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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  Hellcat fever - 2016 Dodge Challenger
  By Greg Kristy - April 29 - 9:47 pm

  Had a 2015 Challenger SRT 392 and traded it for a 2016 Hellcat version. liked the 392 but love the Hellcat. Still breaking it in but it runs smoothly and very comfortable. I like the automatic transmission. The sound is louder by about a third over the 392, but that said, both sound great. The navigation is easy to operate and gives turn by turn directions better than any other car including Lexus and Mercedes. Love the car.

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  Dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Carman - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck,Lots of Power ,great ride confort,dependabl,great style,very cold air

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  My Crew Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By ElmoJr - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Good tires, excellent handling, Most driving was in a 50 to 100 mile radius from home. One trip out of state for 300 plus miles one way. Gas mileage was as rated from dealer. Has rubber matin pickup bed.

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  Love it - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Cristi - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my Durango and I LOVE IT. The interior doesnt squeek, and the wind noise is minute. I would repurchase this vehicle in an instant.

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  Wifes car - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Ryan - April 27 - 5:40 pm

  I dont get to drive this a lot it is the wifes car. She absolutely loves it. I like the AWD and the styling. Add some pin striping and it really makes this vehicle look good. Would recommend this crossover vehicle to anyone not wanting a minivan.

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Vair1963 - April 27 - 6:06 am

  Took the car upstate New York on vacation with only 1800mi on it. Put 1600 mi on trip. Handles great and got 32.5 mpg. Dash light over tach goes out when cold outside. Other than that its been great. Currently have 8200 mi.I

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  My new Nitro with MyGig - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Bryan - April 27 - 5:23 am

  I just bought my black Nitro R/T a few days ago. So far I love it. Im hoping I dont run into any of the mechanical problems others have mentioned, but so far it cant be any better. Im surprised no one has talked about the MyGig system yet. Its awesome. The navigation and satellite radio are great. I already have pictures of my wife and our dogs on the hard drive and displaying on the screen. My only complaint so far is the hard drive space. I knew some of the 20 gigs would be used, but there are only 8 gigs available Its a little disappointing to have less than half the space advertised. Hard drives are cheap, why not stick 120 gigs or more in there.

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  The neon Car For America - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By donald duck luver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Dear www.edmund.com, This car is basically the best car. Its fast,comfortable, and a really cool car. Its sensible and safe for any teenager. Like me, anyway about the car its easy to drive (and doesent have a stupid stick shifts.) Well thats all why the neon is a good car so long!

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  Fast! - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By FastAttack - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has to be one of the best cars dodge has ever produced.. High performance and a reliable car as well. Ive had the car for about 1 year now.. and Ive had 0 problems. Very easy to mod and it has great factory support.. cant beat a 19,999 pocket rocket!

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  no major problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By alot for the money - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Never had any major problems with the car, original tranmission, no engine problems, its my second intrepid, i had a 1995 intrepid, and got the new body style, car could have better pick up, and tighter steering,