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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  Great Truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Jason - February 8 - 1:24 pm

  I bought my truck (4.7 2wd quad) new November 2000. I get 24 highway and 18 mixed driving. I have a camper shell on it so maybe that helps with the better mileage as compared to other postings. Over these 9+ years I have had one window motor, Oxygen sensor, air- bag sensor go out, about $900 dollars total from the dealer. No other problems with the truck so far.

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  Makes Me Plum Crazy to drive! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Dean - February 7 - 8:23 am

  I work at a Toyota Dealership. I was driving a 2007 Charger SXT 3.5 which I was quite satisfied with. We traded for a 2007 Plum Crazy Charger Daytona with only 661 miles. I drove the car and fell in love INSTANTLY! The 3.5 was great but the feel and sound of this Daytona makes me feel like Im 20 years old again. Handles like a dream and its a pleasure to drive. I leave an hour early for work just so I can drive my car!

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  Voom Voom see my dust ? - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By Happiest man alive - February 5 - 1:02 am

  I got my 2010 RT 7 weeks ago. Already, put on 4k miles on it, and I love this baby. i traded my 06 charger SE, v6, 2.7 liter engine, had that one for 3 years and had 100K when i traded it in. Never had a problem besides dragging on the road, thats why i got another Charger. My RT does a better gas millage that the other one, i get 19-21 on street, and 21-25 on the freeway in decent driving. Just got it dropped and put on my 22 inch wheels on it and i get all the looks. Dodge has come a long way building a reliable car. Just do a test drive and you will know what i am talking about.

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  BUY A DODGE DAKOTA - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By zwzach - February 3 - 12:33 am

  I bought this truck because I was looking at trucks in its class like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier. But nothing compares to this truck, my truck has the 4.7 v8 all I have to say is I am very impressed with the power and the styling of this truck it is a sweet ride. I did buy a cold air intake and a chip for this truck for $630.00 and i think it will unleash the real Dakota in side and should help with the fuel economy factor so anyways buy a dodge Dakota I really think you will love it just buy with a 4.7 or 5.9 i think you will enjoy it a bit more.

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  2008 dodge Charger RT RWD - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By steve mackanos - February 2 - 7:36 pm

  This car Rocks fun to drive handles like a dream safe feeling. The police depts use these for a good reason. Fast and can handle being driven hard....The MPG on the HWY if you set the cruise around 28.......Big trunk and plenty room for two kids in the back with car seats......See ya in the fast lane!

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  In Love with my Nitro - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By GLo - February 1 - 2:21 pm

  Bought my Nitro used and absolutely in love with it. Ive owned it for a month now and still cant wait to just get in it and drive. Mine has the 3.7 liter which will throw your head back when the pedal is pressed, but will make your heart stop when you see the gas gauge drop. Not used to the MPG for an SUV as Ive always owned a car. The Nitro is great for long trips. Plenty of room for passengers and luggage. Just an all around great vehicle. Love my Nitro!

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  Hard to justify trading it in - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By veblenesque - January 31 - 11:16 am

  I normally keep new cars for about 3 years, and Im pushing 3.5 on my Magnum RT. However, nothing new I test drive measures up to this car. First, the Mercedes E-class chassis means the car has an excellent combination of performance and comfort (not a typical muscle car). The engine is as strong now as the day I bought it, with surprising torque that makes it feel faster than smaller V8s (Audi S4, Mustang etc.). Has had no problems other than poor stock tires and rotors, and feels solidly built. Id highly recommend it as a used car since values have dropped - they will likely depreciate little if you buy one now. If you test drive one, you will buy it.

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  Nice fun car to drive - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Don - January 30 - 2:42 am

  We loved the car overall.

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  Old to New - No Regrets - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By James - January 30 - 12:09 am

  I traded in my old 2000 Durango that made it to 300,000 miles with minor problems, for a used 2007 Durango SLT 4WD with the 5.7L Hemi. I have owned it for six months and it has impressed me very much. Aside from the hereditary gas mileage trait, this car has been a great family commuter. It has a lot of space inside with great storage capacity and a surprisingly spacious third row. Though the second row seems to be a bit compromised in terms of legroom, there has been no other flaws in the car. It has a great towing capacity which has helped with our boats and some offroading problems with my friends and has done it without struggle.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Richard - January 29 - 6:55 am

  I bought this truck with 200 miles on it and have loved putting every mile on it. This truck has never given me any problems. The only maintenance that I have ever done has been due to normal wear and tear. Replaced oil pump and water pump around 200,000 miles. I have taken this truck from SC to HI to WA and finally here to Va. I cant say enough how much I have enjoyed this truck. God has been so good to me with it. I would definitely buy another one as soon as I see fit to replace this one. Maybe at around 500,000 miles.