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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  Dodge the Dodge! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By jr lewis - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Good looking vehicle with a quality of a hyundai.

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  dependability and standard accessories - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By HUBERT - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The durango is the best buy for for your money The drivetrain is excellent and the 5.9 engine has plenty of power for towing gas msileage could be better, however, it is better than a lot of competors

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  The Durango is a WINNER!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Harley Dudess - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used...never had a minutes trouble with it. Had heard negative comments from others but the test drive sold me after trying imports that are too narrow. Powerful 5.9 engine, great manuverability. The leather and suede interior looks great. Love the overhead AC for the rear. Never use the 3rd seat. Added 16" wheels. My next car will be definitely be a Durango!!

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  Overall Best car Ive driven!!!! - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Douglas K. - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great vehicle. Compare it to the Accords Ive driven, my brothers mustang, or the Millenium my parents have, and this car wins hands down. asog.net gives out the best help and tips. Take note that this car is tuned for WINDY roads, and so lacks the extreme power to go straight that you find in cars like the camaro z-28. She holds the road like nothing Ive been in. 0-60 for my car is 7.5 seconds.

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  Great car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jayo - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my intrepid with 30000 miles on it in September 2002. Now the car has 53000 on it. This has been a reliable car no breakdowns or anything, has not been to the mechanic once. The car gets fantastic gas mileage 30mpg on highway. For the small 2.7 liter V-6 the car has great performance, great accelaration, when accelerater pushed all the way to the floor the rpms go way up wich slows down acceleration but its still pretty peppy. Has Good handleing and braking.

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  8 Years with Dodge Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By mholdensr - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Dodge Intrepids for the last 8 years and find my 2004 to be the most powerful. Dodge Intrepid has always been a great handling sedan, but the new sxt seem to handle even better. The only complaint I have is the goodyear tires on the older models. The sxt came with goodyear eagles and they have helped to improve the handling. Im a big person and there is plenty of room for five people. Over-all a fine famly sedan with a good chunk of sport sedan thrown in.

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  RT - Best deal in 2005 - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By MagnumMike - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the smoothest, fastest, and quietest car Ive ever driven. I can forgive the malfunctioning CD Changer, jammed rear seatbelt, and finicky tailgate for a ride like this. I keep thinking of reasons to go run errands. The engine is effortlessly powerful and the tranny is silky smooth. The 5 Speed Autostick is even becoming fun. I never really understood the appeal of a fake manual, but its fun to downshift to slow the car. You will never need to downshift for acceleration. The car can do it better without you. Ill admit Im enjoying all the people stopping to admire and ask about the car.

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  great - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By gorwnwt2@aol.com - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The Magnum drives and rides like a dream

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  Great SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By bully - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable,great design & feature !

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  My wife car, but I love to drive it. - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By csolson1977 - November 21 - 4:40 am

  We bought the car after we researched it for a long time. It lived up to our expectations. We are very happy with the SXT sport The interior is well laid out. I didn feel like the dash was crowded with the various displas. A lady at a gas station thought that it was a Lxus or BMW because it is such a good looking car. It a great car to offset our 1500 mega cab. Great gas mileage, sharp looking and fully loaded, its anything but cute.