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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  My choice of Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Sheila Fudge - December 8 - 1:46 am

  I was wanting to change from driving an SUV to a car. I was looking for better fuel economy but still wanted safety and performance. My husband drives a Dodge Ram 4X4 with the Hemi motor and suggested I try the new Charger. I was suprised at the high mileage rating. After test driving it I knew I wanted it. I have been totally satisfied with my purchase.

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  My Car - 1993 Dodge Dynasty
  By Deborah - December 8 - 12:39 am

  I have really enjoyed onwing my Dodge Dynasty. It has given me many years of pleasures, and very low maintance. I have driven it across country twice and not one bit of trouble.

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  Smooth Ride - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Lisa Brinkley - December 7 - 12:20 pm

  This car picks up speed fast. Great to drive in the rain. The Caliber truly grips the road. The quality of the car is tough. I backed into a pole and it did not dent at all. Just a small scratch.

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By PAULIE - December 6 - 5:30 pm

  The SXT V6 is a very good choice, Furthermore, you can improve the performance, I did. I installed a bigger intake and bigger exhaust system which produced another 25 horse power.The Magnum body looks sweet with 22 inch rims.

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  trans - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By johnnyredknife - December 6 - 3:18 am

  I drove my 2012 Grand Caravan twice before having it towed back to the dealer. The trans was leaving a trail of fluid from the grocery store to my driveway where it ended with a puddle. The dealer said he ran it all day and could not find a leak. I suggested adding fluid. Mike called back claiming the pump and axle seals were leaking. A trans cant be run dry without sustaining damage. It was exacerbated by running it all day, but Chrys Limited Warranty only paid for seals, fluid and labor rather than replacing the unit. So I have an unrealible traffic hazard that I cant wait to get rid of. I would not recommend this for anyone interested in safety.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Carl Scott - December 5 - 10:38 pm

  I had a dream that I was driving a silver Durango and thats what I purchased I have the 2005 SLT 2WD 5.7 liter HEMI engine. It has plenty of power but it gets thirsty for fuel but that was expected I wish I would have known Dodge was going to be offering 2years worth of free gas maybe I would have waited.I previously owned a 99 Durango slt 4x4 I traded it for the 05 because the transmission was starting to hesitate.

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  Big Bad Magnum RT - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Triple B - December 5 - 2:56 pm

  I love this car. We were looking at downsizing from our SuperCrew Truck to get better fuel economy, hold our kids and we needed an AWD car/minivan as we live its a snowbelt. We looked at Subaru (Legacy/forester), Chrysler (Pacifica/300C AWD), and several mini- vans. We test drove all the vehicles above and the Magnum RT AWD was the most impressive and best bang for your $. Our AWD Magnum is incredible in the snow & ice like you are on rails. This car is very impressive in both city and highway driving. It is comfortable and smooth driving, very quiet in the cabin and plenty of room for 4 people and luggage! If you like to be noticed this car will do that with many looks & thumbs up!

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  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Great Car - December 5 - 7:56 am

  This is a great car. I have owned lots of cars and I think this is about my favorite. I think they should put better tires on though, as mine has 18,000 miles and look like racing slicks. Goodyear Eagle LS was not a wise choice. Brakes had to be replaced at 11,000 miles. But other than that I love this car. Sometimes i find myself taking the long way home because i just enjoy driving this car. Oh yeah.... when new... be ready to pay for some gas till it has about 5,000 miles.... felt like I was trying to keep gas in a V8 instead of a 4cyl.

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  My Baby - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By Greg Svatora - December 5 - 12:17 am

  Purchased truck in high school, drove through college, now married and still running. Truck is amazing in all weather. Only minor problems over 110,000 miles, including the standard crap Dodge transmission. I mostly drive unloaded but tow cars probably 1500-2000 miles/yr and it works great. Cant wait to get some money to put some performance stuff in her. I get great mileage, 20 mpg with the 5.2L on straight highway miles, 16-17 on normal driving. Little tip...Firestone Destination LE tires are amazing on this truck.

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  Just ok - 1991 Dodge Dynasty
  By dodgedynasty91 - December 4 - 11:36 pm

  I bought the car from a Nissan dealership...they said an older couple traded it in. It had 101,000 miles, took it home, changed the oil, it appears the dealer put something in it to cover up a valve tap, so after changing the oil it started tapping. Later the odometer broke. Transmission started shifting hard, had a problem where it wouldnt start well. Overall it would go anywhere, it just had alot of glitches..