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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  All Charged Up! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Seabird - April 12 - 4:26 am

  This car attracts a lot of attention. Performance is excellent; however, it would be better if the car lost a few hundred pounds. Exciting to drive!

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  nice car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Samanosuke - April 12 - 2:00 am

  awsome

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  My Pretty Magnum Sure is a Head Turner - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dennis - April 12 - 12:46 am

  My Magnum is one of the prettiest wagons I have ever seen or owned. It handles like a sports car rather than a wagon. Magnum has plenty of power when you call on it and believe me when I say it will run 0-50 in roughly 5 secs. With the ESP feature the Magnum sticks to the road like a road racer, and it is next to impossible to lose control of the car. Like the salesperson who sold it to me said, about the only way you can lose control is if you fall asleep at the wheel.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By adowdell - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I would highly recamend this car to anyone wanting to have fun!! Its extremely fast, handles great, and gets plenty of looks. I have no major quables except that I would not recamend anyone with over a 37" waiste to get the stock seats. There are huge seat bolsters which are awesome if you fit. It has some wheel hope if ran hard and wheels start to spin. Im gonna get some new harder engine mounts to help limit that though. other than that great car and lots of factory upgrades!

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  1996 White Dode Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bob T - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Owned since January Purchased as suprise gift for my wife. Already had Saab in good condition (Whch is also for sale ($2500 or B.O. Excellent ride, quiet, and extermely comfortable. Must drive the vehicle to appreciate. Priced for quick sale. Need some repairs. If repairs done by yourelf, repair costs for parts obviously will be extremely reasonable less $$. This is a Great CAR. A MUST see ! Please e-mail for more info.

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  Great car! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By dpoyner - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The power of the R/T is great! There is some road noise, but it is easily drowned out by the radio! Lots of room, huge trunk, and a great ride. Very comfortable leather seats.

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  Loved my Stratus - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Rubes - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to say but we are selling one of the most fun cars we have owned. The autostick has proven a lot more fun than I ever thought. We purchased a 100K extended warranty with the car which was a real waste as the car was never in the shop.

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  My Buying Experiance - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Estatic - April 7 - 3:00 am

  I had fun picking the salesman brain and finance rep also had a few pickings from me as well. However it was the car I wanted and I got it at a really great cost. To me this car is very functional for the family and for the lugging of heavy material and equipment. I am sure I will have some good years with my new Dakota.

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  Less than Pacifica, but best of the vans - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By C. Paske - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is smoother than 04 Sienna & MUCH quieter than the Honda Oddity. (But not as quality as the Navigator, Pacifica, or Lexus.) Very versatile,and therefore quite addictive. Highway manners are stable& predictable. Styling is nice; fit & finish - excellent. The feel is quality; but the look is boring. A dependable work van; able to trudge through snow & muddy construction sites with ease.

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  One of the best Ive ever owned - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By hwp34 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is outstanding! I got over 60K miles on my brakes before they needed servicing (machine, pads, etc., not rotors!). I have not had to put a nickel into this car outside of fluid changes, one tuneup, and 4 tires. Awesome. Ok, it guzzles gas but which SUV does not. Its fun to drive and can tow really well. I wish Chrysler were still american so I could continue to purchase their vehicles.