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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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By miciel - March 18 - 10:00 am

  My dad has purchased this Dodge Stratus 01 and I just cant help looking at it from the outside. The car is very beautiful. By the time my dad parked it outside the house, our neighbors even said, "wow its beautiful!" This car is very unique and bold, it has a distinct design and you would really know when the DODGE STRATUS is on the road! The car is affordable too which is so unbelievable. I like its outside features, and I love the interior design more. Its very comfortable, and I love driving the car, Its just perfect!

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  The great suv - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By thomas krumpter - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Other then the lousy gas milage this is the finest vehicle that I have owned

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  a rush to your senses - 2001 Dodge Viper
  By delldude - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Only thing you can say is WOW! What a RUSH! and with all that power very easy to drive. Only thing to worry about is the other cars straining for a closer look (and wanting you to get on it) And the feeling of supremacy knowing only those that pass you are doing so only because you let them.

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  Love My New Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Penelope - March 17 - 11:03 am

  Even though I have had my Caliber one week I love the pick up and the smooth and quiet ride. The car certainly turns heads on the road. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a car with spunk!

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  1997 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Hurley - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had only one problem - catalytic converter went out before 100K mile warranty. Timing belt (or chain) has always made a slight clicking noise, but has never hindered the operation of the truck. Absolutely love this truck in my opinion, have had no big problems, not even small ones like a headlight or tail light going out.

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  its grrrrrrrrrrrreat - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By saint - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. I never intended on buying a minivan but 3 kids later here I am and i LIKE IT! It drives great a handles like a car plus i covered on the powertrain for 7 yrs.

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  Nice Fan! - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By skkrobie - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We are totally thrilled with this purchase! It looks nice and drives nice too!

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  There can be only one! - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By ViperDrvr - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is not a car of creature comforts. This is a race car for the street. Sitting down in the cockpit you’ll note the absence of such luxu-items such as cupholders and power seats. 6 white digital gauges present the cars vitals. The exterior design has to be the most radical and beautiful form a car designer could imagine. The snake head visage of the front fascia, then flows up and back to meet the twin- bubble cockpit canopy. Be prepared for the magical effect the Viper has on crowds wherever you go. No other car will dominate the attention of those around you like the Viper.

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  Ignore the nay-sayers! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By JeremyJ - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Far better than any other entry-level vehicle Ive ever experienced, especially the Honda Civic. This car has a great aftermarket following and is capable of very impressive performance. I have modified mine greatly and I still get an average of 31mpg. Excellent build quality and reliability. Fast and fun. I highly recommend it.

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  Intrepid ES is Very Reliable - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Matt42 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Great handling. Easy to control just like a smaller car. 40000+ miles no minor or major problems whatsoever. No parts has ever been replaced yet, including brakes. Amazingly roomy, once carried 12ft long pipe with rear seat folded down. Comfortable, fun to drive. Pulls good but transmission is too slow for manual shift down. The total maintenance cost in 3.5 years/40000 miles excluding oil & gas is no more than a few hundred bucks. Overall this is a *very* reliable car.