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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  Think Gas First - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Queen - May 14 - 8:18 pm

  The dodge Nitro is my first car, the exterior is awesome. I would like more of a luxury feel on the inside something like the "Ford Edge", but for the price... This is a nice SUV, but it is very terrible on gas. This baby runs me about $60-$65.00 a week "light travel". DO NOT let the gas tank get below half full, youre going to have to shell out so much money to fill her up. Gas prices are steadily rising and I would NOT suggest anyone get this car unless you can really afford $350- $400 a month on gas. Its not ideal for a college student or anyone on a budget.

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  inequity - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Harry - May 14 - 4:25 pm

  Bought my magnum last year for $27,500. Paid down loan to $22,500 today its worth $11,000

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  BG - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By BG - May 14 - 4:04 pm

  175,000 trouble free miles still drives like it did when we picked it up. Very low maintenance brakes and oil changes only. Fuel 19 highway 15 city not bad.

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  Beauty, Brawn and Bling - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Family Hauler - May 14 - 3:35 pm

  This 2003 SLT 4.7L is my second Durango. I previously had a 2000 SLT with 5.9L V8. I bought this one used with 49K miles Dodge Certified (still bought the extended warranty)and have now passed through 83K with only one $200 repair for an emissions control sensor. Truthfully, the gas mileage isnt great, but the 4.7 L is much better than the 5.9 L I had in the 2000. I recently added an after market cold air intake system ($230- 279) from K&N or Airaide. The K&N are Calif Air Resource Board (CARB) exempt, meaning street legal in all 50 states and comes with documentation. They promised a +8hp. I got +2-3 mpg with improved throttle response, and meatier underhood sound.

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  Wont buy another one - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By jfreeman - May 14 - 12:39 pm

  I bought this car used. Plastic parts breaks easily. Engine had a number of problems, the worst was a bent valve. check eng. light stays on. leaked oil from valve covers. and had to replace the EGR valve, $370 at dealer. All of this in a 45 day period.

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  Vaders Wagon - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Vaders Wagon - May 14 - 11:32 am

  What a tragedy that they are canceling this car. Awesome power and soundtrack from the exhaust. Fantastic ride and classic hot-rod looks. Good but not great fuel economy but its a big V-8 so one does not buy this car for the mileage. I ride about 30 mi on 95 every day to work and cant keep it under 90! Comfortable and easy to drive fast. Love the MyGig radio even though it is a little confusing to use at times. Parts of the interior are a little cheap but it is a Dodge. Not a fan of the Auto-stick trans, doesnt work great. Otherwise a classic, pick one up before theyre all gone!!!! Boo-hiss to Chrysler for dropping the axe on it.

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  Love my charger! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By billster - May 13 - 10:16 pm

  I drove a Ford Ranger for 13 yrs. I still have it and its still running btw. But since getting my charger, I dont care to drive the ranger. I know this sounds crazy, but Ive never loved a car like I do the charger. Its so fun to drive. We were not really in the market for a vehicle when we got the charger. The wifes Taurus trans was acting up, she mentioned seeing a charger on a used lot. So we go take a look. There was this sweet black charger with 22" chrome wheels. We take it for a test drive and fell in love with it. As I was sitting there signing the papers Im thinking, I cant believe Im buying a charger. Btw, I replaced her vss and tps in the Taurus so I get the charger all the time now

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  Overrated - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By steve - May 13 - 9:16 pm

  Well I can honestly say not worth the 70 dollars per tank per fill that last oh say 2,3 days. As if the car isnt expensive enough i.e. Payment, insurance, Mobil 1 oil changes etc. Now my defense I had no idea that gas would go this high. Well who did. Still a great car sweet sound love it. But its kind of like dating that girl who is so hot you cant get enough of but damn shes killing ya with how high maintenance she is. I would tell anyone who wants one save your money. Save it. Trust me or better yet if you really want mopar glory and have this kind of loot to blow then just go buy a used viper gts. Same money, much attention by the lady friends! Word to Dodge you missed the boat! You got me .

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  Sleek and Fun - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By ydahsmils2001 - May 12 - 11:32 pm

  I bought this vehicle looking for something that could haul my equipment and have the heart of a sports car. Man! does it ever haul. The car is roomy too. Gas mileage is not so great, but the car makes up for it in raw power! I am thoroughly impressed with the SRT8. No one even sees me coming, sleek and fast.

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  Love 2008 - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By mike2327 - May 12 - 5:18 pm

  Back in January I purchased a used 2007 sxt with 36,000 km. Three weeks later I had an accident and it was written off. I received a payout from insurance and then decided to go new. I was not really happy with the cvt trans so I went to manual. My new 2008 is the best vehicle I have owned ever. Having driven a 98 std neon for 10 years its a dream compared to that little car. I would highly recommend that standard trans Caliber. The mileage improvement over the 2007 is much better. I just love the 2008 totally .