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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  My charger - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By charlotte704 - June 30 - 12:53 am

  I was wanting a charger in 2005. I finally got one this year. I love it. Its big and mean looking. A little slow on take off, but once it gets rolling Im gone. I feel like Im king of the road when Im driving!

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  Love My Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By GG - June 29 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car. I have driven a minivan for the past ten years and did not even consider buying a car until I drove the Charger at the urging of my favorite sales man who got tired of me test driving every other SUV/minivan he had in stock. I did not think a car would have enough room for me after being used to driving the minivan. But the Charger has a huge trunk for all the junk I carry with me. It looks awesome and drives like a dream. The power is unbelievable. I can actually pass other vehicles now! I know that things are not supposed to make you happy but my Charger makes me very happy every time I drive it. I dont think I will ever get tired of driving it.

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  06 Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Moose - June 28 - 9:22 pm

  I looked at many vehicles over 6 months before deciding on the Magnum. I have had it now for a 1 1/2 years and am very pleased. I have 4 kids and can fit them all in and still have space in the back. The car drives very well and has great brakes although I would recommend ABS. I got the 2.7L v6 for the gas mileage. It does not have alot of power but I do get 20 mpg in the city. I have not taken it on any long trips so I dont know the highway mpg. For around town the car is perfect, it looks great, handles well, gets good mpg, is very comfortable (I am 63) and can take 5 adults plus stuff in the back. We had a Dodge Polaris wagon growing up, there is no comparison!

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  Good Rig - 2002 Dodge Ram Wagon
  By virgil77 - June 28 - 3:20 pm

  Have an 02 Ram Van 1500, Regency Conversion, 3.9l V6, 3 speed automatic. Bought it because it was roomy and relatively cheap ($19k brand new in Aug 03). I really like the van but my wife has trouble getting in and out of it. Passengers really, really like the 2nd row captains chairs and 3rd row bench. I added a flip down TV and they really enjoy that. I thought the V6 would be underpowered but except for merging onto freeways I am satisfied. 4 speed auto might have helped. Fuel economy is acceptable, 15 mpg typical on the highway, 13 in town. Have gotten 17 mpg on the highway if I keep my speed down.

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  Best SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Best SUV - June 28 - 4:06 am

  I love my 2005 SLT Durango. I went with the V6 and love it. It has enough power for me. This is my 1st Dodge. We shopped around and found the Durango to be the best for the price.

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  Great Bargain - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Michael - June 27 - 12:43 pm

  The Charger is a great looking muscle car like the Mustang, only is suitable for families. The Charger also has features the Mustang lacks at 30K such as heated seats, rear DVD, and a GPS. I purchased a Mango Daytona, and I love it. The only downside is the cheap doors, but I guess they have to do something to make money off of a 350hp car with a plethora of features.

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  Driving like a teenager - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Cheetah - June 27 - 4:03 am

  I wanted a car that says "I drive this because I want to, not because I have to." My Charger does exactly that. I shopped for 18 months looking for a car that had a WOW factor and I found it in this car. I look forward to stopping for red lights because it gives me a chance to blast off the line. The car gets to 80 really fast and I have to stop myself from pushing too far past. The bottom line is this car is a joy to drive. Oh, and I can still get the family in it when reality calls me back.

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  robs review - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By rob ellis - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The car gets alot of looks and compliments, especially from the younger generation. It has excellent accelleration and corners like a dream.

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  My Purple Lilac Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By btbowl - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My Stratus is a 1996. It has over 164,000 miles and running great. It is my second home. I did not travel far the first several years but then my job took me to farther away places. My car has been my magic blanket taking me there.

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  Love This Van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By beebell - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just love this van!!! Have only had it 2 weeks but it is the best....so far!!! All the fold down seats are the best selling feature. As an older driver this was such a great selling point. Taking the rear out was a chore. Still learning about all the bells and whistles but so far we would suggest that everyone buy this van. The price is right, the comfort is great and the convenience is awesome!!!