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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  Maintenance is critical - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Chazman - January 10 - 7:03 pm

  Drives great and has great versatility for hauling the whole family around. Gas mileage is decent and has good power. 116K miles so far. Changed front strut towers (squeeking and thumping), front engine bearing seal (oil leak). Still have the original transmission (knock on wood). Im careful about maintenance and it seems to have paid off so far. We just took a five thousand mile, three week road trip to the Grand Canyon and the car performed fabulously. Current problem is the dashboard indications go dead intermittently. Car still runs fine, but no speed indication, tachometer, etc. My mechanic says its the "body module computer" and its likely going to cost $700 to replace it

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  I dont like my Nitro anymore - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By RM - January 9 - 8:37 am

  I have had my Nitro r/t for 6months, I have had 3 recalls already, when driving on the highway and accelerating the gas pedal has stuck on 3 occasions, and will go to 95mph. I have brought this back to the dealership 2x already they dont seem to think it is a big deal. Yesterday I almost went right into the back of a tractor trailer - it is at the dealership yet again this morning. I wish I never purchased this vehicle.

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  Neon - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By larry s. - January 9 - 3:49 am

  Performance is great with 5 speed manual tranny. Car is a looker. MPG is acceptable (getting 30 mpg overall). This aint a Corvette, so saying performance is poor... bad logic! If you want racing speed, buy the Vette at $ 31,000 more! The car has a 7 yr, 70,000 warranty on the engine and tranny, so take it to the dealer under warranty, if you maintained it properly!? With cash back and lease incentives this car cost me $ 11,000 brand new! About six thousand less than a Honda Civic! Have 53,000 miles with only normal maintenance costs, plus $320 for new bushings in front suspension. Amazing how people buy a low sticker price car then expect BMW performance!

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  Its a HEMI - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By got hemi? - January 8 - 4:09 pm

  I have 52,000 miles on my Magnum RT. Its an awsome car. Great exterior design, and the Hemi is a plus. I had a tranny leak 8 months ago. It was a seal...the dealership replaced it at no charge. The thermostat was replaced 3 months ago. Other than those 2 discrepancies, I really enjoy driving my Magnum. It is a little slipery to drive in the rain, I think that is typical of any RWD. I plan on keeping my Magnum for a long time...unless I can find another car that is as comfortable and looks just as cool.

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  Love to be different - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By christos - January 8 - 2:20 pm

  This is an absolutely fantastic car! It is going to be a classic. I do not care what experts say it is a best value for money purchase in its class. If you do not want an egg for your car, if you want your car to be spacious, big enough for a five persons family but not too big, and quite adequate in every aspect, this is the car you should be looking for.

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  What I Think - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By kobels avenger - January 8 - 12:11 pm

  On my 96 Avenger Ive got 17" Riax, spoiler, graphics, cold air intake, 10" subs, 260 watt amp. Im savin my money to get a new paint job with metalic flakes in the paint. My car hugs corners really good, and has a good top speed

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  Nitro with an attitude - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Peter - January 7 - 6:52 pm

  1st new car for myself and love it. It looks rough and rugged. Body style and the ride is what hooked me along with the price. Smooth ride, nice radio, great sun roof. Plenty of room in the back for storage. Goes like butter on the beach.

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  Evel Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By sunarab - January 7 - 6:33 pm

  I just love the performance and comfort of this vehicle. The satellite radio is fantastic. Just wish there wasnt an open area at the opening of the hatch back. Too much stuff lodge in that area. The 4wd works with a switch instead of a level and makes it so easy to switch. Just love this vehicle.

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  Great until 100k miles - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Melissa42781 - January 7 - 12:28 pm

  I bought my Dodge in 8/04, 3 months later I got pregnant. The truck was great with a baby, though no room for all the stuff that goes with a kid. The power is great, I pulled someone out of being so stuck that the rope broke. Gas mileage was terrible. Once my truck reached 100k miles it basically pooped on me. it was one thing after another. to make a long story short I had to get rid of it. I could not afford to keep fixing it and paying the car payment. No one knew what was wrong with it. But other than that I loved it.

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  SRT8 Power House - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By William Miller - January 6 - 3:02 pm

  I first owned a 2005 SXT Magnum, black w/tinted windows and 17" alloy rims, I loved that car. My daughter said it looked like a hearse. It could have been an instant muscle car but the 3.5 L V6 just didnt have it.I mean the 3.5 is a great motor just not the Horse power I wanted. So I bought a 2006 SRT8 w/ the 6.1 L Hemi. Wow! Its balck just like the one before and a whole lot faster. The power is almost unbelivable between the two. I miss the all leather seats and moon roof the SXT had. The 20" rims make for a little more bumpy ride but the handling is superior. Lots of power and good looks!Its what I wanted when I bought my first Magnum.