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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  I Like it! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Bearing Rep - February 24 - 3:00 am

  I have been watching the Magnum for some time now and have been so impressed. It was recently offered as a choice for our company vehicle, so I had to get it. I love the looks, room, quiet ride, and handling. I am at an age, with two kids and a business, that I need the wagon, but really do not want to drive "my Fathers Oldsmoblie"! Since mine is an SE (fleet car), I had no choice but to accept the 2.7 eng. It is adequate, but weak. The 3.5 should be the minimum engine for this size of car. Traction control and ABS was added. I run 35K business miles per year, plus personal miles and this car is fun and nice to drive. Overall, I love it, but wish that it had a bigger power plant.

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  Dont Believe Consumer Reports! - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By regar - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this car new from the dealer with every option available. The most reliable car I have ever owned. I have the 5-speed so there have been no transmission problems. I ordered it with the V6 so there was no turbo to burn out. The engine performs well and shows no sign of quitting. Excellent "snow car" for our Northeastern winters. Forget "initial quality" assesments this car was made to last.

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  Durango shopping - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Belinda SImmons-Raleigh - February 23 - 6:35 pm

  The Durango drove well and has awesome features. They are overpriced. :(

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  If safety is what matters - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dawn and Joe - February 23 - 10:00 am

  We owned a van just like this one, and my husband was hit in the passenger side door sending the van spinning 360 degrees. All of the tires popped and the van hit another car. Needless to say, it was totaled. HE WALKED AWAY with nothing bit a case of jitters. If he were in our Honda I dont think he would have been as lucky. The CHP couldnt believe he was walking. We have 4 kids and no matter if we have to repai it (which we havent had to) we will ALWAYS drive a Dodge Grand Caravan SE. Of Course until the kids are older then its a 2 seater:)

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  Good Buy - No Hassles - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By StL Convert - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Just recently purchased this van. FIrst time van owner. Good product, excellent value and dealership. Would suggest all you looking at vans to consider the features available in this van compared to the others, dollar for dollar.

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  TORQUE - 1997 Dodge Viper
  By Neo Mobeus - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Quick and sporty, overstear is a problem.

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  car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By kendrajoan - February 23 - 2:00 am

  this vechicle is really great

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  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By grayghost - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car three months now.I really enjoy driving my car. It handles real well,very comfortable.The Dodge intrepid is very durable and handles very good in certain weather conditions.

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  0-60 in 1min - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Roger M - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Although I didnt buy the Stratus for its performance, I was figuring it would have a little more "get up and go." The car handles like a dream though. Very good choice of tires. The car handles bumps and potholes very well with little or no kickback from the suspension. I am a fairly large man, and I am very comfortable in the cars seat. I upgraded the stereo. The interior is very durable. The woodgrain dash and the white face gauges are a nice adddition.

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  Think you love the Charger? Buy one! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jasonic - February 22 - 1:13 pm

  I was formerly a Mustang fan, but from my first test drive I fell in love. Though the gas mileage on the Hemi is obviously going to be a little low, the cost per drive is made up by the thrill that is getting behind the wheel. I look forward to my 35 mile ride to and from work everyday. I love how it looks and how it feels to drive it. Solid, powerful, uplifting. I swear, you feel connected to this car. Like your part of it. I know it sounds dramatic but its an experience that makes you smile. The seats are comfortable and everything is within reach. Plus. the acceleration is electifying and it sounds like a pack of rhinos when its blowing by you on the highway.