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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  Love My Neon - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Andra - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Simply a great car. Corners like its on rails! Economical, safe and fun to drive! Great value for the money!

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  Make it faster! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Black Cat 1 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I cut off the restristers just in back of the chrome pipes and gaind 35+ more HP! Dynoned mine at 375 HP at rear tires after removing the restricters. A chip would also be nice, or free flow exhaust. May be even a super charger. Now theres a thought.

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  We were pleased - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Dan Morris - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Despite Consumer Reports about the Dodge Caravan, our experience has been nothing but very very good. The only exception has been the transmission, which is giving us trouble at 143000 miles. And I heard that we might have been able to avoid trouble if we had been more on the ball taking care of transmission fluid levels after 50,000 miles. Other than that, this car has been very reliable.

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  My Best Truck Ever - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By gefilteman - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Totally dependable. No trouble except a sqweeky seat belt. Terrific engine (4.7liter) Good auto Trans. Will buy again.

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  Beauty and a Beast - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By E. Weatherbee - March 26 - 11:53 pm

  This car is awesome. It is definitely a car that gets attention. The power and growl of the the engine restores the Charger back to its muscle car fame. The ride is smooth, yet stiff enough to handle agressive driving and cornering. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. When you get on the gas the engine springs to life and the growl of the engine and exhaust let you know the Hemi is under the hood. The interior is well appointed with comfortable seats that will adjust to almost any size person. The adjustable seats, telescoping / tilting steering wheel and power adjustable pedals offer infinate adjustability. Dodge hit a home run with this driving machine.

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  Mazsmag - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By craig - March 24 - 3:00 pm

  I like the inside and out. Its fast and fun to drive. Keep up the outstanding job.

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  proud owner - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By kflack - March 20 - 2:00 am

  the best truck for the money

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  Nice Car - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By PA Avenger - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. My only complaint is the turning radius is unusually wide. And if you get lost a lot, like I do, U- turns can be a hassle.

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  Great truck - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Stanley - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Truck has performed exceptionally well. The V-8 has plenty of power and never strains in any situation. Mileage is not great 13-17 but it is a truck and V- 8. Just the right size also.I recommend it highly.

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  ZOOOOOOOOOOOOM - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By CPD - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Very nice, fun to drive.