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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  Still Just a Dodge - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By CHOPS - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Performance wise this car is unbeatable for the money, but when it comes right down to it, this is still a Dodge with its poor craftsmanship & all the little problems that come when owning a Chrysler product. If you compare this to other vehicles in its class & drive it, you will fall in love with its superb performance & you will accept all the minor problems you will encounter.

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  Status Coupe - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Begle1 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  We like the color and the look of the car. It has a good feel for the road and handling.

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  Happy with my SRT8 Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By AGD - October 13 - 9:45 pm

  I traded a Volvo V70R for the Magnum SRT8 and I havent regretted my decision. This car is a blast to drive. its just so darn fast when you get on it. My 5 year old calls it the "Mommy Hot Rod".

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  I Love This "Thing" - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Smiley - October 13 - 6:59 pm

  Since the first time I saw a Durango, I have always been intrigued by them. I finally bought one, and thus far I am very happy with it. I love that it is truck based, because I like to tow now and then. I also like the ability to drive through mud and snow. Love the fact it has a third row and makes a person feel as though they are in a tank. If you want a capable vehicle this is for you. If you just want a people hauler I suggest a mini-van or car based SUV, because this thing only gets about 13 mpg. Ride is pretty good.

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  V6 - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Tony - October 13 - 3:39 pm

  I love mine, but the V6 in 6 speed is under powered, especially when towing a small trailer 4 x 6 with a mid size ATV. Also the rear suspension could use a beefier upgrade. And lose those small drivers and passenger mirros. Put the folding ones on. I did, now no big blind spots.

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  Fun and Functional - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By SRT84JM - October 12 - 8:58 pm

  Two words describe this vehicle: fun and functionality. MPG? No. SPM (smiles per mile) outstanding!

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  Reliable Car, Easy Upkeep - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By professor442 - October 12 - 3:03 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used, knowing that the transmission need special attention. Since I work on my own car, changing the transmmission fluid frequently has been easy and has paid off. An excellent car, extremely undervalued, and drives smooth with a very comfortable and roomy interior (for its size, its no Deville!).

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  01 Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Tara - October 12 - 2:59 am

  I own a 2001 Dodge Durango and it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned to date. I had previously owned Ford 150s. With the birth of my son, we needed a larger vehicle. The Durango is execlent in both reliability and in comfort. More than enough room for a family of 4. I would recomend this vehicle for purchase to anyone with a family

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  Love The Power!!!!! - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Ken - October 11 - 7:04 pm

  This car is a beast , you can drive it everyday . however high millage will drop the value. It is an eye catcher. Next best thing to the hellcat

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  Nice - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Jason - October 10 - 7:34 pm

  I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it, and its still going strong. I have had numerous compliments on my car. And 9 times out of 10, its because of how fast it is. This is the most reliable car I have ever owned, and its never been to the shop for anything besides tune ups, and oil changes, and brakes. Drives well in snow. Vehicle also looks very sporty, and drives like a sports car.