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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  the perfect fit - 2017 Dodge Durango
  By James K - September 19 - 10:17 am

  great vehicle ,great value. My last SUV was a 2014 Honda Pilot . I was in the market for a new good size SUV ,with great towing features and capacity. Dodge Durango was the perfect fit. I use this vehicle to transport cargo and family . This vehicle covers all aspects of my busy lifestyle from camping,towing my boat ,bringing stuff home for my lawn and garden . I couldnt find a better fit for my lifestyle. I am impressed with the design and performance from this vehicle . If you are looking for a vehicle thats not going to put you to sleep The Durango is what you are looking for . I am very satisfied in my choice . I smile every time I get in and start this SUV.

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  HEMI Power - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Robert L67548 - September 17 - 8:16 pm

  First of all, wheres the "5.7" option in the list at the start of this page? Fit and finish under "cons"? please, thats old news, if you didnt know you where in a Dodge you would think it was something built in Japan! they have come a long way, it simply amazing what Chrysler has done with this truck, just go drive one, and then compare the price with anything else in or near its class, unbeatable! dont even get me started on the HEMI, man this thing is fast!

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  Hemi Van - 2018 Dodge Durango
  By Kim S - September 17 - 11:29 am

  Great car if you know what you are getting into. Engine is loud and thirsty, but is part of having a super fast tow and family vehicle that is faster than my Porsche in a straight line. We checked every luxury and tech box. After a few initial set up gremlins, things have been going fine

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  Terrific Ride - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Indigo - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Neon! I bought the car because I needed a point A to point B kind of car originally, but now I cant think of any other car I would want. Ive been to San Diego to Las Vegas and everywhere in between and it hasnt failed me once yet. It handles nicely and it saves me a bundle on gas... (if I dont lead foot it everywhere). The Neon is a terrific first car for anyone who likes a neat looking ride and likes to travel.

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  Snow! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Chris - September 14 - 9:20 pm

  It was time to pick a new company vehicle and the Charger was on the list for the first time (other choices ford 500, Pontiac Grand Prix (previous car was Grand Prix)). I live in Buffalo, NY and drive in the snow a lot so I was hesitant about the rear wheel drive. Despite my hesitation I picked the Charger because it was so awesome looking. Thought I had bought form over function until I drove in our first snow fall, this car handles better than any front-wheel drive vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Stratus Coupe RT - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Mike S - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The Stratus Coupe is a fun car to drive. Power, style and comfort are all a plus. The sleak, low to the ground design helps it performance at high speeds. I would recomend this car.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By D. A. Anderson - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Prior to this vehicle I had a 2001 Lincoln, Touring Sedan, Town Car. The Dodge Grand Carvan is far superior in all categories, leg room, passenger comfort, ride and driving. I now have two of these vehicles and love them. Over the years I have had numerous Lincolns and Cadillacs and with their downsizing since 1998 have made them unacceptable for my use. This Dodge fills the desires of a good size, comfortable, safe, fun to drive vehicle for me and my family.

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  Shockingly good car - 1991 Dodge Daytona
  By Saildude - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought as a cheap backup car, but it shocks me. 200,000 hard miles and still drives like new. All options still work perfectly, ice cold air, solid criuse-control, very comfortable interior, not a single rattle in the body! simple 2.5L, 5-speed surprisingly quick, handles great. Had to replace radiator and o2 sensor but thats it! Very reliable! Id drive it anywhere. Was a temporary backup, but now I drive it all the time!

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  My going to school car - 1991 Dodge Dynasty
  By heidi - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Not only has it started every day it has never broken down like some of the other cars. I can recall a very cold winter day when most newer cars were stuck in the parking lot at the mall. My car started as if it was a sunny day for shorts. Its will be hard to give up some day but I will fix it untill it can go no more

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  Best Ive Found - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Fractal_Tech - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on September 9th of last year. This vehicle, with 24000 miles in 12 months, has been nothing but a joy. Nothing on it has broken at all, and it continues to purr like a kitten. Gets 15-17 MPG in the city, and never lacks for power, something I might add the explorer does, even with the V-8. Might have tried a Tahoe, but the extra $10,000 for the options I got seemed a little steep.