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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  Awesome car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By therock2 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing, the performance is unbeatable for the price, and its very fun to drive

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  My Big Blue Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By tripletstwins - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The change in the torque makes it a very smooth ride and I love driving it. Only regret - that I did not get me a HEMI!!!

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  Wow !! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By MrMash - January 24 - 6:03 am

  Being 54 yrs old I can remember the fun of the Muscle Car Era...I remember my 69 Olds 442 and I can remember sitting at a red light watching the gas gauge vibrate towards E. After raising my family and going through years of dissapointment with cars Ive owned and suffering through the mini-van stage I have finally found a car that is not only made for a man but is a blast to drive. The high output V6 is exactly that, and so far the mileage is excellent. When I look out at it it seems to be saying "Drive Me". Im sure the Hemi would give me flash backs to days gone by, but the V6 has all the power I would ever need with the economy I want. Take one out for a test drive and have fun !

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  Avenger - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Sebring - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Exception car to drive. Fuel economy is great yet the car has a very sporty feel with plenty of power and excellent handling. Fun to drive in town or down on the highway.

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  the most reliable car on the road. - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By bradly - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Its the best vehicle ever

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Durango - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Not one problem and I have had it 2 years

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  Love the Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Hollysboy - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Havent had very long...but I love it so far. No troubles, lots of envious stares on the highway!!

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Taz - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is one excellent truck. My wife and I both own one and they are the best trucks i have had so far. After a total of 100k between 2 trucks in less than 4 years. all trouble free.

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  Happy Stratus Cp. Owner - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Stratus Owner - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I am totally satisfied with my Stratus Coupe which is very tight and well made. One little known fact to most consumers is that the Status Coupe (2 dr.) and Status Sedan (4 dr.) are two completely different vehicles the Coupe is Mitsubishi built (an Eclipse/Galant chassis). Even the seats and dashboard are totally different.It bothers me to see this vehicle reviewed and they only test the American 4 dr. which is very average, in my opinion, as compared to the Coupe. This car is Chryslers best kept secret. The SE can be had for $20K.

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  nice car - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By jons doe - January 21 - 2:00 am

  its the best car ever