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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  Nice car that isnt that expensive! - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Sandy - July 23 - 2:13 am

  Ive owned a Neon before and let me say that they are much improved over the years. I love the newer body style. I love the stereo. Actually I put a 8 inch Rockford Fosgate bass tube in the trunk...and wow is it loud...really turns heads! I love the color...I got the red...so pretty. Really a nice car for only around $15,000.00!

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  Purple Penelope - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Lauren - July 22 - 8:28 pm

  The Neon was my first car. It was a terrific first car. It was easy to drive, handled well, spacious, great on gas, and cute. It only had minor problems like loose cables (easy to fix). At over 118,000 miles, it drove like new. I cant complain.

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  Perfect - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By denver caliber sxt - July 22 - 9:03 am

  I am one of those people that researches beyond the necessary. I did my research and narrowed it down between the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. I went with the Caliber and couldnt be happier. The comfort is amazing and that is saying something since I am 65", 230lbs. This vehicle fit me the best and also leaves room for someone to sit behind me comfortably which is a first. The speed is great for a 2.0 4 cylinder. The upgraded stereo with the 9 speaker boston acoustics is well worth the extra money. Couldt be happier!

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  I want to scream - 1995 Dodge Avenger
  By fink - July 21 - 10:12 pm

  I love this car. Its exactly what I wanted, until I bought it. Ever since I got this car, Ive had nothing but problems with it. Tires, brake, fuel pump, sensors, and now theres something wrong with the transmisson. It never goes into gears and it eats gas like crazy! However, when it does work, I love it.

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  Love It! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Lovin_chevy84 - July 21 - 2:23 pm

  My husband bought me this truck because my Chrylser finally died. Im not a fan of little trucks. Im more into long cars or full sized trucks like the F-150, or a Bonneville. I wasnt that impressed by the looks, but once I got to drive it, I never want to buy another car again. Im used to being low, but now I can see everything! Also I own horses, so now I can tow them myself instead of paying someone

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  My dream truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By BCDodger - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive onlt had it for a month, but I love everything about it! There is plenty of room, for my family of six. The ride is great! The looks are AAA! Overall the truck was very much worth the price!

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  I love my Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BNJ - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many different SUVs & found the Durango to be a quality vehicle that is fun to drive. It is very responsive. It carries my wife, five children and myself in comfort and safety. I love it! Service at the dealer is also fantastic!

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  GREAT!!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Robert Gialloreto - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The best,Ihave driven them all;and VERY POWERFUL!!!

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  Fun for all - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Tony CP - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Family Car/SUV with a lot of zip, room and style. A very versatile car that will fit the needs of the most demanding family needs. Rides like a sports car with the room of a van.

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  My 99 supercar - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By clydedernitt - July 20 - 9:55 pm

  i purchased this car used with 16000 miles. It was for taking the kids to school, a 10 mile trip daily .I did go from TN to FL once and the fuel mileage was not as expected. I added Chrysler alloy wheels and the nose and deck spoiler like comes on the later RT models. I only have 43,000 miles on it now. I went to trade it for a new Caliber dodge and the dealer offered only $1600.00 trade-in! The Dodge dealer stated that the motors in these cars are bad. My car runs and looks new. We kept the Dodge for a back-up vehicle for my soon to be a driver teen son. No major defects. 2 recalls. One speed sensor and oil change. Brakes, rotor