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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  Stratusfied - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By jazzy1 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned Civics/Accords, so I was very pleasantly surprised by the Dodge Stratus- a car that provides a driving experience every bit as satisfying as any Honda Ive ever driven. Even better, the "base" model (SE) comes loaded with standard features- so youre getting a terrific value that includes style, performance, and comfort. If it proves to be as reliable as it is fun to drive, Daimler- Chrysler may have a customer for life. I love this car!

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  great buy - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodgeman345 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  ive always been a dodge fan, and this car is no exception to the rule. its VERY reliable, roomy, and just an all- around great car.

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  2003 Neon SXT - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By clockit1 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Wait for the promos / discounts and grab one. Features vs. Price - this car is an exceptional value. Fun to drive and responsive. Great sound system and inside much roomier and better thought out than its competitors. Dont listen to the reviewers touting the imports - cost vs. value vs. cost to own - this car rates at the top. The sticker may say 16k, but wait for the right promo and youll grab one for 11k - see if Toyota will give you this much car for that price - not on your life!

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  Slick Car - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By John Pouwels - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Good small car, roomy in the back and good trunk Good engine - Power Slick looks

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  Great looking and performing car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By StratusRT - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Stratus R/T Coupe in October 2001 because I loved its looks, performance, and value compared to some competing models. Ive had it for almost a year now and have no real complaints about it. The 3.0L V6 is a great performer although I think Dodge should have upped the horsepower slightly for the R/T model. I could get a plain SE Coupe with the same engine if I wanted. The R/T badge has always been on the top performance vehicles at Dodge. I get tons of looks and great comments from other people when I drive the car. Im very happy with my decision to purchase this car.

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  My New Ride - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By VickiT - September 3 - 4:03 pm

  I really love the car.I was not sure what type of car I wanted. I tested too many and it just confused me. The second time I drove the car it just really clicked and I liked it. The toss up was between the Caliber and Jeep Compass.The interior is identical to the Compass but for the price difference I went with the Dodge. The night I drove home it was pouring and extremely windy and it handled great!

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  Avengers Got it! - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By marrcoooo - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought my sleek bright cherry Red Avenger last year. Great car. 2.0 litre doesnt give much power but I save in gas bg time. 6 speaker Stereo is great. Turning radias is not that good at all but so what. Ill just have to back up instead of making that 1 point turn. Always gets the looks and have had no problems with it so far.

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  Dans black intrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By daniel j oehl - September 2 - 2:00 am

  excellent car, handles the road beautifully.. almost all miles are long distance....i.e. Pennsylvania to Florida, across the srate of Florida...Pittsburgh to NYC and back many times. only problem is the AC doesnt work.

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  WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By S3DELTA - September 1 - 2:00 am

  What a great running and looking car.At almost 10 yrs old...still turns heads on the street!!!!!!!!! I bought it with 91,000 miles and expected trouble. 4 months and 9,500 miles later, still runs like a charm.At 511 I do not find the car extremely comfortable but its a STEALTH so who the hell cares!!!!!!!!

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  Why hasnt dodg/mitsu built a newr vers? - 1992 Dodge Stealth
  By DOYEACO1 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1992 red tt- I have had a z28 with the vette engine, and a vette in the past and this blows them away in every category, and it is AWD to boot! Although I spoil mine and keep it in the garage when it is bad out, i have occasionally got stuck in a snow storm with it, no issues at all! Fun to drive and people stare, stealths are not as common place as 3000s and that is why I chose one. This car was ahead of its time when it came out, and for the money you cant beat it!