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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  dodge durango big tee - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Big Tee - January 23 - 10:00 am

  this auto ride like glass. It has great towing power. Ride like the old big cars.

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  Worth A look Great balance if you need.. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Wayne - January 23 - 9:25 am

  A family vehicle but want something with some go. Have had my R/T for three years now (35k miles). This is the first 4 door car I have ever owned (traded in a 04 GTO on this one). Very quiet and comfortable drive with a ton of room. She definately will move out although the Magnum is a heavy car and dont expect cornering like a Vette or pure sports car. Gas mileage really depends on your foot. I typically get about 21 mpg (75% highway 25% around town). Only issues with the car Ive had which many have already noted: 1) Small tranny leak at 15k miles (was O-ring replaced by dealer and no further issues) 2) The OEM tires (Contis) didnt last long and really stunk in rain/bad weather.

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  Very Nice Sedan - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Theron - January 22 - 7:46 pm

  This is the largest and most comfortable car Ive ever had. Its the basic SE version but with the 3.5L engine/5AT upgrade. This is a really roomy car! Despite the chopped off styling its not at all cramped inside. The interior is pretty simple and plain looking but I like it a lot, especially the old school straight across dashboard. I chose this car over a similarly priced midsize sedan because I really enjoy the heavy and solid ride. You can also feel that it is well balanced and turns very easily. Im getting 17mpg per tank in heavy city traffic commuting and 27 on highway trips at 70-80.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By lovethiscar - January 22 - 4:36 pm

  Traded my Civic for this (too small) knowing that I would be giving up my great fuel economy and it was worth it! Tons of room, a blast to drive. Took it 3000 mi. to Florida and back and it drove like a dream. 23 MPG HWY and 17 City. Came back to a blizzard and this car is a tank! Worried about the RWD but it goes through snow like butter. Trying to keep my foot light on the gas to improve fuel economy but its so hard! Even my husband and kids love it!

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  Very Pleased Overall - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Always on the GO GO - January 22 - 2:23 pm

  Needed a vehicle that would be comfortable/functional and modestly priced. Im always on the road for both business and pleasure(16K since buying mine Sept 08). I work hard, play harder and often haul gear, a minimum of two additional passengers their skis, snow boards, camping equipment, golf clubs...the list goes on! My Journey has handled it all with ease. Just returned from a 5 hour road trip and my passengers all raved about how comfortable it was...even compared it to my friends BMW X5 but with more space and a far lower price tag! Did have one BIG problem with breaking system and after 4th visit it was fixed. My dealer rocks and treated me right so overall I am very pleased.

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  Geat Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Bryan - January 20 - 4:47 pm

  I have the 3.9L v6 with 87k mi on it. No major problem as would be expected for a truck with this much mileage. Only problem is from time to time the evap system triggers the check engine light, a trip to Autozone fixes that. Gas mileage could definitely be better. I drive approx 20 miles a day to work, and bought the truck when I went to school right down the street. Most fun to drive of any other vehicle Ive owned. For a truck with this much power it is still easily driven in inclement weather if you know what you are doing, if not youre in trouble quickly. Another bad feature is the the center console was designed for the automatic and they didnt change it for the manual, can get in way

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  New 2008 Super Bee owner - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Girl Super Bee owner - January 20 - 1:43 pm

  I just bought the new 08 Super Bee, after owning an 07 Purple Daytona RT. Love this car. I thought the Daytona was fun. The new My Gig is awesome, and love the Blue pearl. Ride and steering feel tighter than the Daytona. I got number 046 out of 1000.

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  Rate this vehicle - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By magnum - January 20 - 11:32 am

  The best all around vehicle Ive ever owned. Sporty, family fun, looks great inside and out. Rides, drives like I said all around.

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  Good but not Great. - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By teresphere - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I do mostly interstate driving ~17K/yr. I currently have 65K miles right now. I have replaced the brake pads once 5 months ago. I have not had any problems with any sensor or belt tensioner. I did get a recall letter about a possible fuel O ring that might be a problem in the engine compartment. There are some electrical problems..windshield wipers can be fickle. The transmission has had a rough time getting in gear at first at very cold temps (10 to -20F. I bought this car brand new..and i had a small transmission leak..a poor seal. I fixed it myself. I also seem to be losing some oil more recently.

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  I love my Durango - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By simpson - January 19 - 2:00 am

  So far its been wonderful, no problems, this is my second one, had no problems with the first one, so thats wy were back