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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  Great New SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By jilesk - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle.

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  Great Van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By honeypot - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. The new stow n go seats are great and it is so roomy. I also love the automatic hatch.

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  liken my trepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By yippikayeh - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very comfortable and very fun to drive. The styling is still fresh even after three and a half years of ownership. Interior trim is very luxurious and of high quality.

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  durango slt hemi - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By jimmy 12 - November 28 - 8:50 pm

  i have 10000 miles on mine no promblems waiting for them to put the 425 hp hemi in one so i can get it

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  1st Dodge P/up - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By rcarlson - November 28 - 2:00 am

  34000 plus miles to date, and only malfunction has been a lose rear view mirror. The Goodyear Eagle tires were worn down to less then 1/4th of a penny tread left at 30,000 miles. Not very impressive tire performance. I have replaced with Michelins best light truck tires, and the comfort and handling is greatly improved.

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  2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Tom - November 27 - 8:20 am

  Overall a very good vehicle. Ownership has been very positive especially getting service from my dealer. Great vehicle for long distance trips and driving. I especially love the fold-n-go seating!

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  GREAT SUV!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By piratebob - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Had 2002 Durango, did not like it. Rode rough. The new Durango is great. Smooth ride, bigger, and it has a Hemi! I would recommand to anyone.

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  Beautiful Fast Fun - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By Verticalted - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Stealth for 7 years and still love driving it every chance I can. The Stealth just looks great parked, let alone going down the highway. Upkeep can be pricey, but worth it. Car is unique whose style will look great for years to come.

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  The Durango is a WINNER!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Harley Dudess - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used...never had a minutes trouble with it. Had heard negative comments from others but the test drive sold me after trying imports that are too narrow. Powerful 5.9 engine, great manuverability. The leather and suede interior looks great. Love the overhead AC for the rear. Never use the 3rd seat. Added 16" wheels. My next car will be definitely be a Durango!!

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  Overall Best car Ive driven!!!! - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Douglas K. - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great vehicle. Compare it to the Accords Ive driven, my brothers mustang, or the Millenium my parents have, and this car wins hands down. asog.net gives out the best help and tips. Take note that this car is tuned for WINDY roads, and so lacks the extreme power to go straight that you find in cars like the camaro z-28. She holds the road like nothing Ive been in. 0-60 for my car is 7.5 seconds.