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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  A car with character and style - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By GB - March 24 - 6:52 am

  This thing is 70 percent a Jeep. It feels and handles like a Jeep, with all these truck-like, rugged characteristics. If you want a SUV that handles like a Porsche, this is definitely not your car. But it handles quite well and predictably. I feel very safe in this car, riding in this solid box of steel "above" the normal traffic. There is plenty of passenger room (esp. legroom for second row passengers) and a lot (!) of cargo space with the seats folded down. It tows heavy loads with ease. The 4 wheel drive is very simple (can only be used on slippery surfaces and with low speed)but works extremely well in heavy snow or muddy roads. The interior practical, not fancy.

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  great - 2008 Dodge Viper
  By fred - March 23 - 11:43 pm

  its is a good vehicle and great handling and stuff like that. gas mileage is ok but not the best of the best

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  Very impressed - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By EARROL - March 23 - 1:04 pm

  This is a great car! Was trying to get into Hemi, but with gas and price difference of 10 grand , I thought twice.This car has excellent power HO six is great and always a head turner, with a air intake and exhaust , pushing close to 300hp, but saving gas with a six cylinder!

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  I like mine! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By NitroBilly - March 23 - 3:03 am

  Purchased November 2006, only been in for warranty service 2 times for TSB recalls. Other than that, I love it! Everybody just STARES AND COMPLIMENTS my BLACK Nitro. Mine is blinged out! Fuel economy is average, but I cant complain really. It has been absolutely reliable, and is strong as stone! Its a beautiful SUV for the dollar, I just hope DCX (Chrysler) doesnt stop manufacturing it. Get one!

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  Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By christyc33 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my stratus. It has an awesome body style, comfort and drive.

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  So far...........So good!!! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Funnsun - March 22 - 10:51 pm

  I purchased my Dodge NITRO R/T-4.0 in July 2007 and so far........so Good!!! I have been stopped at least 5 times in parking lots by people asking me what type of vehicle it is! Lots of compliments and turning heads! So far I have only been to the service department for an oil change!! It would be nice if it had automatic lights but the U-connect feature is awesome!! I love the hands-free cell phone chatting and the navigation system is fantastic!! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone(if they are not concerned with gas mileage).

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  Grand Caravan - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By R Aukstuolis - March 22 - 9:43 pm

  Generally this has been a very good people hauler. Problems encountered in 9 years were: transmission sensors, when brakes needed new pads also had to replace front rotors. Rust is an issue. Passenger door, rear wheel wells and body attachment points for front suspension towers were rusted. I thought they built this with galvanized steel?

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  the good, bad and ugly - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Jeremy - March 22 - 8:20 pm

  The stow and go is great. There is very good room for our family of five. It is the most economical vehicle in its class. The power doors are a nice feature. The bad are: Had glitch in transmission, scared me into purchasing an extended warranty. New brakes after 30K miles. Key fob & PL doors failed @ about 45K miles paid dealership to flash computer again ($140) which I felt should be warranty issue. Ugly: replaced the front end bushings & rods @ 51K miles ($420)(dealership says is common issue). replaced passenger power sliding side module ($350). driver side cable and motor ($500). not good for a 3 yr old vehicle....

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  by ted - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By ted garrett - March 22 - 6:04 pm

  have owned 1969 charger {383ci} and a 1973 charger {400ci} 1964 plymouth sport fury {383ci} a 2006 charger 5.7. every one of these were great. im 63 yrs and just bought the 6.1SRT. i put a $500.00 deposit at the police station just in case.

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  "Old Friend" - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Chrome - March 22 - 6:56 am

  This was my very first car and I was so in love with it, that I now own another one... Before my first one died though, I purchased it in 2004 with already over 120K on it. This car reliably and safely got me all the way from FL to WA state, while towing a U-haul trailer, and also on one blown cylinder... only one glitch to the trip was it wouldnt go over 40 over the Rockies, but hey, it was missing a cylinder and towing a u-haul. It had its share of minor problems, but the engine never failed to fire up. I got a good solid 3-4 years and about 60K out of mine before it finally died. Loved it so much I bought another 99 just yesterday! Looking forward to life with this one now too!