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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  Way to go Dodge - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By dave - April 24 - 10:43 pm

  Dodge really outdid themselves. I had the old Durango, which I loved. This one is far superior in ride, comfort, style, etc. They really made it comfortable with all the new amenities.

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  2016 TorRed Shaker R/T Plus (8A) - 2016 Dodge Challenger
  By Scott - April 24 - 10:29 pm

  Well, Ive only had the TorRed Challenger RT Plus Shaker for a couple of months-2300 miles and I must say its simply an amazing car. We rented a 2011 RT years ago when we were in Phoenix during the MLB All Star game. The airport rental company ran out of cars that wed reserved (paid for) months prior. So after a heated discussion, not in a great mood after 12 hours on an airplane, they offered us the Challenger as a consolation prize of sorts. And I must say I was thoroughly impressed! So after our return from Japan the Challenger has been on my "radar". We finally went and test drove the SXT, RT Plus Shaker and the RT Scat Pack. The SXT was very nice, but a bit spartan (at least the one we drove), good power, surprising for a V6. The RT Scat Pack was very nice, loads of power and an amazing exhaust note. But the RT Plus Shaker was right there in the middle for power and every options one could ever want. You can scare yourself with the launch mode, or go into the super track mode and have loads of fun scare the neighbors. When I say; "in the middle for power" dont get me wrong, it has enough power that you can lose your license doing burn outs at stop lights or passing traffic at some crazy unlawful speed. All of the time with a big smile on your face. Yes, from the minute you start it until your put it back in the garage youll be smiling. Its true the gas mileage is awful, 14~18 around town, maybe 25 on the highway. If you can drive in city traffic at a normal speed, your city miles will improve, but honestly who bought this car for that.The 8AN Uconnect radio is awesome or awful, depends on what your doing. As someone mentioned in an earlier post, it takes a few seconds to re-index your SD card or USB device. It sounds amazing once you get the eq and balance all setup. I will advise against the nav option. For the money you can buy an awesome GPS with lifetime updates, not this thing. The interior is so much improved over the 2011 we drove; dash instrumentation, 8 inch UConnect (the awesome part) has all the driving modes; at least on the R/T Plus Shaker youll likely need; shift point, paddles, traction control, steering, etc. Seats you can actually keep your butts in all day and rear seats that are usable. If you need or want the family version get the Charger. Also, Im not sure what is standard on what models, but I recommend the leather seats, Driver Convenience Group, Technology Group and the 8A UConnect radio with the HK sound system, you wont regret it. I never use a sunroof, have one on my 300C (Hemi of course) so we opted out of the sunroof so we dont miss it. The good: That lovely motor and new 8 speed auto transmission, interior, and youll love that Shaker option. You will get a lot of comments and looks from other drivers. The HK sound is great once setup and all that technology... The bad: Blind spots, but thats why you want (get) cross path/blind spot warning system. The UConnect 8AN nav system is way overpriced, buy your own GPS or use your phone. Youll almost be able to afford those new tires for the price of the 8AN system. The 3 season tires suck in cold or wet weather, but they wont last long anyways!

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  Good for the money - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By smitty - April 24 - 2:56 am

  Nice little car, if thats what you want to call it. The look sold us from the first, not crazy about the test drive, but wife like it and we drove it home. After 250 miles, got use to the CVT and small motor (I drive a F150 daily) and now use it to commute (wife has company car so dont get mad at me). The CVT makes driving fun again, MPG is very good also, running about 29 for us so far. Great for the money expecally for frist year model, usually they work out bugs after year 1, but Dodge did a good job with this one. If I have to sum the Caliber up in one word, it would be fun. Fun to drive, ride in, look at, just a feel good car. Even the color we bought, orange, is fun.

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  Dodge Makes One Great Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Stratus SE Owner - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2 DR SE model and it is awesome! Not only does it turn heads with its sleek exterior, it has the performance to back it up. (V6, 200 HP). The car handles like a foreign sports car, very nice ride. Definitely recomend.

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  My Dream Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By ptarmagan - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about My Quad Cab except one thing, gas mileage. I average about 17 mpg but mostly city driving. I guess thats the reality of having a 4x4 truck. I have the 4.7 liter V8 and its sure fun to drive. Passing a slow moving vehicle on the road is quick and effortless. This is the only compact quad cab on the market that can sit four adults and one young one comfortably. The gas mileage is a small sacrifice for all the comfort and performance built in.

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  The perfect truck has arrived... - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotadon - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 16 months and have enjoyed every one of my 22000+ miles. The 4.7L V8 gives it a sports- car feel when merging/passing at high MPH. The ride on pavement is smooth, yet it performs admirably off-road. I especially like those roomy flip-up rear seats. Im 64", and the only thing that makes me uncomfortable while riding in the back seat is the fact that Im not actually driving!

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  2000Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By gwashy - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Up to this point, I have had only positive experiences with my 2000 Dodge Dakota. The Magnum V6 engine in conjunction with the handling package and wide tires has had plenty of power for hauling anything in the bed of the truck. I have had no warranty issues outside of getting the windshield wipers replaced. I look forward to continued performance from this vehicle.

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  HOT sporty 4 door! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By livewire - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and only for its looks....hoping that later I wouldnt be sorry about Dodge quality. After 3 years of trouble free rides I can say I havent been sorry. This car gives a lot for the money. Dealership has been great and only scheduled maintenence has been needed except for minor issue.

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  what i like about it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By aaron Pickering - April 21 - 1:26 am

  I love it -- fun to drive. Lots of power and very roomy.

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  WOW!!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By JAR731 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the coolest car that I have ever owned (29 at last count). This car turns heads everywhere I go and people come up to me where ever I stop to tell me how much they like it.