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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  Amazing Car says Self-Proclaimed Cynic! - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By alaskan skies - April 17 - 2:54 am

  I purchased my 2008 SXT AWD 3.5L Dodge Magnum around the time Dodge was claiming bankruptcy - at the time I thought I was walking away with a great deal, now that I have had the car for a year I realize that this was probably the best vehicle purchase I have made, or ever will make. This car has it all. It is roomy, yet compact. It is versatile, agile, and swift on its feet. It sports an edgy masculine look as well as a classy interior design. I like its bold look and smooth drive. I purchased the 3.5 L V6 engine and I wouldnt recommend anything less than that. Overall, this is an amazing car and if you find one Id recommend snapping it up.

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  1998 es 4 door sedan - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By RR50 - April 16 - 8:45 pm

  I see a lot of negative reviews for this car , so I might have just got lucky. Without any doubt this was the best car I have ever owned and would not hesitate to buy another one . I quit buying Chrysler a long time ago.( I am 50 yrs old) But couldnt pass this one up. Paid $1000 with 135,000 miles on it. It now has 280,000 miles and engine and tranny are still strong.Never one problem. Only changed normal wear parts.(brakes,belts,etc.)

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  Love it! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By AmandaLouWho - April 12 - 9:58 am

  Just purchased my Dodge Nitro! I absolutely love it! Love the style and the comfort! It is a lot of fun to drive!

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  Fine ride - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By ROY63 - April 10 - 9:45 am

  I love my car. Dealer was great to deal with and car is fun to drive with a great ride. Handles good , I just dont think I could ask for any more.

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  Little Red FunDrive - 1997 Dodge Neon
  By Customs_MP - April 10 - 7:34 am

  Vehicle bought from salvage pool for wife-no damage-theft/recovery. 2 head gaskets needed replaced then normal maintenance. Had dings taken out, repainted red w/clearcoat, added cruise control She loves it and will keep it til it dies!

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  Would love to have another just like it! - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Michelle - April 9 - 8:54 am

  I bought my car the day before my daughter was born. It had 112,000 miles on it. Today is has 252,000+. The only problem that I have had is the lifter went bad but that was my fault due letting my oil level get too low. (not changing the oil like I was supposed to). Over all I have spent less that $1000 on repairs other then general repairs. I wish I could find another one just like it. It is still running but I am ready for a newer model. Great van!

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  First vehicle, I loved it, i miss it. - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jm - April 8 - 2:44 pm

  This was my first car and i absolutely loved it, had to fix a few things when i first got it because the previous owner didnt take care of it but after that it was perfect. It was incredibly comfortable inside, handled really well especially for its size, good power (i had the bigger V6), and for its size the gas mileage was pretty darn good. The only reason i dont have it anymore is because I got into a pretty serious wreck with a Buick Century and Im pretty sure this car saved my life or at least my spine. Would buy another one if i could in a second great buy!

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  Reliable work horse, kids love it. - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By wt - April 6 - 10:25 pm

  I got my caravan new in 2000 and have 114,000 on it so far. I bumped it. I used it for everything. Even use it to pull a small trailer now. Gas could be better. I did not get the lesser model because of difference I can feel when test driving. I worn off the original tire and brakes. Now the biggest problem is my kids wont let me get a newer car.

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  Real American Muscle - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Mike - April 6 - 8:00 pm

  This car drives like a dream. With the added performance cat back exhaust and the cold air intake, it only gets better and the sound is second to none.

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  Journey R/T 2WD with all options - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By andy - April 5 - 10:56 pm

  Have about 8000 mi on car have had no problems with car except a small squeak in right dashboard . Love all the electronic gadgets an hookups