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 first car....and best car - 1994 Dodge Shadow
  By slowfastshadow - November 12 - 9:15 am

  this is my first car and it was the clanest old car i have ever seen. i put a straight pipe on mine, and window tint with a custom spoiler. this car is just a project, i drive it everywhere but i am going to keep dressing it up. my engine is a v6 so it has some balls. it has a new transmission putt in before i got it with only 69,000 miles on it.

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  Super Dependable - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By CoalFreak - November 12 - 12:26 am

  I bought this truck 10 years ago, with 91,000 miles on it for my first vehicle. Since then, I have overheated it, run it out of oil, totaled another car with it, (stupid teenager stuff, you know?) driven it an additional 85,000 miles, ended up with it sitting for 4 years, and it still starts up the first time, every time. Incredible engine, I have never had any trouble with the engine itself. I have had to replace the rack and pinion, and right side A-arm, but thats probably due to the wreck. It just keeps on going! That 318 is a beast of an engine!

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  Miss It - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Gina - November 11 - 9:46 pm

  Leased this car for 2 years and wish I would have bought it when my lease was up. Still miss it almost 2 years later. Loved it inside and out. Tires are spendy but only had to replace one due to a nail in the side wall. My next one will be AWD though mine did horrible in the snow.

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  Love it - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Kendra - November 9 - 12:11 pm

  This is the second Stratus I have owned and I still love it! My car has 175000 miles on it and it still is running strong. No leaks at all. I bought it used with a little under 150k miles on it. To my knowledge the only major part to be replaced is the clutch. The car doesnt handle the greatest, but then again it isnt a sports car (though I like to drive it like one). I mostly drive short trips around town and I get consistently 25 mpg. When I am traveling I get up to 28 mpg. The trunk space is fantastic! I have a big speaker box, and a wheelchair, and I can still fit all my groceries in there too! This car can hold its own when it comes to power. If you can shift you can win!

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  Pawpawmacs - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pawpawmac - November 9 - 11:20 am

  More comfortable than other minivans, roomier. Powerful 218 engine reacts quickly. Great for hauling smal loads and plywood w/ fold-down-seats. Adjustable roof rack very handy for ladders, trunks and the like. Full control for normal city driving.

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  I LOVE MY B5 BLUE CHALLENGER!!! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By JJ - November 7 - 10:38 pm

  The challenger is not as fast as the camaro or mustang but I could care less. I purchased the car for the body style, color and comfort. Every time I take her to the road, many people cannot help but stare with excitement.

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  Works for me - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Rich - November 6 - 1:45 pm

  I purchased my Avenger this summer after driving SUVs for the past 8 years, and I couldnt be happier for the price I paid. I wasnt looking for anything too fancy, just something that would get me around with better MPG than my previous SUV. My wife drives a Stratus, so I knew what to expect from Dodge. Ive taken it on long trips and commute about 30 total miles each day.....havent had any problems so far (knock on wood). Still getting compliments on the looks, especially when its washed and shiny.

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  One of the best cars I have owned - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By John Putnam - November 5 - 1:42 pm

  Im enjoying my Dodge Journey more than any car (including BMWs) Ive owned in quite a few years. I look for reasons just to go somewhere in it. Great car at a great price.

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  I Love the POWER - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By mhayes716 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a serious car regardless of the price. I find myself driving when I dont really need to. And Mustages eat this... lol...

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  The new trend - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By John Hamilton - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. I went from a Chevrolet Tahoe and the SUV feel is still there the pick up is 0-60 in 6.3 from a 3800 lbs. sport wagon. The ride is nothing less then a mercedes and smooth as can be.