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:

• 

  Best wagon ever! - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By MagRT - December 21 - 1:57 pm

  Im writing this just to express my anger that Chrysler will stop producing this excellent vehicle. Great perfomer, has place for 5 tall people + luggage. Only minus is the fuel economy - in the city. All distances that I drive in a normal day are 3-6 miles with 5-10 traffic lights. Avg: 13 MPG. Highway - over 24 MPG.

• 

  2004 Dodge Grand Caravan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By busrun - December 21 - 2:00 am

  So far very good!

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By wcadj - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my Durango. It is a 1999, and I am debating whether or not to trade it in. It has 103,000, and all I have put into it was a new radiator. This is a GREAT SUV

• 

  Dependable SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By maeich1 - December 20 - 2:37 pm

  I have had my Durango for just about 4 years now and I am getting ready to trade it for a crossover. My Durango has been very dependable and gave us lots of room for the kids plus. My only complaint is the limited visability on the left side of the front windshield die to a bulky frame. As with all large SUVs, the Durango get terrible gas milage. I have always consistently averaged 13 mpg. But overall I have loved the truck. If you need the space of a large SUV its a great choice.

• 

  Nice car overall - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By vince - December 19 - 1:02 pm

  Ive enjoyed this car since the day I purchased it. After 11 months of ownership, I still catch myself looking over my shoulder at it, as I walk away. Fun car to drive. The 3.5 V6 is more than enough power for most driving. Expected a bit better gas milage.. the V8 guys get close to what I get. Now Dodge has snared me with a well designed/good quality car, I may have to look at the new Challenger. Good job Dodge.

• 

  Upping the ante - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mholle - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Value for the price defines the EX model. Equipped with most features that one wants in a family vehicle, you wont break the bank with this van. The 3.8L engine is smooth and gets up to speed quickly. Having owned 2 other Caravans, Ill wait to give judgement on the transmission. Fit and finish appear good. At times the electric doors are a little finicky about opening and closing. I dont know if it relates to operator or mechanical issues.

• 

  Awesome SRT-8 - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Ron Nichols - December 19 - 8:23 am

  I bought this car before gas went to $3.50 per gallon, but I would not hesitate to buy it again. It is an awesome car, beautiful, comfortable, attracts attention everywhere it goes, and with acceleration that shames any pont car. It is rated at 14/20 mpg but I always beat that. I average 20 in overall driving. Strictly interstate it will average 24-25 mpg. It is the most fun to drive of any car Ive owned including a Cobra, a G-35, 2 SHOs, and a Grand Prix GTP. I only wish it was available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

• 

  I would love to have mine back! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By 2003 Stratus SXT - December 18 - 11:15 pm

  I absolutely loved this car! Had no problems what so ever. Took it to the mechanic only for oil changes and check ups. I bought the car one year old with 38k miles on it and just recently was in an accident that totaled it with 102K. My accident involved 2 Semi trucks and me and my passenger walked away without even a scratch or an ache! Would recommend this car in a heart beat. Only negatives: turning radius, hard to see out back window, lack of space in back seat.

• 

  Sqweak sqweak sqweak - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JIM - December 18 - 12:13 pm

  We have had the van in two times winter and summer for the squeaking sliding doors. This is the fourth Dodge I have bought and will be looking to trade it in asap for an import. Very cheap inside. Rear windows dont open except by going back to do it. Would I recommend this to a friend? No I wpould not even recommend to my enemies.

• 

  SXT (4dr Sedan 2.7-DOHC-V6 - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Adrian - December 17 - 9:55 pm

  I was impressed on how quiet the engine is with the amount of house power(200) ample for city driving and quick accleration to merge on any highway. Interior is good and instrument panel and gadgets user friendly and well laid out....I wish it would have standard feature such as power seats, fog lights and more leg room for rear passengers being 6, I find it little cramped. For a V-6, the gas milage is good (22mpg average city/highway). The styling is attracive with a sporty look. I previously owned a 2000 SE and it was very reliable with little maintenance required. I would recommend this car to anyone that wants good value and quality for thier money. You will not be dissapointed.