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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  Nitrod - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Alan - August 13 - 4:43 am

  This SUV will become a verb. Took the 4WD for a test drive and then ended up buying the 2WD just because it was what I could afford :-) So far I like it. A bit light on the back so it fish tailed on a turn when I was merging on to a main road. It also made the tires squeal. After the scare I had a silly grin on my face. Talk about midlife crisis. I am mean again!

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  Happy Journeyman - 2016 Dodge Journey
  By Marc Kent - August 12 - 8:45 pm

  Despite some of the bad reviews this thing gets online, my wife and I love our Dodge Journey Crossroads Plus. Its comfy, spacious, has plenty of power for us with the 4 cylinder, looks sharp with the Crossroads Plus trim, and the infotainment system is arguably the best in the world. You can get all kinds of add-ons that are mostly just preference items - we have some key upgrades like the 8.4 Uconnect system, power seats, and back-up camera. The only real cons I can think of is the 4-speed transmission is kind of choppy at lower speeds (not noticeable for highway driving and such). For the price, this is the most spacious SUV you can buy, and its packs a nice ride to boot. If you want a sports car or full size monster SUV, then well, get one of those. This is an affordable family mover and fills that role very well.

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  Love it! - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Alli - August 12 - 8:43 am

  I traded in my Honda Del Sol for the Caliber. I didnt want a small car or a huge SUV, therefore the Caliber was just my size. I feel safer and more confortable. I got the Red 2.0 with cruise control and free satelite radio for a year. Also with 6 disc cd changer. Tried to get one with sunroof but dealership couldnt find one with all the other features I wanted along with it.

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  Great vehicle, beats our old SUV - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Anita - August 10 - 2:56 am

  We traded in an SUV to get the Dodge Grand Caravan and have had no regrets. It is comfortable riding, drives nice, can carry more than our truck, and mileage isnt bad for a larger vehicle.

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  Nice car, for what it is. - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Mike - August 9 - 6:43 pm

  When deciding to purchase a new car, I looked and test drove the 2005 Dodge Neon SXT Special Edition, the Ford Focus, and the Plymouth PT Cruiser. I felt I made the best decision for what Ive spent on the car since its initial purchase. Gas mileage in town is around 26-29 MPG and town/highway is around 31. The car is sporty and is fun to drive. The SXT Special Edition package was a definite plus in the factor of my purchase. The kicker 6-disc changer with 6 speakers and subwoofer sounds amazing, although dont expect to blow your doors off. The chrome 15" rims are nice, just not all that flashy. Id definitely recommend the Neon SXT if you dont want the price tag on a nicer car.

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  Watch out Honda and Toyota - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Rick - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Just traded my 2005 Jeep Wrangler X on this great little car. Makes the Jeep look like a dinosaur. They put their thinking caps on for this one. I have greatly anticipated its arrival. I have already sold a friend on getting one. My neighbor also. I get looks as if I were in an Aston Martin??? Rack one up for the USA and Dodge!

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By cgl - August 7 - 10:40 pm

  Love the handling and design. I get compliments everywhere I go. Roomy and comfortable, yet practical.Loads of fun!

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  Vrrrooomm - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By nolesjason - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been glowing since I bought my new little toy. This car looks sharp and is fun to drive. The speakers rock.

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  couldnt ask for more - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By joecerio - August 3 - 10:16 pm

  Ok I waited 1 year before posting review. Bought vehicle new in august 2012. Trans recall was right on. fixed prob. sat radio still doesnt work. Other than that this van is perfect in every sense. I am getting good gas mileage, comfort, storage, and hauling capabilities. There seems to be some very picky people out there. This van was way less than the others I checked them all out before buying. Ride may seem a little stiff but for what van can do well worth it. if you want a really smooth ride shell out 60k and get a Cadillac. In my opinion great vehicle for the money. will get another. This is my 4th dodge van. And next body change god willing and the creek dont rise I will get anothe

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  Great Van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By G. roy - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Rides awesome! did not think that you could beat the rided of my Ford Windstar --- I was wrong.