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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  Classy Muscle Power - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By macmanks - August 1 - 10:55 pm

  I traded the 2010 Camaro I had for nearly a year and 20K miles for the 2010 R/T Classic in B5 Blue Pearlcoat and I have not missed the Camaro even a little bit. Guys and gals, if you are looking for a muscle car that thrills and does so while you ride in luxury comfort - then you have only one choice: The Challenger. If only I had tried the Challenger before buying the Camaro. Dont take my word for it, TRY them all, one after another. The Challenger has the TOTAL package and even with the 5.7 L HEMI I am averaging nearly 21 mpg combined and averaged 26 on a 100 mile plus straight highway trip with the cruise set at 75 mph! Amazing to me.

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  Best Looking car on the road - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Dan - August 1 - 1:37 pm

  This car has exceeded every expectation that I had when I bought it. It drives very smooth, very responsive and when I need power it has more than enough. There is one main problem with owning the SRT8 model. When ever parked or filling up people want to see under the hood and look in the car. It is a real head turner. If you do not like people staring or wanting to talk to you about your car do not buy this one.

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  Great car! - 2001 Dodge Neon
  By Kandie - July 30 - 4:30 pm

  I bought this car used in 2002 with 36,000 miles, it now has 128,000 I just put on new ties, new battery, timing belt & water pump, because of the high miles (The old one looked perfect when they replaced them) Im giving the car to my parents. They could of done a better job with the paint. Either way, a great running car! I wished they still made them!

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  165k and going - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By rhetorical tool - July 28 - 8:01 pm

  Purchased new in 2000, only in the shop a couple of times - water pump was biggest thing. Fun to drive, lots of interior room, excellent mileage for the size, nice styling. Still a daily driver.

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  Firsty my Besty - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Albert29 - July 26 - 4:00 pm

  Wow what an awesome car so much fun. im 18 I like fun cars and truthfully I didnt think this car would provide that! My father passed down the car to me after he purchased a Toyota. Now he misses the Intrepid! Its a very reliable car its never failed me once even. Probably because I maintain it very well. Its AMAZING in the snow it handles so nice! I still have it and will keep it till it dies! (if it ever does!) Fortunately my car is the 3.2 its an awesome motor plenty performance yet still surprisingly good on fuel economy. The only quirks are my digital climate control display is out and driver window squeaks but I love my Intrepid!!

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  Great Sub SUV - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Great Sub SUV - July 26 - 6:03 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost six months and I have had zero problems out of this vehicle. Lot of cargo room when you fold down the rear seats,plenty of leg room in the rear and in front. The 4.0l engine has plenty of power for me.I love this vehicle. Buy the Shock model with the 4.0l you will be happy.

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  Love It! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Velocity1 - July 24 - 4:31 pm

  First its great looking. I have the Detonator Yellow with some chrome trim and the 20" wheels go real nice with it. I think it handles very well. I come from a tuner car that stuck to the road like glue and was impressed at how the Nitro handled some of my everyday driving maneuvers. There is lots of interior room and all the seats fold perfectly flat. The Nitros premium sound system has a great sub woofer. I have the 4.0 5-speed shiftable transmission and when I need to pass someone I step on the gas and mission accomplished. I think this Nitro fits a certain style and others who say they dont like it probably shouldnt have bought it to begin with! I give it 2 thumbs up!!

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  Dodge Challenger RT Rocks - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Roger - July 24 - 2:27 pm

  Absolutely love the car. Everywhere I go people are always checking out the car so if you want to fly under the radar, dont buy this Car. It runs great and sounds just as good. The other great thing is that you can put 3 full size people in the back without complaints about enough room. It has more than enough power and if you need more there is always cold air induction and predator tuners. Just got back from a long trip and the car got 27 mpg. If you like retro cars, you wont be disappointed.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun and Daddys not taking it - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By aznrule191 - July 23 - 2:18 pm

  Love this car. The whole package is very reliable. I have wanted this car since I was 15. This car is going to be my future track car. I used to run a souped up Supra, and this car is the closest thing I have driven to that power. I have driven a 05 STI and an 03 Golf GTI and this car blows those two away in terms of power. This car is not one I would recommend as a first car. It is a tough drive for an inexperienced driver. The AWD works well and makes the drive smooth and the turn radius one that rivals some of the best rally cars like the EVO and STI. And the Sport and Touring modes makes it perfect for both everyday driving and racing.

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  I love it! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Scott - July 22 - 8:02 am

  Ive been driving for over 30 years and this is my favorite vehicle. Fun to drive and handles very well, those big 20" tires really stick to the pavement. I have the Detonator Yellow and people are always checking it out and giving compliments. The dash and interior controls are easy to use and within reach, the seats are very comfortable. There are no blind spots while driving you can see everything. Ive read some folks were unhappy with the interior and the handling. Your not buying top of the line luxury this is middle of the road SUV for the price.I bought this vehicle for the exterior looks. It is very rugged and handsome looking. Plent of interior space and my wife likes it as well. A+