00 am

  A very fun and exciting car to drive. Handling is steady and firm, and the look is very sporty for such a large car (17 feet long...). There is more than enough room for my family (2 - Adults, 3 - Children), and the car can really move considering it is so large!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By rick773 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the styling of this car the first time I laid eyes on it. At the time we were out shopping for a car for my son and they were new. Seven month later I got one during an end of month sale. Being disappointed with the durabilitity of our four cylinder cars, I insisted on a 6 cylinder and was rewarded with Dodges 200 HP base 6 that ALWAYS averages between 23 and 27 miles per gallon. You cant beat power to burn and fuel economy! I am tall (6 1"+) and did need to get the power driver seat to increase the headroom clearance and it does the trick.

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  LoveMyCar! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Michelle1066 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Since the re-design, I have been an admirer of the Stratus R/T. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to purchase a new car. With three different models in mind, I test drove the R/T and my search was over! I finally purchased my dream car and I absolutely LOVE it! Very fun car to drive. I purchased the 2002 Stratus R/T. Black with 17 inch polished crome rims, automatic sunroof, 4 disc changer, grey leather and tinted windows. A lot of car for little money!

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  Great 7 passenger SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Great Durango - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the truck for 2 months and its a pleasure to drive. There is plenty of room for 6 adults. The third row seat is ok for adults on a short trip, Ok for kids on a long trip.

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  Lucky SRT8 Owner - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By RedheadSRT8 - May 29 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased this car over the phone sight unseen and am absolutely thrilled with its looks, performance, handling, and comfort. It is a limited production car that will not be a daily driver or driven in wet weather. I am keeping the car in brand new condition so that it can be enjoyed for years to come. Hopefully it will be a collectable just like the original Hemi! At only 1050 miles the only issues I have are way excessive amounts of brake dust, and a transmission that has a pump and/or torque converter whine.

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  Great Little Big Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joe - May 29 - 1:43 pm

  Purchased 2007 R/T in Oct. Have put 3600 miles on it and so far its been great. Looked at and drove a Chevy HHR,Pontiac Vibe, and the Caliber won out hands down. Must have got a good one, so far. Have had no problems and gas mileage has gone from 27.5 to 30.5 since new. I drive a 100 miles a day so fuel economy means a lot.Wish I could have gotten a 5 or 6 speed but was told manual was not offered in the R/T FWD. The CVT is a little goofy but once you get used to it, it;s ok.Space is excellent. We have a Newfoundland and the woman who taught doggie obedience class has a Caliber and highly recommened it.She was right. So far very pleased.Dog fits in fine. Comfortable drivers position. Love it!

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  My Caliber (Candy) - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By SUSAN - May 29 - 10:46 am

  This is my very first brand new vehicle. I just love the Dodge Caliber. I had read a lot of great things about the Caliber and the price and gas mileage is great, made my decision to buy one. I have the 4 door 1.8 engine 5 speed transmission, in sunburst orange with a sunroof. The dashboard is simple and easy to read. Not a lot of knobs and unnessasary gadgets. Plenty of leg and head room. The seats fold front and back, and storage cubby areas are easy to reach and get your hand in and out of. The removeable dome light doubles as a flashlight, which I find a lot of uses for when you have kids. I just wish I could reach the clutch better. I highly reccomend this car!

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  Best Car of the YEar - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Ripan - May 29 - 8:16 am

  It is the best car of the year cause of its muscular shape, luxurious and roomy interior. Very fast and a howling engine. Best sedan, it gets no problems. I am glad and very happy that I bought it. It is also way better than any Ford, Honda, or a Toyota.

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  Santa Fe Dodge Sucks. - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By TwizeeK - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I instantly fell in love with the car, great handling, good pickup, affordable aftermarket upgrades, and a killer sound system. Everything went great until i had an unfortante opportunity to have to use the extended maintenence warranty purchased from Santa Fe Dodge. This is when my nightmare began. The dealership was simply un-cooperative, slow, and above all else rude and incompetent. I ended up paying $500 for an insurance deductablt when the salesman told me it would be covered. My advice, buy this car, but from ANYWHERE but Santa Fe Dodge.