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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  i love this car - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By studmasterjj - October 18 - 2:00 am

  It is very fast and fun to drive. The design is amazing, it has the same seats as the dodge viper. It has a 70,000 bumper to bumper warenty which for a turbo charged car is very rare. It has great handeling and a cool look. I promise you will be happy with this car. It has a very sporty and zippy feel to it but it also it has plenty room for all sizes. Plus for the price, it is unbeatable. able to beat any car in its class and can out do many cars that are in the upper classes. I rate it a 10!!!

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  My Favorite Car - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By jg - October 15 - 2:06 pm

  I have had my car for almost a year now. I live up north and we have had over 15ft of snow so far this winter and only half way through it. It handles well in the snow, this was one of the major reasons I chose this car. It doesnt have any problems starting on those below zero mornings. I make long trips regularly and this car helps me get through them. The seats are very comfortable. The only problems I have had were there when I purchased. The cruise control was never hooked up correctly and one speaker didnt work right (which there was a recall on so I got all 4 replaced). I know some people say it is loud but it is the quietest car I have ever owned.

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  Updated review from last year - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jeff Clark - October 14 - 9:53 pm

  I reviewed this last Nov. after purchasing in Sept. 04. We now have 13K miles and have been on several trips. This van has yet to visit the dealership. The 6-disk dvd changer is a god-send for the two kids while traveling. After several hours of riding, I do get a little uncomfortable. So, the leather seats do get hard on the rear and back after 4-5 hours. Everything is still working as expected. So far, I would not change a thing, except for seat comfort. Mileage average is 19.

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  The best SUV I have ever owned - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JBrown - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the room and the quiet ride. The Hemi is the best engine I have ever owned.

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  06 Charger R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By J Lewis - October 11 - 4:16 am

  I waited 20 years for Dodge to build a car like the new Charger. I have an early production Charger R/T with no options. I love the beast! Lots of power, especially at low RPM, big brakes, and decent handling without killing the ride. And the styling is just great! Excellent fuel economy for a full size car if you keep your foot off the gas (good luck at that). The power steering is typical Mopar - lots of feel, but also lots of boost and no centering power, so you have to keep an eye on the car. She will wander off if you arent careful. It helps to drive with both hands, which also makes the turn signal and cruise control placement make sense.

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  Meets expectations - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mbs - October 10 - 4:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. Great for long road trips. Be aware that the car is a bit difficult to park, but is otherwise a solid platform for around town or on the road.

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  130,000 Grand Caravan - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ftn - October 9 - 10:33 pm

  Have put nearly 130,000 miles on our Grand Caravan ES AWD with only routine maintenance. The vehicle has been great - very reliable - big enough to carry everything we need. Gas mileage could be better but overall weve been VERY pleased.

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  2004 Dodge Gran Caravan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By phill - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Nice driving feel, very responsive. The ease of entry into vehicle is a plus and the vehicle is very rooming for having 4 teenagers and 1 other child in the family.

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  most fun you can have for the money - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By redram - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Go est drive one it speaks for itself

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  LOVE IT!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Vixen - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Chevy,Ford and Jeep suvs but the Dodge Durango is by far the best! The ride is smooth and comfortable. Handles great! It feels like your gliding going up hills. Powerful engine even without getting the hemi. Takes the bumps in the road extremely well. So far the mileage is better than the Jeep I had which was only a 6 cylinder. I would highly recommend this vehicle if your looking to buy a new suv.