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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  Foxfire! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By hombre - January 25 - 10:30 pm

  I have always wanted to kick myself for selling my 1969 Charger (a 383 with a 4-barrel carb.) but now Im over that. Ive finally found a car that is more fun to drive than the 69. The 2008 RT has better performance and handling and all of the luxuries provided by 21st century technology. Way to go Dodge!

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  2000 Durango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By MIKE - January 25 - 2:24 pm

  This auto has been used for business and family. It has always performed. Approximately 60% -75000 miles have been highway- there has never been a mechanical breakdown. The vehicle was always maintained. We bought a new durango last year- it floats like a majic carpet on the highway. I only wish gas mileage was better than 14mpg. If you are looking for value in a family suv, be sure to check out the Durango.

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  My Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By RAYRAY - January 24 - 7:20 pm

  Overall great ride. Im a little disapointed with gas mileage though. I recommend the R/T model. The 4.0 is a blast.

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  I Love It - SRT8 - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Neferet01 - January 24 - 11:15 am

  Dodge lady forever! I have the "SRT8". When you step on the petal, it doesnt ask any questions, it just goes. I love it. I also like the "option" of choosing auto and/or manual. I dont care to much for stick shifting and it kinda helps me. Super easy to change shifts only should you choose to. I just love the speed on this monster. Its the best car Ive ever had. I would recommend it to anyone. Again, be aware...it takes off like an airplane, for real - no kidding. My husband almost missed this flight. Turns out he wants one too...

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  Learned to appreciate it - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By colmark12 - January 24 - 1:40 am

  Bought mine with about 150 K miles. Really didnt like it at first...its not exactly attractive, and it sometimes has a tiny feel. but it grew on me due to the reliability. So many quirks--trunk/back seat leak, weak dashboard, everything rattles, 3 speakers have gone out, meters give out, AC stinks (especially here in AZ), etc. But at the end of the day its done exactly what Ive needed it to do. No major problems, just a few things here and there. The acceleration is horrible (automatic) but the car handles amazingly. Ive had friends with new cars comment on it. Lasted longer than everyone elses 92-98 used cars even though people make fun of it. The little compact that could.

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  After 1.5 years - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Carlos - January 23 - 11:19 pm

  Reliable and build quality like a Lexus. Well put together, no problems, no leaks, nothing has broken or fallen- off. Never less than 20.5 mpg with my V- 6.

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  love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bird948 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I had a Ford Truck previously. Last Sunday we went looking around for a family yet luxury feeling car,and we found that the dodge magnum was so appealing. It has plenty of room for the 6ft and up husband and plenty of room for our children. The hatchback is great with a lot of room for groceries, etc. I wasnt sure about the dodge magnum at first, but after the 1st week of driving it I love it!!

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  Great Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Fire4825 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the second high(er) end SUV I have owned, the first being a 1990 Ford Bronco (Eddie Bauer Edition). This is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever owned, it is incredibly smooth, considering the GVWR and 4WD. It is truly a joy to drive, great feel, very responsive, plenty of horsepower (and even a tight turning radius for its size). We highly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking at SUVs.

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  Guess whos back - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By seldomnseen - January 23 - 10:00 am

  My new Durango is the fastest suv that ive ever drove. THe hemi motor just gives it the power like no other. The ride is smooth, the turning radius is great and the added size is exactly what this suv needed. The 50/50 split thrid-row seat is great and allows for more passengers or cargo. The heated seats, dvd, six disc in-dash changer is the ultimate package.Also, the tow package is everything a truck lover wants. The new exterior design was great for the survival of this suv.

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  good but bad on gas. - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By kdl - January 23 - 10:00 am

  good truck but bad on gas ..about 14 mpg. i wouldnt get it if you had to commute a ong distance 1 hour or more a day..otherwise you will paying $80 a week or more. but drives handels nice.