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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  Made it faster! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hugh - May 21 - 8:23 am

  Cut of the restricters at rear end, and gained 35 more HP! Removed the Boston Premium sound system and replaced the entire system with Eclips. Fuel milage is fantastic, averaging 25 MPG as I drive from 1800 feet up to 5000 feet on Sunday and back down on Friday every week. Also doing approximatelly 1500 miles per month from Scottsdale Az to Sadona Az. Best car for the money I paid, and I have a BMW Z4, Porsche Turbo and 1976 TR6.

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  Love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By LOVE IT!!! - May 21 - 6:48 am

  I love this vehicle! Plenty of head and leg room! My kids can stand up in the back without touching their heads to the ceiling! Lots of room! This vehicle handles really well around corners and into small parking spots. Cargo room, you can get lots of stuff back there. We bought a liner for in the back. If there would be any spills then it stays on the liner and not in the Nitro! The radio/satellite/CD have great sound and are centrally located and easy to reach. Comfortable seats. The exterior is very impressive! You get lots of looks at it and people asking what kind of vehicle is that??? LOVE IT!

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  Best U turn I made! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Toolman - May 21 - 1:00 am

  I love the Journey, found by accident while turning around in Dodge dealership. Had a hard time finding Green, Was not able to get features I wanted, still ironing that out with dealership. Almost bought Pontiac Torrent but found it a waste of space. Journey is loaded with space. Only had two weeks and there is a creaking noise when I hit bump from drivers side rear. Excellent handling with 19" tires

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  I love my Caravan - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By MikeyP - May 20 - 8:46 pm

  We purchased our Caravan Sport as a primary vehicle for our growing family. Over the past 4.5 years of owning it, it has never had a mechanical breakdown other than normal wear items (battery died in the 3rd year). We had one issue with the A/C system, which was caused by an improperly completed service on the climate controls. That was only a concern because Florida living requires 100% A/C reliability. The vehicle is strong, stable, and runs my 5 member family everywhere we need to go. We have even used it to tow a 2500 pound boat with no issues. Given the opportunity, I would buy another one without hesitation. It may be a soccer mobile, but it fits its job nicely.

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  Satisfied - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Dodger - May 20 - 12:35 pm

  I have owned my Durango for 18 months with no problems. I also own a grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7 2006. Both are excellent vehicles but if you are going on a long trip the Durango is the way to travel. People always comment on the mileage but I have yet to see a vehicle with the toughness and comfort and good looks these have that get good mileage. If you want safety and Peace of mind in a vehicle I suggest an SUV. Try putting 5 people and their luggage in a econobox, and see how you feel after a day of driving.

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  If this is a Neon, I want 2 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By CampJub65 - May 20 - 10:06 am

  I was just in for a oil change and saw the Caliber in the showroom. My wife and I did a test drive and turned in both our cars for a trade in. It drives smooth for a 4 cyl and the exterior and interior are nicely done. You know what? My wife wont pass the keys now. We really like the IPOD feature and you think kids are the only one to use this extra feature. Fun car and a keeper!

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  Nice size truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Gerard - May 20 - 9:29 am

  Did some research on this truck and the ratings I read are true. My mpg on highway at 71 mph at 65 degrees, little wind, is around 19 mpg the truck had 65 miles on it. The V8 has some good power. Got the Laramie package with the trailer tow package. Truck pulls 3000 lbs real good. Love the black metal flake paint with the chrome front end looks like a Harley truck. Truck gets a lot of looks, Dodge did a good job on redesigning the front clip. Ride is pretty good for a pickup truck.

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  Very well balanced - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By nick - May 19 - 8:47 pm

  Looked at the base models in the paper and the se plus with the new day pkg was only 19,175. The 3.5 HO V6 is very responsive and fast. No hemi with 4$ gas. The Sirius is cool but cuts out in parking garages. The appearance is outstanding, I like it more and more everyday. Very, very roomy the interior is laid out nicely easy to use buttons and HVAC controls. Good gas mileage, handling and control. Always a ford man, this is my first dodge, and I am very happy.

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  Dodge hot rod - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Hank - May 19 - 6:38 pm

  This car turns heads for a second look by all ages. Fun car to drive, I would have bought the 425 horse model if it werent for price of gas.

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  Average - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By JBARRI - May 19 - 3:46 pm

  Since purchase, Ive had no major problems but a few concerns. The 1-2 shift is harsh when cold, a slight whistle sound from the AC system and the glaring lack of a rear AC vent for a vehicle of this size annoys me. Gas mileage hovers at 21MPG but only when driven like a baby carriage. Everything else is fine and Im impressed considering the price I paid.