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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  Everyone loves this challenger! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Loved by All - October 31 - 10:40 pm

  R/T Classic in B5 Blue. I get comments from people of all ages (young and old)on this car Most comments are about loving the blue color, the cragar look-alike wheels and the 70s style of the car. Some people think its a 70s car that was restored. The car performs well and economy has been as high as 23 to 26 mpg on the interstate. The trunk is very roomy. The interior is extremely quiet and the front seats are very comfortable. The back seats are also roomy enough for adults but like any 2 door car are difficult to enter and exit. I find the challenger great looking and fun yet much more practical than a Corvette, Camaro or Mustang.

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  Best car I ever had!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Doug - October 31 - 12:09 pm

  I currently have 213,000 miles and still running fine. No transmission or engine rebuild yet (knock on wood). Guess this car was built on Wednesday at the factory. Still driving it every day and honestly cant complain. I hope to run it to a 1 million miles+

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  Love my new Caliber - 2009 Dodge Caliber
  By northstarruthie - October 29 - 5:56 pm

  Ive only had this about a month but it is the first vehicle I truly love! I love sitting higher and the comfortable seats. Great ride. Gas mileage is good. Bought the lifetime warrenty so I feel safe for the long term.

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  Best so far - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Joe - October 29 - 1:51 pm

  Just traded a mustang gt 09 for my silver with fender strips RT. What a difference. No comparison. Automatic with remote start, auto stick is great. Two tone leather seats and plenty of interior room. I cant believe how many people stop and stare. You really feel like you are a rock star. The power is plenty, I welcome all "challengers", none successfull yet. Best riding muscle car out there. May not be the fastest, but combining power, looks and room it is well worth the money. All the experts think a half second is enough to rate this vehicle below the camaro..What do they know..And it handles great and gets great gas mileage

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  I have the 2.0L w/CVT Tranny - 2008 Dodge Caliber
  By SteveLewis - October 29 - 10:59 am

  I love this car. The CVT shifts seamlessly, and this car takes off like a rocket!!! If you keep your foot off the floor, it gets excellent gas mileage. Ive got almost 38k miles on this car, and it still runs like it did when it was new. The steering system is tight! It corners like a compact, and has a lot of power for a four-cylinder. Go Dodge!!!

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  One Awsome Ride - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Mark Wigley - October 29 - 3:00 am

  When I heard that this car was on tap from the boys at Mopar I got real interested. Since I missed having one of the original muscle cars I was ready. I have hated driving front wheel drive cars most of my life. When I saw the first new Charger and had a chance to drive it with the Hemi I had to have one. I am a automotive technician and have the opportunity to drive just about everything on the road. For the money, I dont think you can buy another car that is this well enginieered with the looks and performance that this car has.

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  First SUV for Grandpa - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By James - October 28 - 2:43 am

  I am a Dodge die hard, bought the Journey after deciding that my 93 Dakota 4wd was out dated. Needed to keep a tow vehicle though as I have a small boat. Replacement vehicle needed to have decent towing capacity and all the latest safety features. So far this vehicle has proven to be very decent, good ride, extremely quiet, great interior storage. Like the radio controls on the steering wheel, very handy. V-6 very responsive, same HP as Dakota 318 v-8, this puppy will scoot when ask to, 6 speed trans works well. No towing info yet as hitch and wiring harness back ordered at dealership. I special order this vehicle and towing components should have been installed at factory, not the dealer.

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  Yeehaaaa - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JAT - October 27 - 10:37 pm

  Yes it is hard on gas, show me a SUV full size able to tow 8500 lbs that is not. Still better than my pops 85 two door chev. Stay away from Dodge service if possible, lots of local mechanics have the computer diagnostic available. No issue as of yet, just loving it. Kids love the whole dvd thing, wife loves being high up and safe thing, I love knowing I can pass at anytime.

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  Love it! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Les - October 27 - 8:29 pm

  I love everything about this vehicle. 23,000 and not a single problem. Drives great and runs great. Wouldnt change a thing.

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  Cant get more for under 30K - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnumbuyer - October 25 - 2:33 am

  Wow, what an impressive car. Very European in styling and handling. The cargo functionality is awesome; I can fit anything in the back of that thing. The gas mileage for the Hemi is nice; I got 21 miles/gal on my last fill-up; better than many 6-bangers. People talk to me all the time about the car-at the gas station-store at work-"hows the Magnum?" they ask; like its a member of the family. Hehe