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:

• 

  very cool - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By william trujillo - April 9 - 10:00 am

  really cool car; fast too.

• 

  1999 Dodge - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By mtfitchs - April 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought it new & have enjoyed driving it. It works great for a big family. Lots of room, leg space, comfortable for the kids. Great in snow, rain, on, off road.

• 

  dodge viper - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By jettblack0027 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  awesome car. Ive already had it for a few months and i cant picture riding in any other car... you gotta love it!

• 

  overall - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By James Ward - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Initial problem with transmission downshift release, high rpm increase when coasting downhill while in cruise control mode. Corrected @ dealership.

• 

  My second Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By ozfreak - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Durango. I have only had it a few months and it is wonderful! I purchased a 2002 only after my 2001 was totaled. I was rear ended by someone going 55 mph while I was at a stand still. I did one complete roll across a highway, but I walked away. The person in the other car wasnt so lucky-alive but hurt. I wanted a Nissan Altima until the accident, now I will drive nothing but a Durango. It held up like a champ and I know I am alive because of the way it is built. Highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By dannyboy53050 - April 5 - 1:53 am

  Car handles very nice with a fairly smooth ride. Pricing is fair market value. Car is built fairly well.

• 

  Love My Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Steve S. - April 4 - 12:36 pm

  I have had the car only two months, but I feel at this time, it may be the best overall car I have owned. The car turns heads with its unique styling. It is fun to drive, and hauls a lot of stuff.

• 

  FOR $12,000 I GOT A STEAL - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By SALFRAN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  GREAT DEAL FOR THE MONEY

• 

  A Hidden Gem - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By WxMan_II - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for family transport, at 64", the Intrepid on the lot didnt do it for me, so I tried the Dynasty. Boys, this baby packs performance, handling, comfort, and style into a great package. 3.3l V6 power, good economy, handling that rivals anything on the road with tight, responsive steering. This thing challenges my Daytona 2.2 Turbo off the line and holds well to the top end. A definite keeper.

• 

  SUV Replacement - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dan - March 29 - 10:30 am

  My wife and I were looking for a vehicle to replace our 16 year old 4Runner. We wanted some thing that would give us the same utility for carrying cargo but we did not want the same typical looking SUV we were looking for some thing that would stand out on the road plus have good perrmance and handlig.We have had our Magnum for 3 months now and have several comments and looks from other people on the road.