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:

• 

  Very Good vehicle - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Dan - July 28 - 10:33 am

  This is my first Dodge vehicle, and I can say I really like it. I found the Durango to have a funny look to it at first, however I have become accustom to it and now think it has a cool look. Coming form a Ford Explorer, I found the Durango handles and rides much better. I found the room inside to be very spacious and quite. I have the HEMI engine and it gives me unlimited power on the road ( I tow a trailer about 5,000lbs.) It is a gas hog, however that’s what you get for having the power. All in all, I have to say that I am very pleased with the Durango and would most likely buy it again.

• 

  Converted Chevy Owner - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Riggs1 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive got the Hemi - even though Edmunds does NOT have this as an option...the 2004 Tahoe would have been $8000 more with less power, convenience and OLD sluggish styling...The Durango does need more storage ability (pockets, etc.) and the third seat should come split with the ability to remove...all that said - I really (!!) like this SUV...

• 

  WOW - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - July 28 - 3:50 am

  I have never had a car with an automatic kick you back in the seat like this thing does. The first time I punched it, it shocked me. All I can say is WOW. And, in 2nd gear at 4,000 RPM is sounds incredible... you have to turn off the radio just so you can hear the car. Awesome. Speaking of the radio, its great too. No need for aftermarket stuff here. The only real surprise was that there is no spare tire, and no run-flats. Instead, you get a little bottle of fix-a-flat and a pump that plugs into the power outlet. Im gunna buy an extra tire just in case I ever get a flat. I doubt you can just go in anyplace and find one in stock. But, this car is simply incredible!

• 

  Dakota Rocks! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By cobb_cruiser - July 27 - 9:17 pm

  I purchased just it a few weeks ago, and all I can say is its a great truck. Best looking truck on the road. It has 127k miles, but rides excellent. Mine has a 5.2L V8 which produces lots of power! Gas mileage is OK for this much power. Great acceleration. Great turning radius. Good braking. The power steering pressure hose developed a pin-hole (have no idea why?). But replacing it was a breeze! Lots of room to work around. Easy access. I expect to drive it about another 127k based on what I have seen and experienced so far. Love this truck!

• 

  dango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By melissa fox - July 27 - 8:01 pm

  I like the room,and design. I love the way it rides higher, and performance in the V6 is good. The bad side is the gas mileage, and its a little rough on the ride, but I expected that.

• 

  Car of my dreams - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Nei Stearns DMD - July 27 - 5:10 pm

  The most fun car Ive ever owned. I had a 2000 Corvette coupe and a 2002 Zo6 Vette.Both were great cars but felt like any normal car. The Viper give me the excitment and fun I was looking for! To drive this car makes you feel alive.This is a car that you have to drive and control. The power and acceleration reminds me of taking off on a jet airliner!

• 

  Viper review - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By buckey - July 27 - 5:07 pm

  I purchased this auto after much consideration of whats available on the market for a superior performing and appearing, as well as convenient sports car. I also wanted a convertible to be able to have the open air feeling that accompanies that. This car has completely satisfied that objective and I can truthfully say that I have been completely happy with my choice.

• 

  I love this truck - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Cindi Whitfield - July 26 - 11:35 am

  I love my new Durango. it handles well. I owned a 1998 Durango and it drove like a truck, very rough. My new Durango drive smoother than my husbands car. I have four children and two dogs and make trips to MA and DE and I feel were very safe in this new Durango. If I could change one thing the SUV does have a lot of blind spots, not just at the side mirrors.

• 

  Reliable - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By june - July 26 - 8:38 am

  This car is fun to drive and also reliable as long as you take good care of it. If something is wrong with the car, take care of it as fast as you can, and it will never give you any problems

• 

  I love my Caravan - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Julie Lorentz - July 25 - 9:49 pm

  I have had very good luck with my Caravan. I am disabled, and the 4 door design allows me to easily load my walker in the side door. I need a vehicle I can trust, and my Caravan has proven itself trustworthy. When the time comes, I plan to replace it with another Caravan.