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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  staratus-most underrated car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By grammabef - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Stratus has been underrated for years now. It drives great, is roomy, gets good gas mileage and looks like a sports car for a portion of the cost.

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  Thumps Up for the Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Joe Hudon - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Intrepid (my first new car purchase). I was drawn to the Intrepid mainly because of the price and the size. I found that the price was very affordable compared to equivalently-packaged Camrys and Accords. (However, the low resale value is going to come back to haunt me.) Being that Im 64" tall, the Intrepid provides me plenty of room without cramping the rear passenger. Overall, my Intrepid has treated me very well. It performs very well on the highway, its very comfortable to drive in, and the repairs have been insignificant.

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  Great Car - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By denny - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my third Neon. I also have a 95 (150K) and a 98 (96K). The 2002 sxt with a 5 speed is fun to drive, has great acceleration and good fuel mileage. It is as solid as a rock. For a little car, its great. This car was loaded. It is quiet for a small car too.

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  Keeps hubby & wife happy! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By graphic_cre8or - April 4 - 1:33 am

  I love it. My husband suggested it and he "talked" me into it (or so he thinks). So much room and great features. The two car seats fit great in the back and my son loves to watch his movies. Performance seats are a must - very comfortable ride. GPS navigation has already come in handy. It is great for a 4 door and it really turnes heads. It is a family car that my husband will drive as opposed to my SUV import and I love to drive daily.

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  GREAT CAR!!! - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Brandon - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 9 months. I love it. It is hard to make U-turns but so what. I have had one problem with this car and it was the altenator belt broke. For being the only problem in 9 months that is GREAT. The car is so reliable. I love the stereo system. I love everything about it. The fun of having the get up and go.

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  this is the king of compact trucks - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By seca - April 2 - 2:00 am

  this truck is the only trucks I would buy for the room in the back and power under th hood

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  Fun Car to Drive - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Abugado - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Mid priced sporty coupe with exceptional interior design the car handles well!!

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  The best car! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By cristi_olariu - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The best car I ever drove!

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Adam Wertman - April 1 - 2:00 am

  With over 77,000 miles and no issues to speak about. Would have liked the 200hp engine being used in the new Stratus, but car has plenty of power for everyday driving.

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  Dodge Stealth - 1991 Dodge Stealth
  By stealth - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, Excellent.