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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  Very nice truck for the money. - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By DFMN - June 15 - 11:52 am

  I bought a 05 Black limited 4x4 with the Hemi 94k miles. The person prior took extremely good care of the vehicle. It runs perfect in every way and is very quiet for such a big motor.The tranny is silky smooth. Gas mileage in town is 16 mpg and on the freeway is 21-22 cruising at 75. The ride is good but not great, handling is the same. Infinity sound system is fantastic. The seats are comfortable during long trips etc. Towing is great and the vehicle is very stable on the road at all times. The drivers seat plastic has cracked just like all the rest, not a big deal, but annoying. Other than that, I love this truck. Pictures do not do it justice, go drive one and you will likely buy it.

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  Nice ride - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Charles - June 14 - 11:32 am

  Its been a great car for the wife to drive, in fact I even enjoy driving too.

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  SRT8 Challenger - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Tony - June 10 - 11:35 pm

  I have owned many vehicles, but this years Dodge Challenger SRT8 is absolutely one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned. Power handling, style from the gem of a Hemi engine, good suspension..comfortable seating even for rear passengers and a trunk that you can actually put luggage in, but the performance of this Hemi, sings with 425 horse power. I recommend this car to any driver who loves muscle cars that look good,handle very well, and love the sound of power, this is it! Cant wait for next year, 6.4 liter, 550 Horse power, yah baby!

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  Love My New Car - 2010 Dodge Avenger
  By Tracie - June 9 - 8:06 pm

  This car is fabulous! I wanted something that was fun and had enough power to make driving a good time but not enough to get me in trouble. I also wanted something that was the right size for a growing family. This car fits all of my needs and the added extras like the media center just sweeten the deal. Its fun and it fits the zippy mom car role I was looking for

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  fun car - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By jim mathy - June 9 - 7:42 pm

  I have owned four corvettes, two 911s a 930 Porsche a Ferrari and the viper is my favorite, it doesnt ride like a Porsche but it handles better in the corners and just has the raw hp. Its watched where ever you go, hard to ride under the radar. The car is easy to work on compared to a Ferrari or Porsche and it is so much less to maintain when it comes to service and parts. Its a truly drivable car.

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  Emotional Choice, But No Regrets - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By veblenesque - June 8 - 11:56 am

  I was in the market for a manual transmission car to drive to work (I also have an older Boxster). I wanted something fun to drive and safe that provided some driving fun. I went to look at the new Mustang and found an 09 Challenger in the used lot. I drove both, and just couldnt shake the fact that the Challenger is just a better looking car that provides the perfect blend of retro muscle car thrills. Yes, it wont outhandle or outrun the mustang, but I smile every time I look at it and love listening to the sound of the engine and the smooth ride on my drive home. Navigation and bluetooth phone are much improved. Soft handling that still corners well when pushed. Love this car.

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  Best SUV ever owned. - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Ed - June 7 - 9:17 pm

  3 years ago I went to the dealer and I was looking for a Black Dodge Durango SLT, Hemi of course, until the salesman told me that they only had a Durango Night Runner on transit to the dealer and I obviously said YES!. Owning this truck for 3 years has been a great experience with a perfect and powerful engine with great performance, great interior, and nice black chrome wheels. Its got about 37,000 miles and Ive never ever had any problems. All I can say is that ITS THE PERFECT CHOICE.

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  Loved my 2006 Dakota - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Dakota Lover - June 7 - 9:06 pm

  I recently lost my 2006 Dodge Dakota 8- cylinder quad cab 2WD due to a weather related accident. But in the 3 1/2 years I owned my Dakota, I absolutely loved driving it every time I got behind the wheel and had zero problems with it in the time I owned it. As I was so completely satisfied with my 2006 Dakota in the time I owned it, I wanted to post a post-ownership review for the benefit of those who are considering purchasing one. The only bit of advice I would have is to opt for the 4-wheel drive version, though, since the 2-wheel drive version is real-wheel drive.

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  Good car for the price - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Kelly - June 7 - 4:42 pm

  I bought this car 4 years ago & I love it. I originally wanted a Pontiac Vibe but the Caliber had more of the options I wanted for a lower price. The car is very roomy & I get 25 mpg with it, which is great seeing as how my job requires traveling. I slid on some ice in January 2009 & slammed into a metal gate. The entire front end back to the front doors needed replaced but there was no internal damage. I also had to get the left front lower control arm replaced this past March. The car is horrible in the snow, so I plan on getting a 4WD truck next year but I still plan on keeping this car. Its a sharp looking car.

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  I Love My Dodge - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Step Col - June 6 - 2:36 pm

  I love driving my Dodge Dakota! If I had to buy another truck it would be a Dodge 6 cylinder! My only complaints are thay could have a little more seat padding, bigger glove compartment, more under backseat storage and better gas mileage! Also being better able to see lighted up dash area and radio information when the headlights are turned on and more room underneath the light between the sun visors.