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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  Happy Camper - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By prizepig - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very good van. Our brakes are sqeaking, but no other problems. I like the smaller version over the grand.

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  What a car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By GREG - April 24 - 1:56 pm

  Havent had a car turn my head like the Magnum did in many years. As soon as they came out, I told my wife Im getting one. I did,and now Im happy. It not only looks great, its very versitile. Lots of room to haul stuff, and very comfortable to drive. I also get a lot of compliments about it.

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  One Word Hemi - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By 1 Word - April 23 - 11:46 am

  I had a 560 SEC MB coupe before this, and my Hemi would blow the doors off it. People stop me and ask about this machine. The last time this happened is when I had a 68 Shelby GT350 convertible and a 62 Thunderbird Sports Roadster with the tonneau, top down. BUY IT NOW!

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  Vipers kick! - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Chelsea - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about Vipers. Theyre just awesome!

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  Fast , Fun and Reliable - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By louis carson - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This trck was fun fast and reliable to drive. Is was one of the safest trucks I have ever driven.

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  First dodge, with life time warranty! - 2018 Dodge Durango
  By Conrad C - April 21 - 9:24 pm

  I am coming from a 2016 GMC Canyon SLE V6. For a V6 Durango I felt like there was no big difference from the RT V8 version when test driving and it has more power then my GMC Canyon. Large screen entertainment system with beats speakers, sunroof, SRT hood, 20” rims (black top edition) leather with suede in the middle, power lift gate and remote start. all under 39k with haggling. I went and got this SUV to keep forever with a growing family and that lifetime warranty provided by Mopar is just the best peace of mind

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  The Viper Experience - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By viper1821 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned and I think that anyone who wants a nice car that goes fast and is fun to drive should get a viper.

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  viper - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By viper4480 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  its great i love it !!!

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  BEST QUALITY VAN TO DATE - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pogo - April 19 - 8:20 pm

  I had not intended on buying a van. I was looking at these units for my daughter and was amazed at the quality of these vehicles. So I purchased the SXTL with the sport suspension, leather, and 17" wheels for myself and a T&C for my daughter. These Dodge vans keep getting better.

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  Bang for the buck - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By thebroker - April 19 - 7:06 pm

  My initial plans were to buy a Chrysler 300C this year. However, the significantly lower price and sexy looks of the Avenger caught my attention when I went to the dealership. I first testdrove the SXT, but then on impulse, I decided to purchase the R/T sitting on the showroom floor. I was amazed at the difference. The R/T is at least as much fun to drive as the BMW 328i I had a few cars back. I bought it three days ago, and I love driving it so much that Ive already put a thousand miles on it. Its just fun to drive, and a great value for the money. Also, four people have plenty of room, which is something I didnt expect in a car this size.