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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  Dakato V6 Quad - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Denjmar - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This it was time to get into a truck instead of a car. Full bells & whistles. Love the truck but when I bought it I had concerns about fuel MPG so I went with V-6 and 2WD. So far it has performed well but V6 works hard on long hills. I dont think MPG is much different between V6 and V8. Next time will go with V8. Dont do any off road but got limited slip diff instead of 4WD. Will see what winter brings. Very happy with Dakato and would do it again.

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  I love my Caliber - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By D Smith - June 13 - 6:00 pm

  So far the only negative issue I have had is with the cooler in the glovebox. The latch was not catching properly and I had to have it adjusted. It seems to be working now.

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  Charger R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By FKS - June 12 - 9:56 pm

  Purchased the Charger R/T about a month ago and drove it now for 1000 miles. I traded for a Ram 1500 Quad. SLT with all the options and 5.7l Hemi. After driving for longer periods I realized how comfortable the Charger was. The handling on mountain roads is exellent. This is a very quiet riding vehicle with outstanding exelleration. It takes a little practice to understand the stereo and GPS system. This vehicle is equipped with the electronics convenience group, the covenience Group II, Sound Group II, sunroof and full map display GPS Nav Radio.The Charger was a little pricey but more comfortable then the 300 Chrysler.

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  Doddge Caravan Really is the Best - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Michelle Kozlowski - June 12 - 2:00 am

  best on road, best mileage, best dealer

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  2000 Intrepid ES - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jroberts - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Roomy enough for 1 family of 5 - Sporty enough to keep DaD happy, with excellent fuel economy for a large style car. Very reliable, and has been free of any mechanical problems. Only flaw has been the drivers seat which has a weak bolt that can break- and does- but this item has been placed on recall and been rectified. Great car!

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  Doge Siprit - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By mitull86 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Its a ok car

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  "Maggie" is the Best - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jenn - June 8 - 8:33 pm

  I love my 05 Magnum. I nicknamed her Maggie. I had a lot of problems with the dealership but Maggie made up for it. The room is great. And the handling is awesome, you would think with such a big car your turning radius would be horrible but she whips right around those corners better than my husbands Accord. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that wants a lot of room and still look good. Its such a sporty grocery getter!

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  Top Dog R.T. - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By RT. ONE COOL RIDE - June 7 - 12:53 pm

  Well folks Ive got to tell you my experience with my car as been very nice. The car power is great. The hemi gets down when I need it to and and floats when I need it to conserve on fuel. So far my wife and I love owning the car. I brought it for me but I cant seem to get my wife from behind the wheel. She loves it so I guess Dad gets to drive it the weekends. So far I have had no issues with maintenance. My wife says shes been getting a looks of looks as she drives the car. Its adorable.

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  I love my Caliber - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By Raider - June 7 - 5:23 am

  Ive only had my black metallic 1.8L SXT for a month, but its been extraordinary even compared to all my other vehicles, and my last vehicle was a Cadillac. Its utilitarian and tough, solid, quiet, comfortable, and Im having no problem getting around in the Wyoming winter at 7,000 feet. Great ground clearance. The pedals and stick are right where I need them (I ordered the manual). I get 31 mpg on the highway and around 26 in town, and it has no problem starting when its 20 below zero. I hoped for a lot out of this vehicle, and its surpassed everything I expected, especially for the price. Kicks the Matrix, Mazda 3 and Vibe to the curb on value and style, and performs equally well.

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  Best Car yet - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Eddie - June 6 - 6:46 pm

  After reading the reviews on the SXT, I was a little concerned purchasing the SRT-4. I do not regret it now. This car is great to drive and has serious power for the price. The exhaust sounds great, not one of those cans you find on the Civics. I can say I love everything about the car but if I could change one thing I would ask Dodge to offer a different set of rims, something different from the SXT style. (Chrome would be nice)