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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  Home run - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Remi McKenzie - November 13 - 3:36 am

  Dodge hit a home run with this one! Awesome looking and the power to back it up. Going to get myself in trouble with the law with this one. The overall quality and value is the exceptional secondary benefit. It handles so tight and smooth, you forget your really driving a 5 passenger car instead of 2 seat sports car! I have put 750 city miles on it and cant wait to take it on the highway.

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  Love it! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Tami - November 13 - 12:46 am

  Im loving this car! Great car and fun to drive. Not to mention it is a great price. You get lots of respect when your are on the road. I am a girl and the guys dig it that I have such a sweet ride. Thanks for bringing the Charger back from the dead! Lets roll guys!

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  best - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Bob Crachtit - November 12 - 8:13 am

  THE BEST CAR EVER

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  great all around s.u.v. - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By mike hund - November 12 - 2:00 am

  THE DODGE DURANGO TO BE IS A GREAT S.U.V. THIS TRUCK IS GREAT FOR TOWING MY CAMPING TRIALER AND MY BOAT. ITS FUN OFF-ROAD OR ON-ROAD. THE THIRD SEAT THAT FOLDS FLAT IS A GREAT FEATURE THAT FORD AND CHEVY COPIED FOR THE EXPLORER AND BLAZER. IF YOUR LOOK AT THE SIZE AND INTEIOR OF THE NEW FORD AND CHEVY YOU CAN SEE THECOPIED THE DODGE DURANGO DESIGN. THE NEW 4.7 POWER TECH V8 IS A GREAT MOTOR.

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  Its just perfect - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Shahid - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Its just perfect, but extended warranty is comparitively higher then other minivans in the market. I felt really bad about that.

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  Horrible , never again - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By elizabethd - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Had an 02, loved it. This 09 is a piece of do doo. Chewing up front tires like crazy, alignment issues, steering issues. Car drifts and moves side to side (cant even explain, its something you have to feel ) steering wheel moves on its own over not smooth road, bumps railroad tracks, etc. Car flexes bad by the sliding doors. Even had transmission experiences and the radio tuning all by itself. All dealers say they dont see any issue, and one said the steering wheel moves to compensate for the road? Personally, I think they know its messed up and wont admit. So going the lemon route after I hear back from Chrysler! Gas mileage is horrible.

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  80 Nitro R/T review - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Aaron - November 11 - 11:52 am

  5000kms on my 08 Nitro R/T and if I given the choice I would do it again. Fuel economy improves with every tank, styling is unique in a sea of rolling eggs. Infinity stereo is awesome, slide and go storage is great. While cross shopping this vehicle I wound the imports to be thousands more for less performance. 2 thumbs up.

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  Great All Around Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joe - November 11 - 8:13 am

  The Dodge Caliber thus far has proven to be a very nice car and a solid contender in the small car bracket. The performance will not blow you away, but with average mileage in the 30s one cannot expect Viper stats. The overall quality seems to be good, no rattles, squeeks or the like. Overall I am very pleased with the car.

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  DO NOT BUY!!!!! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Steph - November 10 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had problems with my car since I picked it up from the dealership. Its been in the shop 17 times now! Had the transmission replaced twice, the electrical system replaced 3 times and so many systems updates my head spins. I no longer feel safe in the vehicle. It has shut off on me numerous times, with once going up a bridge. I almost killed the person behind me and another time while I was out of town, and Dodge made me pay to have it towed back to my town! Lights constantly coming on and off, the doors rattle when the radio is on, the transmission jumps and the whole car rides rough. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE! Dodge has done nothing to help me. By time I could LemonLaw, it was too late

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  Daytona Charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Mikey C - November 9 - 1:48 pm

  Wow. I know its just a pretty version of the regular R/T, but their is just something about this car when you drive down the street in its orange and black colors. The engine growling, and knowing that everyone cant help but look in interest. Sure, its no SRT-8, but the mileage difference in MPG makes up for that. I am seeing abour 16 city and a cool 25 on highway. The pick up and go is strong and nice, and the interior is very comfy and roomy. I had a small Trans prob right away, but the warranty took care of that and no probs since. Good job Dodge!