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:

• 

  Learn from our mistakes - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By dogbertx - April 6 - 8:46 pm

  After many recommendations from the in-laws I purchased a Dodge Caliber. All-in-all Im horribly disappointed. The best drive Ive had was the test drive. Terrible fuel economy relative to other like-sized vehicles. Noisy on all but the smoothest paved roads. Concrete highways were a nightmare. I cant recommend the vehicle on any level.

• 

  Lovin it! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Jennifer - April 6 - 11:54 am

  I have had my new Durango for about two weeks and I love it! It is nice to look at and rides very smooth. We have a new baby, and really enjoy the room it offers. This is my first Durango, but probably wont be my last.

• 

  Magnum RI - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Rick - April 6 - 8:25 am

  There is no better way to say this: I have never been happier with any car (and Ive had quite a number of them) than I am with my Magnum SXT AWD. I chose the 3.5L V-6 because 250 HP is a lot of power, no matter how you cut it. The AWD keeps the wheels firmly planted. I corner hard, and this thing hasnt even squealed the tires a bit. So far, Im averaging 17.5-19.0 mpg, combined, and driving habits give you the predictable results in that area. Style: this car has it in abundance. It rides like a dream, courtsey the chassis and tranny from the Mercedes E- class underneath. Interior is beautiful, elegant, with a touch of attitude. Ive never been happier with any car, ever.

• 

  2.0L 4cyl Automatic - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Interest401 - April 6 - 2:56 am

  I was looking for a car that was dog friendly, but was disappointed with the station wagon and/or hatchback look of the autos that were out there. Then along came the Dodge Caliber! Love the design or hate it - its definitely not your grandmothers car. The SXT with CVT2 is the way to go. Add what you like (for me it was the aluminum wheels, fog lights, and speed control). The car feels and looks much larger than it really is.

• 

  My Baby - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By SARAH - April 5 - 1:14 pm

  I love this truck. Its like Ive always wanted. Its good for a first car and isnt too outrageously large. You sit high enough off the ground without feeling as if youre driving a bus.

• 

  First Purchase of a Dodge - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Patty - April 4 - 11:16 pm

  I have had nothing but Fords for the past 20 years or so. But when I needed to look for a new car, they didnt have anything for me. The Caliber had absolutely everything I was looking for at an affordable price, so I took a more serious look at the car. I have had it now almost 2 weeks and just love it!

• 

  Good and Bad - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Good and Bad - April 4 - 10:44 pm

  Very utilitarian. Great for trips and easy to drive around a large metro area. Gas mileage is reasonable. Much better to operate than a large SUV. On the negative side, the transmission went "belly-up", a major expense, the AC has been a problem, and keeping the alignment corrected has been an issue.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By jc153 - April 4 - 5:26 pm

  Im a short person so i thought it would be too much car for me but its so much fun. It really has some power even though its just a v6. Lots of room on the inside and a big trunk. The only thing for some reason the side mirror seems too big. When Im turning it kind of blocks my view.

• 

  Hemisphere! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Jonesn64 - April 3 - 11:21 pm

  Wife and I love our Durango Limited in Dodge Red. Smooth ride and great power with the Hemi. With our daughter safety was important, so opted for the rear side curtain airbags. Gas mileage is better than our 96 Trooper...and with waaay more pick up. After driving it on occasional trips to the in-laws and on weekends, Im disappointed to go back to my 03 Corolla for my commute to work! This is our first Dodge...and it wont be our last, as I am seriously looking at the 06 Charger. Have had to take it in to dealer twice for check engine light. (1) Ignition relay replaced, (2) Undiagnosed. Also, Rear Diff. was leaking..had to replace gasket.

• 

  All around good to go - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By danny - April 3 - 4:03 pm

  I am very happy with my truck. As long as I take care of it, it seems to take care of me. The V-6 has the all the power I need and the size is perfect for just around the house needs. It is fun to drive and comfortable to drive. I have only had to do the best maintance work to it. It is the base model so it doesnt have all the features, but thats what the base model is. (basic) It is a great buy and I would buy again