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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  my nitro - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Donald Rodriguez - January 8 - 3:24 pm

  Its been great, have no problem with this vehicle

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  Nothing But Fun - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Gs Wagon - January 8 - 8:26 am

  Just received my red wagon after waiting over 5 months for my order. It was well worth the wait! I love the interior design as I am 52". Having trouble keeping off the pedal, loving that V8! Great drive on the highway.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Orange SXT Sport - January 7 - 3:26 pm

  This is an all around great car! Its fun to drive, has comfortable seats, and the MusicGate sound system is just simply amazing for a factory premium stereo.

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  Saved our lives in a rollover - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Javaphile - January 7 - 12:08 pm

  We bought a gently used journey and traveled cross country for Thanksgiving, honestly I didnt love it and hated the weird headrests, although the various compartments were great. Someone clipped us going 90 on the highway and we rolled 5 times, ending up on the roof 165 feet into a field. The side curtain airbags and those behind the front seat headrests saved our lives, we bought another one immediately. We had small children in the back, and we all walked away. Cheap interior, yes, but that car saved our lives so we can celebrate Christmas this year.

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  Thought I had a good thing going - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Toobadsosad - January 7 - 2:02 am

  This van was inexpensive and though lacking performance has been a dependable transporter of our family of five. I have had very few problems, however it did blow a head gasket at about 65,000 miles and I have adding one to two pints of oil for the past year. I was told this is an $1800 repair. The car is now only slightly more.

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  Crummy Transmission - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Doug G - January 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought this with about 45000 miles on it. 6 weeks after buying it, we had to put $1,750 into the transmission after (of course) the salesman told us that the transmission was checked. We had specifically asked about the trans. during the test drive. There is now a "thumb" in the front end when doing over bumps... I dare wonder whats wrong NOW!

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  I wouldnt believe a Neon...... - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Scott Williams - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car to drive and handles extremely well for the price. And yes, the sound system is fantastic. It accelerates very well and is great in turns and twisting roads. The gas mileage is more than adequate, and its very roomy inside. My kids think there is more than enough elbow room. I would recommend this car to anyone. You wont regret buying the R/T model.

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  This is my title - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By m480 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Cute little car- affordable.

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  Not the Most Reliable Van - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Matt - January 6 - 4:53 pm

  We bought the van with 96K and so far had a few major things that needed fixing. The transmission went on it twice while the computer needed replacing and the rain gutters in front of the passenger compartment got clogged and flooded the interior. The passenger side power window still doesnt work. As far as a daily driver its one of the best minivans as far as the interior goes. There are lots of cupholders and storage compartments and theres plenty of room for all. The Mitsubishi 3.0 V6 is smooth and is not bad on gas. It also has adequate acceleration as long as you dont have alot of people or cargo. The transmission is a crummy 3-speed that isnt a good aide for highway mileage.

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  Great quality and design! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By AMY - January 6 - 1:54 pm

  The Dakota has been a wonderful vehicle for my family. From the comfortable seating for a family of four, to accountability. It was by far very affordable, with all of the extra equipment, compared to other makes!