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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  Love my Neon - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Jim from PA - May 18 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of imports previously, I was impressed with the Neon. Overall design is the winning attribute which results in a quiet ride, low wind noise, does not get blown off the road, very comfortable seats, and high quality materials. Nothing looks cheap and have a nice quality feel to them. No rattles and is tight as a drum with excellent fit and finish, and smooth ride. Im getting 33 mpg. Would buy another.

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  Dakota Review - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Kruk - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Great all around truck with mean styling and ground clearence.

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  Just Bought it - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By keenmchn - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought today, 24,000 miles on it and drives like a dream. Very tight handling, smooth and responsive. Huge trunk. Wish the radio was above the climate controls. Paid under $10,000 (we knew somebody). Happy as can be, although my RR window wont roll down. Im glad I bought an aftermarket warranty :)

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  VERY HAPPY - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By cwalsh32084 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any problems with mine. I would recommend for any college student like me to get one because they are cheap and really good cars.

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  My unfinished dream - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By jas - May 16 - 2:00 am

  There arent enough after market mods for this 1990 dodge daytona ES, 3.0L V6 5 speed.

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  Reliable - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By ewing20 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car since 93 and its the most reliable car ive ever driven not to mention stylish and comfortable. The only two problems ive had were the headlights beam are spread way to far and the spark plug wires are to hard to change you have to take the whole plate off to get to them and if you dont do it yourself it cost you around $400 dollars for the dealership to do it.

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  Love the car! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Rusty23 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my thrid Neon, and I love it. they handle very well, and extremely well in the winter months. Ive never had another car I have enjoyed more.

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  awesome car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By iliwerdili - May 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is a great buy. i just got the new dodge neon in electric blue for my new car on my own. its a great buy for any young person whos trying to find something affordable.

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  Great - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Maegan - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car to have. I have a lot of fun with the option of having manual or automatic. I have small children and its not hard to get them in and out for it being a sports car.

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  My Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ronald H. Pierson - May 13 - 8:20 am

  I now have 6,500 miles on my new Dodge Magnum RT. I really love the performance of the 5.7 Hemi engine, (Especially with the "Magna-Flow" muffler system). For the size of the engine and the weight of the car, I think the average 18 to 20 MPG I am getting is really awesome. This car handles really well and has a very smooth & quiet highway ride. It is a very roomy "Muscle car" that has the power you need when you need it.