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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  New Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Marine - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a Very powerful engine (4.7L) Pulled LARGE pontoon boat out of water loded with people and a busted platoon full of water!

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  my truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By julian - August 6 - 2:00 am

  it is the best truck ive owned.the power is unbeliveable,i drive the one with the 4.7 liter V-8.i tow my 7x14 trailer with no problem and also my two kids and wife aslo can enjoy the (TRUCK) as we call it do to its comfort all i have left to say is i love my truck!

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  my red dodge - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By bobbiejorussell - August 6 - 2:00 am

  i own a 2003 dodge dakota quad cab sport with a magnum v8 engine, i found it necessary to purchase this vehicle because it offers the convience of a car and the capability of a truck. I currently owned a vw jetta, a great car but when you have a small child which in turn requires a stroller once you put that thing in the trunk there is no room for anything else. the only thing that is hard for me to get used to is spending more money on gas, im used to $20 per week not $60 therefore its gonna require me to update my budget. other than the low gas mileage the only thing i have to say is I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!!!!!!

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  Todays Dodge - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Turkey - August 6 - 2:00 am

  My last truck was a 1999 Extended Cab Z-71 5.3 V-8. I have also owned Fords and they are not worth talking about. My Dodge Dakota is the best truck that I have ever owned. The only truck to come close is the 1999 Z-71.

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  great truck - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By durango - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I have put over 60k miles on this truck in 2 years. I absolutely love it! It has the looks and performance I need. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering an SUV. Gas mileage is a little low (15-16 average) but what do you expect from a V8 SUV? Great comfort for long trips.

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  joes review - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By roberts0917 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  The SXT is fun to drive short distances and long trips. It has great get up and go when you need it and the tranny almost learns the way you drive. My only hang up is that I find it a little rugged on bumpy roads. But I really enjoy it. If I had to go buy a truck today, it would be a durango.(my old truck was a jeep wrangler)

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  Very Cool - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jere Casner - August 5 - 1:36 am

  The RT is just a lot of fun to drive. Comfortable, good looking, great handling. The Hemi provides a real kick in the seat of your pants. Im very happy with the vehicle and havent had any mechanical or handling problems.

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  REVIEW - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By DEVIN - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR

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  Great car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Suzy J - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car for the price. I have the ES model which just blew me away with all the extras. Very quick V6 with good horsepower!

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  neon - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By kyleowen - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Absolutley no problems. Exterior styling is ok, interior could use a little work (i.e. too many hard plastics). Power is above average for this class decent highway passing. 5 speed manual gear box linkage is abysmal, however.