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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  The Charger IS Awesome - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By chris - September 28 - 2:03 pm

  I went From a 2000 chevy Blazer To a 2008 Charger. Thats a major change to me from a gas destroyer to a gas saver and at the same time a better look. bought mine used with 30k miles and i have not had a problem at all with it even when i looked at the car fax stated no prior services recored well kept and when running it sounds like a Angle. I love my Charger.

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  smile for the cameras - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By don in s.i. - September 27 - 9:25 pm

  a real head turner---everywhere you go people will look,stare and compliment. even the cop who stopped me because i didnt have plates yet said it was a gorgous car.styling is flawless,interior is comfortable and roomie.everything is fairly easy to use.

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  So far so good! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Mr.Met - September 27 - 7:20 am

  We have owned it for about 2 weeks and really like it. Did a lot of research and for the price you cant beat the features or styling. It rides great, love the interior with the performance and safe and sound package.

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  The Car I Will Die With - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By secretwind0w - September 25 - 6:12 pm

  I bought my Stratus because it looked like a miniature Intrepid, only cheaper. Took my first road trip in it, now i take one every 6 wks. Big trunk to put a big speaker box. I fit a lotta people in such a little car. Put a Flowmaster on it: sounds mean now. Cold-air intake makes a delightful sucking noise. Great gas mileage. Drop down backseat so you can haul 10ft pieces of wood. Never left me anywhere. Just had 4 flats, needed new car stereo, a recall on a radiator hose, and one replaced battery. Man I love this car. Great cupholders. You can fit two Sonic Route 44 drinks in em. Takes me to work and school, its like driving a little growling cloud.

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  I love my car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ranchero_gurl - September 24 - 2:52 pm

  my intrepid is my first car. i got it from my grandfather my junior year of high school. i had to rebuilt the trani at 120,000 and until 208,985 i havent had a single issue with it. fuel pump, water pump, front tie rod, and timing belt are the only issues ive had with her. its the perfect first car, sporty, efficient, reliable, and comfort, dodge so needs to start rolling them out again. i call her my old man sports car becuase of the comfort as well as the pep that it has. most amazing car ever, ill hate to get rid of it.

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  2005 Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By B.Wilcox - September 23 - 4:31 pm

  Overall its been a good car for me. Does not do well in the snow, I park the car in the winter and drive an suv. I love the sporty and strong look of the car. Although it may not look like it from the outside the back seat is very comfortable and has plenty of room.

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  A step up from my cavalier - 2004 Dodge Neon
  By SummergrL1024 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I had a cavalier for four years...lasted me from 97,000 miles to 129,000. I just bought a 2004 neon sxt and I am getting more for my money. For 18,000 (the same price as a sedan cavalier) I am getting a six cd changer, spoiler, sunroof/moonroof..options that would have pushed the price to 20,000 on a cavalier. And I got a great warranty!!! couldnt go wrong.

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  Buy it! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By DhUNTCVS - September 23 - 10:00 am

  BUY IT WE LOVE IT THIS IS THE BEST BUT OUT THERE FOR THE MONEY DONT WASTE MONEY ON A CADILLAC THE DURANGO HAS ALL THE STYLE AND RIDES BETTER!

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  I already got a ticket ! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By carlos - September 22 - 2:56 am

  A great car . rides very well. If you dont pay attention you can find yourself driving at 62 on a 45 mph zone. Lots of fun to drive.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By manolito31 - September 20 - 8:29 pm

  This has been the best SUV Ive ever driven (and Ive driven Land Cruisers, Montero Sport, Montero, Murano, CR-Vs, Rav4s, Ford Explorers.) Its so quiet, pretty solid, pretty good off-road, all though I havent been able to get more than 12 MPG in the city, I still recommend this vehicle for everyone looking for an spacious car for the family and pretty good on long trips.