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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  My Dodge - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By carmesin - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had many problems including needing a new head gasket, radiator and transmission. It has been nothing but problems since I bought it. I only have 80,000 miles on it. I am looking for a new car.

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  a bargain for the price - 2002 Dodge Neon
  By donuts - July 26 - 2:00 am

  most underrated compact car. a good bargain for used car.

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  The greatest car I have ever owned - 2005 Dodge Neon
  By Dave - July 25 - 1:10 am

  Being a previous owner of a 97 Neon, I couldnt wait to own an SRT-4. 2 years after the first one was sold, I finally bought one. The acceleration is phenomonal. The handling is incredible. The look of the car is sporty and mean from the front and back. The sound of the engine, by just removing the stock resonators, is awesome. The interior looks good with or w/o the optional Viper seats. The car stock is mid 14s, if you throw in a few thousand dollars of modifications, from MOPAR, your in the 11s. Try doing that with any other car from any other manufacturer that sells for under 25k. Dodge knew exactly what they were doing when they built and designed this car. Dont miss out.

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  I love this car!! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By gwenniepooh - July 24 - 2:00 am

  is there really anything not to love about this car? I get so many compliments on this car, the color is gorgeous! (pearly light blue)

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  my mistake - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By feather - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car drives so fine. Excellent sound system. But it is much to small. Seat hurts my back and I tried to return it before 24 hours or get another model it bothered my back so badly but the dealer would not let me exchange for another car or return it,

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  I love my Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By mrsvicki - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Had my Durango for over 5 years. I have it serviced every 3 to 4 thousand miles and it hasnt had any mechnical problems.I have had several rear bumper fender benders with no damage being done to my Durango.We drive the family to the mountains at least twice a month it is one of the most comfortable rides Ive experienced.I like sitting up high and feel very safe. Ill keep it until it until it gives me its last mile.

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  Almost Bullet Proof Fun and Useful Ride - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Mitchis57 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Dakota, 5.9 still can hold its own across intersections but fades quickly off idle, needs slightly more cam in mid range but that might take away some of its dependability and gas economy would suffer. Thinking of a supercharger. Going to Mobile 1 for remaining years of service. Thought of a Colorado but lacked the solid fun.

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  Great truck for the money - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By pickuper - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Recommend buying this truck (SXT version) if you are on a budget and want something bigger than a true compact size truck. Great initial pick up and a fun drive. Plenty of space, great style and no mechanical problems to date. Enough space in the back seating area of the club cab version for kids. Light hauling has been great. AC kicks in the cool air without a problem when it gets hot.

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  Du-Rang-O - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Chris Marken - July 22 - 11:36 pm

  Ive gone though several cars & I havent been excited about buying a new car in about 10 years. I went with the "cheapie" model (SXT - no leather, no Hemi, no DVD player). I cant believe how nice this "cheap" model is. If you dont need the 3rd row seat, leather or DVD this is the way to go.

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  #2015DODGEDARTSXT - 2015 Dodge Dart
  By Frank Eckert - July 22 - 12:20 pm

  The dodge dart sxt is a fun sporty,eye catcher sedan.great sound system.the Bluetooth connect is awesome,hands free is great.This sedan just loves the curves in the road,it hangs tight.Im pleased with my purchase of a Dodge Dart 2015 SXT,with only 3700 miles on it.