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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  It ROCKS! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By ChiTownCrckr - August 7 - 10:00 am

  So far it is great, My favorite part is when I am cruising down the high way and you try to cut around someone, but being the ignorant person they are, they try to step on it and not let you cut in, then you step on it and watch them disappear in your rearview mirror.

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  best of the Mini Vans - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mulligun - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a luxury sedan. Has more storage space than I could imagine. No more pulling seats out they fold neatly in the floor.

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  A sports car in drag. Fun, fun fun! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By John & Denise Anders - August 7 - 7:26 am

  We just received our 2006 RT/AWD Magnum. It is not for everyone though. The RT is an eye opening head turning ride. Very distinctive style not your mom and dads station wagon of old but a bona fide sports car in drag. Far more to it than meets the eye. The ride from the passenger view is very smooth without the over stuffed couch feel. Outstanding leg and head room. I am 63" and have more then enough room in all respects. Same goes for the drivers side. Driving it is a joy and brings a big smile when you accelerate into traffic. Gives the Japanese tuner notice stock American perfomance is back big time. With minor tweaks, will leave them floundering in all areas. Forget your WRX or Mustangs. Get an RT!

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  Daytonas are sweet - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By Nicole - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Daytonas are the best car ever made, if investing in a high school student car this is the one...easy to fix.

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  Daytonas are sweet - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By nicole - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Daytonas are the best car ever made, if investing in a high school student car this is the one...easy to fix.

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  Love my Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TP45 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  In the 15 months since my wife and I purchased our Intrepid we have been extremely happy with the decision to purchase this vehicle. A used car with 12,000 miles from Thriftys rental fleet, the Dodge now has 36,000 miles on the odometer and our only expenses have been for fuel and oil changes. What the base 2.7L engine may lack in low end torque is easily forgotten as the RPMs climb. Fuel economy is excellant for a vehicle of this size.I have experienced fuel mileage in excess of 30MPG for highway driving with an average of 18-20MPG city and highway. It handles and looks great. I will not hesitate to purchase another Intrepid when replacing this car.

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  Excelent Car for the price - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Rossyman - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about a month ago and absolutely love it. Blind spots a bit more difficult than I am used to, but not too bad. Other than that no complaints yet.

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  Nice - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Happy Man - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I just this car and it drives great, with a pretty powerful 3.5 liter engine. Overall a great car.

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  You get what you pay for! - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By texasgunrunner - August 3 - 2:00 am

  My Dakota performs well in spite of how I abuse it. For a V8 4x4, the gas mileage acceptable. It has been extremely reliable - and I put 30K miles on it the first year!. The only serious issue was the AC clutch bearing failed, which I replaced myself. I did upgrade the cheesy factory front rotors. For all the other reviewers who bought the low-end versions econo- versions ("It lacks power with a 2.5L engine..." duh! it is a truck!) - you get what you pay for and you should have had a V8. This is no featherweight Nissan putt-putt - it is a real vehicle, so get a real engine and then well talk.

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  Awesome Car - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By john cornell - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fantastic, fast, fun, car and has great power. I to have smoked just about any car I raced with. The styling is great. Since Dodge and Mitchibitchi never really changed the body style most cant tell how old this car really is. Very reliable and handles like a race car. I always get looks where ever I take it.