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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  I love this truck! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Neddis - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever driven. I picked it up real cheap too. I love the power of the V8. The payload and towing specs are great. The only problem is the gas mileage. I cant complain though since its a beefy V8. You can really feel the 295 lb/ft. of torque when you hit the gas. I really like that this truck fills the gap between the "mini" trucks and fullsize. All of the features are great. I got the SLT Plus with all the bells and whistles. I coulndt have asked for a better truck.

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  I Regret Buying this car more than anything. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By antonio - July 3 - 2:35 pm

  This car is the worst decision Ive ever made. The repairs on the car cost more than the actual car. This is my first car and i now im scared to go anywhere because i am afraid that ill get stuck there. The engine, sensors, axis, cumputer, fuse box and breaks all of them were shady. I hate this car take my advice and dont get it. I promise youll regret it.

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  Best Performance Bargain of the Decade - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By Lee2220 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This cars speed scares the crap out of me. Great performance/acceleration and supurb handling as well as braking. The stock 230 horses under the hood will melt the plastic off the front bumber in this great compact. The acceleration is as good if not better than new stock Mustang Mach 1s, Nissan Zs and the comparable WRX. The anti- lock brakes will stop the car in no time. This thing is treasure found in a chest. The best investment I have ever bought! Althought I dont suggest tyring 150 mph on the freeway, this car is capable of it!

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  NOT BAD LOOK FOR BETTER 2005 - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BRO - July 3 - 10:00 am

  FIRST SUV IVE OWNED. SO FAR SO GOOD. I HAVE THE HEMI AND LOVE THE POWER. RECENT VACATION TRIP 1200MILES ROUND TRIP WITH LUGGAGE ON TOP AND PERFORMED BEAUTIFULLY! CANT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FUEL ECONOMY. BOUGHT MAINLY TO TOW MY WIFES CRV SO GOT THE TOWING PACKAGE. WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE HOW THIS WORKS OUT. ALL IN ALL NOT A BAD SUV, BUT LOOK FOR BETTER IN 2005

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  American tough - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JLAWLER - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun suv to own. Built tough looks tough and rides like a car. Gas milage not that bad averaged 20mpg on first long trip and its not broken in yet. A pleasure to drive, big yet handles like a smaller SUV. Its quiet and smooth on highway and handles well on small roads. If your looking for an SUV you have to drive this before buying anything else. Simply better than anything in its class and with present rebates a real bargin.

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  Pricing, great - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By pjgtrader - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Great deal on my Durango, calld 4 dealers in evening, told them would buy next 3 days, told them what I wanted, three had suv, negotd on phne so all agreed to invoice, then another $4,500 rebate off invoice.Bought SLT, hemi, leather, moonroof, 6 cd, red, dvd entmnt system(aft/mkt, 10in scren but in final $28,315 pr incl txs)bought next day after visit the 3 dealrs, finced thru Chysler, refd for 3.9% yestday on special promo thru USAA bank exp 6/5. FYI, one dealr, Breedan, Ft. Smith, who agreed to invoice on phone tried to pad profit by saying aft/mkt leather cost $1500 instead of $624 invce listed on internet, walked off lot.

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  Glad I did it - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By ManHunter - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Went to the dealer last week just to drive one (not intending to buy) and left with it. Got a great deal on a great vehicle with almost all of the bells and whistles. Ive owned two Suburbans, an Expedition and a Grand Cherokee. This is the best riding, best handling and braking, and best performing SUV Ive ever driven or ridden in. The 5.7L Hemi is definitely worth the money! As my wife said while driving it home, "It feels like somethings pushing it." Shes in love with it. It is a very, very refined vehicle that just doesnt seem like an SUV; fit and finish are top-notch and it is very quiet. Highly recommend installation of a K&N air filter if you buy one.

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  Best so FAR - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Killo - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Great van. Love it. Stow and Go seats is the best feauture. Had few vans in a past and this one is the best.

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  A must buy - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Art1 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it for a few weeks, but if you are looking for an all around family car and light work truck, you found it in this minivan. I was never a minivan person, but after buying this one I am now.

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  viper mamba edition - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By TExarhos - July 3 - 2:00 am

  The Viper is truly a fun sports car to drive, gives you the feel of a 67 Vet with real power. It takes a little time to get used to the large tires feeling every contour in the road, but the clutch is easy to handleand the mufflers give off just enough rumble to make this a great car to cruise in. At highway speeds the road noise could be softened up and the speaker placement needs improving but overall I am real happy with the car having driven an NSX,911, and f-348 in the past.