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:

• 

  Dodge Caravan Owner for Life~ - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dawn - July 16 - 5:52 am

  Very reliable van. purchased when it had about 26,000 miles. It now has 188,700 miles. We have had to do the standard repairs (Tires & Brakes). Around 100,000 miles we did have an antifreeze leak. Finally after a couple years of dealing with that they figured out it was a crack in a hose. They repaired that and we have not had any problems since. Currently the only thing wrong is the Drivers auto lock broke and the exhaust needs replaced.

• 

  Family & Fun Without the Oversize SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Icee - July 16 - 3:36 am

  The Dodge Magnum is in a class all by it self. The drive is quiet and comfortable and the gas mileage I get is good. The kids love the look and the comfort of the ride as well as the 6 CD changer MP3 and the sounds the speakers give, as well the satellite radio for everyone. Speaking of comfort, the leather seats, and the dual heated seated in the front are great. This car feels and drives better than the best SUV on the market.

• 

  What an Upgrade! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By STLsparks - July 16 - 1:56 am

  Previously drove a 2004 Grand Caravan and this car blows its doors off. Terrific improvements in almost every aspect and I cant say enough how much Ive enjoyed this car in the first few weeks of ownership. Tons of compliments from everyone who sees it and we had the choice between the 2008 Grand caravan and the 2007 Odyssey LX (for about the same price) and to us it was no contest. 4.0 engine is a nice upgrade and they made the ride much more car-like (and quieter) compared to our prior Caravan.

• 

  Great Buy - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Chris - July 13 - 5:16 am

  I have been looking for a new midsize car for the last few months and have been to every dealer we have in town here. This is the only care that stirred any emotional response from me and it did that very well. I drove the SXT and the R/T, the R/T is defiantly the way to go if you like spirited driving. I have only had the car a few weeks but I havenÂ’t found any thing to regret this buy. I really recommend this car for anyone shopping in the midsize market that wants to stand out and have fun doing so.

• 

  Easy on a daily commute - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By ricoy - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought an SXT 2003. Great to drive on a daily basis. Mileage could be better. Gas tank should be bigger! I have not been able to put more than 9 gallons of gas.(or maybe it is my Neon only). Great sund system.

• 

  Best care ever! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By kellymedley@gmail.com - July 9 - 7:19 pm

  I have driven Mercades, BMW, and Lexus, even though this isnt a luxury car it drives and handles just as well. It is very sturdy and quality. I love this car!

• 

  Simply stellar - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By reggie - July 2 - 5:33 pm

  This car is unbelievable! With a 6.1L, I assumed gas mileage would be on the low side, but I am so taken aback by the car itself I feel it is a PLEASURE to burn fuel. If I put on Metallicas FUEL behind the wheel I can barely keep it below 65 MPH (which does not even require fourth, or fifth gear). It rides at a smooth 2200 RPMs at 75 MPH!!! I am flabbergasted it is a DODGE...

• 

  Awesome car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Art G. - July 1 - 11:03 am

  We went to buy a new Grand Caravan and I looked at the Magnum. My wife didnt care for it, but I told her to drive it to see how it handled. That was it. She loved it and I must say it is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. Handling, ride, power, comfort on long trips. We travel to Florida for the winter and fuel mileage was as quoted. Now have 8,000 miles on it, no problems except for two bad tires.

• 

  Smile Induction - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By MMELVIN - June 30 - 10:03 am

  I LOVE this car! Everyday when I drive to and from work, this car makes me SMILE...I get tons of looks (and several .."that thing gotta Hemi?"). It is comfortable inside and menacing outside. I love the engine and the brakes (hate the brake dust - tho). I had my brother-in-law, who has done paint and body work for 25 years, check the car out before I purchased it...and he said it was the best fit and finish he has seen on a domestic auto...period! Kudos to Dodge for cranking up the Chargers Smiles per hour!

• 

  Caliber 1 - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By J Saucier - June 30 - 1:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving the Caliber. I like the smooth take off of the transmission. No Jerks. The ride is comfortable. The radio and CD have excellent sound and control. I like that if you have taken your key out from the iginition for so many seconds, you can still close the windows.