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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  Love my first Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Don - December 23 - 9:16 am

  I am a Volvo man - have owned 7 over the years (still own a 1994 940. I recently bought my first Dodge and am extremely happy with it. The reason I looked at the Caliber is I am a wheelchair user (manual, non-folding ultralight weight) and I have found that most new cars on the market are either too small to hold my wheelchair (without taking it apart), are huge gas guzzlers, or are too expensive for my budget. The Caliber will hold my wheelchair, gets great gas mileage, and is one of the least expensive new cars I have ever bought. It totally satisfies my requirements, is fun to drive and the dealer/service department is excellent. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Awesome Van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stacy - December 21 - 11:00 pm

  Weve had our van for six months now and I still love it! We had an 02 Odyssey before this one and I would definitely recommend the Dodge over the Honda. I think it is very easy to drive. I feel like I sit up in it and that I have a good view of my surroundings. Stow n go seating is great! I have two young children and their stuff is no longer rolling around on the floor of the van!

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  My opinion - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Robert W. Rusch Sr. - December 15 - 8:16 am

  For a long time I had a whistling noise at high speeds. It took me a long time to find out what it was. But I did find it. Other than that I really enjoy the vehicle. Moreso than any other vehicle I owned.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Oliver - December 13 - 2:33 pm

  The best buy for me in a long time. I wasnt sure whether to get an SUV or the Magnum SXT, but after owning mine for 3 months now, I know it was the right decision. Fuel mileage, handling, roomy interior and the excitment of driving a "Grocery Getter" that turns head was more than worth it. The whole family loves it and my kids call it the "Beast" :)! If you think of getting one (Dodge has come a long way with improvements and quality) take it one for an extended spin (highway, backroads and city) and Im sure that youll get it. Its worth checking out if youre in the market for a new, sporty, head-turning car (even for those in a mid-life-crisis)! I love my Mangnum "Beast" SXT, Youll too.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Puff Chippy - December 11 - 3:10 am

  My previous car was a 5 series BMW and before that was a Lexus LS400. In my opinion the Charger is better than either. Its quicker, roomier and (so far) more reliable than the BMW, plus its as comfy as the Lexus yet handles much better. The fact that it was significantly less expensive than either is just icing on the cake.

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  durango limited with HEMI - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By jv1234567 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, and is a good solid workhorse

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  Well Designed - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By mike ped - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Well designed, comfortable with the ability to haul a lot of stuff. Handles well, plenty of power for 99% of your driving needs. Just wish it could get better gas mileage.

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  Happy Durango Owners - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Ricardo Escobedo - December 7 - 11:17 pm

  Ours is the 3.6l engine version, and it runs just beautifully. I guess Im old school, and all the interior gadgets were almost overwhelming, from the back up camera to the rear proximity sensors, no more backing into hidden signposts or other cars parked behind. Too much to mention, overall, a very happy camper. It also works very well in our 110 plus degree Arizona desert heat.

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  Love It! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jenni - December 7 - 5:03 am

  I love this van! Ive had it almost two weeks and I already got 550 miles on it. At this time Im getting about 19- 20 mpg with the driving I do. I traded in my 04 Durango :( because it was killing me in gas 14mpg. I would have really loved to have gotten a Caliber, but I have one child, two large dogs, and hope to have another child in the near future so this is really the smallest thing I could get. Im really surprised at how much I really like this thing. Its easy to load and unload everyone. And when traveling my hubby drives 9 outta 10 times so if I need to get in the back I can climb right back without having to pull over. Lots of praise on this van so far. I hope it stays that way.

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  Love my Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By DODGE RT - December 6 - 5:23 pm

  I have really enjoyed having the power of a hemi and still be able to get 24- 28 mpg. Charger R/T is really fun to drive and handles great!