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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  Takes Me Back ! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Ted - June 8 - 11:03 am

  Was in the market for a 300 but the styling of the Charger won me over. It definitely has that feeling of driving my old 73 LeMans but with much improved handling, and of course much better fuel economy. I have never had so many starngers come and talk to me and ask me questions about my car. Seems that everyone is as impressed by its looks as I am. Still wished I could have afforded the Hemi though! At speed, the wind raises the rear bumper which in turn rubs on the trunk lid wearing a line in the paint. Have been told that Chrysler will have a fix for this August 1, 2006.

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  Seems to be a very good min- van - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Darrell Young - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I have never own anything from Dodge. This is a frist time .I hope its better than the Ford windstar I had,it was also a 98, it stayed in the shop more then we drove it.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By bjones - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Nice physical design inside and out. Dodge is leading the pack once again. It is the only company that made significant changes to the 04 SUVs. Its larger than the older Durnago model, but smaller than the larger Tahoes and Denalis. Not to mention about 5-10k less... with leather and a 6 CD/MP3 changer.

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  Pure fun - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Silverchild - June 5 - 1:06 am

  We bought this car a little over a month ago for my husband. Its the first car hes ever truly loved! He finds the seats more comfortable than I do as I require more back support. The interior is gorgeous but very plastic and scratches easily. There is little glare from the dash onto the windshield though. The features this car has are great! A glove box cooler, fantastic air conditioner (dare I say freezing cold in the summer? and were in TX!) lots of leg room and the steering wheel sits out farther than most cars and is larger in size, perfect for my husband. The exterior is sharp and very attractive, lights (in and out) are perfect, tinting dark, stereo incredible and very roomy!

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  my review - 1995 Dodge Ram Wagon
  By CAW - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I like the way this van handles, its power and luxury. Its just a good all- a-round van and it looks good.

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  Best car I have ever had!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jtamos - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove approximately 15 new vehicles before deciding on this Stratus SE. The 2.4L 4 cyl. is in fact slow, but is suprisingly refined and quiet - for a 4 cylinder. I might also add that even though the engine lacks the power of the V6, I find that the engine and transmission compliment each other very well. Great ride, no wind/road noise, and excellent build quality - Let me mention that I am a Quality Assurance Supervisor, with over 11 years in my field. I am extremely picky to say the least. This is just a fantastic vehicle.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mustangs45 - June 3 - 6:23 pm

  This van is the "Biggest Bang for your Buck" out there. We did a lot of research, and though the Dodge may not be the safest or the fastest, but it does give you the most for your money. Being able to fold the seats into the floor is a GREAT option. No more fighting to pull them out or put them in and lug them around. The automatic doors make it much easier with the baby as well!

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  Awesome midsize SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Mike & Rebecca - June 3 - 8:30 am

  The Nitro is aggersively designed for the young and the young at heart. Dodge has taken the best of the other SUVs in the market like Jeep, Hummer, and Land Rrover and made it all Dodge. Its a very fun SUV to drive. Dodge has created a real head turner of a mid size SUV. Dodge has created a perfect SUV with the Nitro.

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  Grand Caravan Sport - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tdm - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Quiet,smooth ride with plenty of room for the kids. Has been extremely reliable with only a couple of minor problems. To date, 92,000 enjoyable miles. The front shocks started to squeak at 40,000 miles, but still function o.k. and are still on (with the occasional squeak). The clockspring coil pack was replaced at 84000. Each of the two transmission speed sensors out at 45000 and 55000. Total repairs (I did some of the work myself) is under $500. Not bad for a vehicle about to hit 100,000 and still drives like it was new!

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  I love my NEON! - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By brooke - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I reacently choose to get a Dodge Neon as my first car. I just turned 16 and bought a 2001 white dodge neon. I love it. I bought it because it was afforable and a nice looking car. It gets great gas milage. I love it!