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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  What a car! - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By shclarke - September 1 - 2:00 am

  It is rare to find a car that is as much fun to drive four thousand miles later as you thought it would be the first time you saw it. This car just gets better and better. I was afraid I might have some problems with it, but it has run like a top. I cant say enough about how much I love this car! This is clearly not the car for everyone, but it is certainly the car for me.

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  Goodbye Expedition - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By David Horvath - August 31 - 5:46 pm

  We need a large SUV with the kids and all . We purcased a Ford Expedition in late 2003 and it was the worst quality vehicle we have ever owned. After being in the shop more than home we traded the beast for a Dodge Durango. I must say the quality is perfect. The Dodge performs well and is a joy to drive. Living in New England its all about handling in snow and adverse weather conditions and its a true winner. On a recent long trip my kids didnt complain about comfort and truly enjoyed the superior DVD system (Fords didnt work most of the time). If youre looking for an SUV dont buy until you check out the Durango!

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  nothing like a dakota - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By sarge - August 31 - 2:00 am

  the dakota has the best looking design of any truck,mid-sized or smaller.the design is such that even when it is sitting still,it looks like it is in motion.the larger tires,the paint scheme,and the fender flairs really set it off.every day i thank god for that truck.there are just not enough good things to say about it.

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  Ballsy Looker - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By kelticgoddess - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Stratus after my boss bought her 2002. I happened upon it at a Ford Dealer and got a great deal. I dont see a lot of these on the road which I find strange. Why buy the Mitsu Eclipse which is smaller and, in my opinion, not as nice lookin for more $$??? Anyway, the way the car drives is phenomenal and so are the looks you get driving it. The Infinity sound system is the best I have heard. I have always been into coupes and this one is by far the best I have driven.

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  Love my 97 Avenger Sport - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Love My Avenger - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since 1997 and I love it! It has been a fairly low maintenance car and it runs great! It still looks brand new except for the side mirrors that are a little faded from "road-wear". I have definitely gotten more than my moneys worth. It has 66,000 miles on it and I plan to put plenty more on it. Its a great cruising car for road trips or commuting to work and my sons car seat fits in the back, perfectly.

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  The car that get comments - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By vjudo - August 27 - 9:43 am

  Man this is a great car. I purchased it for my wife when I returned from Iraq. It handles well in the rain, snow, and ice. I am a police officer and have driven high powered cars, but this car is incredible. You cannot lose control of it, even if you tried. I am going to buy another one for me. It is great. I cant wait to hand it down to my 10 year old...on his 16th birthday.

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  Best Economy Car Late 90s - 1999 Dodge Neon
  By micweb - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Sure, a Toyota or Honda might be more reliable, but a used 1999 Neon will be a lot cheaper. In reality, the 1999 Neon is highly reliable - they got all the bugs out of this car originally introduced in 1995. It rides and handles like a much bigger car - it is fast and safe. Good gas mileage too. The 3 speed automatic isnt as good - it needs the fourth speed. The 5 speed is great, like a sports car.

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  Great little head turner - 1992 Dodge Daytona
  By Jonnydrifter - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 90,000 miles and in one year put on 24,000 of the most fun-to-drive miles Ive had. Anytime my friends need to go anywhere Im the first to offer a ride, and mountain roads in colorado are a blast! Looks that arent cookie-cutter help a TON too. Turns many heads.

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  Nice Car Mister - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Steve Harwood - August 24 - 2:13 am

  Most of my driving is 600-700 miles at a time. This car is so much fun to drive I wish I had farther to go! Plenty of interior room and the comfort is superior. I have the 2.7L V6 and it has all the power that should be expected from an engine this size. Last trip I got almost 30mpg cruzing at a constant 70 mph. The handling is extremely good.

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  a - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By obed - August 24 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST FUEL ECONOMY CAR AND FUN TO DRIVE.