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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  The Spirit is with ye - 1994 Dodge Spirit
  By arlo - November 28 - 2:48 pm

  I bought my 94 Spirit in January of 02. It has plowed through snowstorms and over mountains without fail. I paid $2500 for it and have put on over 40000 miles of hard winter driving in Vermont. Great car.

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  good car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bgrenier11 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice car. It rides very smooth.

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  Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Kevin Johnson - November 28 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. I was looking at the Durango when I noticed the Magnum. Much to my surprise, I got the best of both worlds. The fuel economy of the average car, with the pleaseure, enjoyment & functionality of an SUV.

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  Dads Dodge - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By scruffeone - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a family vehicle and ended up with a classic. This wagon has everything I need covered. From its great looks to fuel economy Ive been smiling since purchase. As a father of four small children, the wagon carries everything I need, as A daily commuter, its got the performance to get in and out when I need it, and as a 43 y/o teenager, I enjoy the looks I get when out cruisin. The sound system is extreme and a pleasure to listen to, and the whole package cost me much less than I expected. Dads everywhere are going to thank Dodge for this artwork on wheels. I totally recommend this ride to any Dad on a budget, it beats the wheels off of anything else out there.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By tba - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The ride is much better than I expected. Love the towing capacity and cargo room. Long trips are very comfortable. HEMI is smooth and powerful, helpful for passing and towing.

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  What a SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By tkymasters - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Great on Performance and Control. What a big difference from the 2002 models. Stiffer frame makes the handling amazing. This D. rides more like a minivan than a truck. The HEMI is the best feature Dodge ever thought of, A+++. Overall.. the Durango Limited is a great buy. I cant seem to slow down!!

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  Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chuck Venable - November 28 - 6:43 am

  Ive had the car since July of this year and its still fun to drive and get business done.

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  Not a good buy - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By melliann - November 27 - 11:10 pm

  We have had nothing but issues since we got it, going through brake pads like crazy, had to replace the transmission twice, and be careful how far away you are from other drivers because the brakes are really squishy, so bad that it caused me to get into a fender bender and now hubby thinks it is totaled! Oh joy - NOT!

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  This car is soo Reliable - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Lady K - November 27 - 9:30 pm

  This is my first car and suppose to get me through college. 140000 miles and counting. Overall the car works mostly all of the time, only normal general maintenance is required ( tune ups, oil changes, etc..) Never really had any big expensive problems with it and Ive had it almost 6 years. Love It !!

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  Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By rhjones6 - November 27 - 2:16 pm

  First of all POOR service by local dealers. The car has had numerous small problems. Wheel bearings, cog&chain in the tranny, power window closers, electrical harness,third brake light and the car still has a shake in the front end at highway speeds with a rumble noise. All tires and balance have been chaged and rechecked several times. Dealer says they know its there dont know how to fix it. Oh what a feeling!!!! I think a Toyota is in the future.