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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  Pleasently Surprised - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob Watkins - June 24 - 2:17 pm

  I bought this about a year ago. Ive had no trouble with it. Ride and drive is really good and better than I expected. 4 cylinder is quite athletic when the air is off, a bit boggy when its on from a stop. A/C is ice cold. Overall quality is much better than my last Chrysler product, a 96 Sebring conv. People comment on how handsome this car looks and I agree. I know some people have had trouble with their coupes but I must have gotten a good one. I like the dash and door panels a lot. My car has the Special Edition package, which is 2 tone leather seats and a couple other goodies thrown in. Inside, with the blk/gray leather seats is nearly luxurious. Gas mileage is good. Love this car!

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  Grocery Getter with an Attitude - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Noah and Kristen - June 23 - 10:22 pm

  We bought our new Magnum three weeks ago and I have been in love with it ever since. The weekend after we bought it, we drove it to Nashville and averaged 27 MPG. The power out of our 3.5L is amazing. It is nothing to bark the tires at a light or around a corner. Now that I got rid of my old beater, my daughter always wants to ride in Daddys car.

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  Finally a SUV for a realistic price! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BBall Mom - June 23 - 6:43 pm

  Just purchased my first SUV yesterday. Previously I had Chrysler Town & Country LXI for 6 years and wanted something sporty but yet roomy enough for my children. Pricing is very reasonable for a SUV type vehicle. I went with the XLT w/o the 3rd row seat. Both versions have plenty of room. I purchased the black with silver chrome wheels very stylish. I am very happy with my purchased!

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  Viper SRT10 - 2006 Dodge Viper
  By Jason - June 23 - 4:05 pm

  Great Car, good handling. It can use traction control to help inexperienced drivers. The suspension is great on smooth roads, however it does get a bit harsh on the Michigan roads.

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  2006 SXT Magnum is Awesome! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By T. Smith - June 21 - 5:11 pm

  My "Maggie" is the best vehicle I have ever owned or driven! Its so comfortable to drive and ride in and the Boston Acoustics are wonderful! The 6x CD player is a blast to load and listen to all my favorite music back to back. I zoom my sunroof back and turn up my tunes and enjoy the ride!

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  1 year later - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By BlackDak - June 21 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my 05 Dakota about a year ago and after 24000 miles I have had no problems at all. Fuel mileage was about 18 hiway, before the exhaust and air intake changes, now its about 20. Fun truck to drive and off road it does very well.

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  Glad I bought it! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By CrazyArrow - June 21 - 12:42 pm

  I went to the dealership to buy an SUV and drove off in a Magnum! It was love at first sight and Im a big guy so room was very important- definitely no complaints here. I have definitely upgraded from my minivan and no longer feel like Ive given up on life! :) I definitely do not need a Hemi, but am a bit disappointed with the 2.7. It has enough "umph" to get the job done, but with nowhere near the performance of the 3.5 or Hemi.

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  Very fun and fast mid size car! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By BLAIZE - June 20 - 7:44 pm

  This car is by far the best sports car Ive driven. With 200hp and 205lb torque, you cant go wrong. Taking off each time is like cake walk. Put the car in 3rd gear, and at 1500rpm, it takes off easy! Again the torque is amazing. The tires are very sticky. Suspension is perfect. I recommend the 5 speed manual trans. The inside is like a cockpit of a plane. Its also very low to the ground, but thats the whole point. This cars power band is 100% perfect as well, as there is no lag whatsoever. Overall, its worth it if you like to go fast. Its not as small as a Honda Civic, but it kicks the crap out of it! I recommend that you buy this car!

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  Caravan1 - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By johnm - June 20 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle for around town, on the highway, and for carrying large loads. Comfortably carries 6-7 people.

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  DODGE SPORT GRAND CARAVAN - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By AVANBUFF - June 20 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TO DRIVE ON TRIPS DEALER SERVICE UNACCEPTABLE. BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITHIN TWO YEARS OTHER WISE REALLY LIKE THIS MININVAN