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:

• 

  Its a 68/69 Camaro on steroids - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By Doug - February 13 - 4:29 pm

  Ive wanted a 68 Z-28 since then. When the 08 Challenger body style appeared, I noticed. When the 12 body updates occurred, I had to get one. The wait was absolutely worth it. Simply gorgeous/brutal looks, active exhaust sounds killer, acceleration (375 hp) is something else. Huge moon roof. Six-speed stick feels great in the hand, and works fine. Gas mileage: forget it. Handling: forget it. Rear visibility: forget it. But a trunk (with fold-down rear seats) for the ages, even with the OPTIONAL ($300) spare tire. Dwarfs WRXs, BMWs; same size as a Cadillac CTS. At 4400 lbs, it aint lithe. If you want handling, buy an angular Camaro or a humdrum Mustang. If you want the ultimate evolution of the classic 60s muscle car, with a sound and straightline pull that will get your attention, buy a Challenger.

• 

  Love this car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Paulamoore8 - February 12 - 5:37 pm

  I love it. For the price I paid I think I got a lot of fun car for the money. If anyone is looking for peppy little car, try this one. I have teenage boys that love it too. The biggest gripe I have is it is somewhat difficult to get in and out of, but once I am in its a blast. I get a lot of second looks

• 

  More room - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By vapamd3 - February 12 - 3:51 pm

  After spending 14 years in standard cab Rangers {2} and S-10s {2} i wanted more interior space.I chose the Dakota mainly because I couldnt find a Tacoma or Frontier at any dealer with the options i wanted. I found this SLT and could not be happier. Smooth, powerful, and comfortable. All controls within easy reach -no daytime running lights ,which I love -great sound and features. I needed the tow package and Dodges is one of the best out there.

• 

  Spend the extra money and get a Honda!!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By c_curry - February 12 - 12:46 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned. I have had it for a year and 2 months. It has been in the shop 8 times, going in for its 9th time on Thursday. Water pumps, belts, 2 power sliding door motors, computer reset, and the rack and pinion: these are just a few of the things that have been wrong with it. We will be on our THIRD rack and pinion on Thursday. Im trading this in for a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.

• 

  Problems experienced with my 2005 SRT 4 - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Charles - February 12 - 2:06 am

  I have not owned this car long but I have have had bad experience with this car.My first problems when i travling from L.A. to San Diego.Car started backfiring and losing a lot of power. This car had 1200 miles.The engine light came on.I was forced to leave the vehicle at a local dealership. I was stranded 50 miles from my destination.There roadside assistance was no help.My second bad experience when I was traveling to work same problem occurred.It appears the Barwick Auto Group tech did not fix the problem.I decided to bring the car to Rancho Auto grp. It apears the problems are coming from the crankcase sensor.I p/u car from Rancho Auto. Third time same problem-only 1800 mi on car.

• 

  Best SUV Ive owned - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By mrcsbrow - February 11 - 10:46 pm

  I used to own a 2002 Ford Explorer. What a useless vehicle. Not only would it not pull my boat I couldnt put anything in the back at all. The new Durango can fit anything from a sheet of plywood to 2 weeks worth of vacation luggage. Not only that but it pulls my boat like nothing is behind it. The fuel mileage is as good as it was on my Explorer and I have more torque and horsepower. Great Job Dodge. Youve earned my business for years to come. Keep up the good work.

• 

  best new affordable car - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By diane - February 11 - 2:03 pm

  We bought our first new car. This car has plenty of room for our family. It is great on gas. The car is sporty lookiing and handles great. If you are looking for a nice looking car, buy this one. You wont regret it

• 

  Loads O fun - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ml - February 11 - 1:03 pm

  I have the car with the 250 HP V-6 and it has ample power particularly considering the gas mileage. The car handles well and I have yet to make the tires chirp on a clover leaf even at 60 MPH. I think it is one of the best cars I have ever had. The ride is great and I have driven it for fairly long distances with no driver fatigue or sore spots. The leather seats with heaters are great. The car ride is smooth and quiet. I would reccommend this car to any one.

• 

  Cant ask much more - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Minnesota bound - February 11 - 8:03 am

  I bought a lease return with 22,000 miles on it. It drives and looks like a new vehicle. I had some concerns about gas mileage, but I get about 18 in town and almost 25 on the highway and thats with the 3.8L. It has plenty of power for almost every situation. The handling has been very good on both dry and wet roads. I havent driven it in the snow yet. The interior, gauges, and controls seem well thought out. The Stow-n-Go seating is miles above my old Aerostars with its 80 lb seats. This has the premium sound system and its as good as my home stereo. I researched this vehicle before buying it and it has had no problems. Im quite impressed so far.

• 

  One sweet ride - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By anita wright - February 10 - 3:33 am

  I have always owned sports cars. I had no need to worry about the choice I made when I bought the Magnum RT. It has a great look, plenty of room, and has more than enough power when I need it!! I recommend this car to everyone who wants something with room and class.