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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  Truck with Comfort - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By DaveO - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I have the 4.7L V8. This engine is very refined and smooth. I cant get enough of driving this truck. Its comfortable, quiet, rugged, and quick. It handles great and looks good while doing it. The infinity sound is pretty good. Very clear. This truck is roomy and fun to drive.

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  Great car - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By jimats - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car two years ago and have been driving it hard ever since. Have had no major problems (less than $1500 since Ive had it) and it is still running great. I plan on getting the newer model now that I can afford a nicer one.

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  I may never have to buy another car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By glf07jm - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 05 magnum sxt for over 3 months now, it turns heads everywhere. everyday i drive it to work at 90-100+ miles per hour (early morning traffic). it performs awesome. i went with the sxt because i couldnt see paying the money on gas with the RT(V8). i traded in a 99 ford tourus sho that had a v8 in it, and i must have forgot how much father you can go on a full tank of gas with a v6! the tourus i had was fwd and the engine weighed so much, you could bearly squeal the tires. i love the rwd on my magnum, if i turn the ESP off i can have as much fun as i want to, you can squeal the tires easily! i plan on owning this car until the day i die.

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  One of the best cars made - 1996 Dodge Stealth
  By Kidjoe - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I got my Stealth when I turned sixteen and now im eighteen I still have it and it is so perfect. Everything feels as great as it looks. 0-40 in like 5 secs.

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  Great Car - 1996 Dodge Neon
  By Original Neon Owner - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner of my 1996 Dodge Neon Highline Coupe. Ive had it for 5 years now, and 70,000 miles later, Im still very happy with it. Yes, Ive had the head gasket break too, just like everybody else, but I took care of the problem, and havent had anything go wrong since, besides a tail light bulb burning out ($1.00 replacement). I drive it hard, and its been so reliable that I am not even thinking about trading it in yet. Im planning on keeping this car for at least another 2 or 3 years. Its been a great investment!

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  My peppy lil neon does it all !! - 1995 Dodge Neon
  By Sparky95 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 95 Neon 4 DR Sport with manual transmission new in 1994, and have loved putting 100K miles onto its odometer these past eight years. It has excellent acceleration, power, handling, gas mileage (32-34 mpg), and reliability. Its a terrific commuter car that fits into small parking spaces. My only complaint is with the A/C compressor - had to be replaced twice, but when its on, my Neon is cooool.

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  Nice car! - 2000 Dodge Neon
  By AntMan - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Good car, more than enough power stock, although more never hurt. Never had one problem with mine, only the factory recall issues 2 to date that I have gotten nothing really. Good design, nice new look, great gas milage, I always get more than 300 miles per tank.

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  WOW! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Joanne - May 6 - 4:10 pm

  This car is the best thing Ive ever owned. I bought the car sight unseen and did not even want it. I had to trade in my Durango for a more fuel efficient vehicle. Needless to say, when I went to pick it up at the dealership I fell in love. The car actually has power, even though it is a four cylinder. The style is wonderful (my car is black with red interior). Im telling you for the price it is amazing. Its the best bang for your buck. Ive even gotten comments on it by total strangers. Remember its anything but cute.

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  1995 Intrepid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By intrepid1995 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I drive the 3.3L 161 HP 1995 Intrepid and it has been a great, reliable car. Changed transmission fluid and rotors once. The rest is basic maintenance, tire rotation, oil changes, etc. Not only is reliable, it has a lot of room, is fairly powerful with good acceleration, and is fun to drive. It has 135,500 miles at this writing and still runs great.

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  Love it - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By eeel - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, ride, performance and handling. For the money, cant be beat