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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  best of the Mini Vans - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mulligun - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a luxury sedan. Has more storage space than I could imagine. No more pulling seats out they fold neatly in the floor.

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  A sports car in drag. Fun, fun fun! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By John & Denise Anders - August 7 - 7:26 am

  We just received our 2006 RT/AWD Magnum. It is not for everyone though. The RT is an eye opening head turning ride. Very distinctive style not your mom and dads station wagon of old but a bona fide sports car in drag. Far more to it than meets the eye. The ride from the passenger view is very smooth without the over stuffed couch feel. Outstanding leg and head room. I am 63" and have more then enough room in all respects. Same goes for the drivers side. Driving it is a joy and brings a big smile when you accelerate into traffic. Gives the Japanese tuner notice stock American perfomance is back big time. With minor tweaks, will leave them floundering in all areas. Forget your WRX or Mustangs. Get an RT!

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  This car stinks - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By angrydodgeowner - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I have spent over $3,000 in repairs on this vehicle during a three-year period. I have had to replace the head gasket and have a new transmission put in. Plus, I just had to have new transmission seals replaced after 40,000 miles. The mechanic told me there is no air that gets to these seals so fluid builds up on them and they heat up and crack. These cars are pieces of crap. I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy. Dont buy this car!!!!

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  Daytonas are sweet - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By Nicole - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Daytonas are the best car ever made, if investing in a high school student car this is the one...easy to fix.

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  Daytonas are sweet - 1990 Dodge Daytona
  By nicole - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Daytonas are the best car ever made, if investing in a high school student car this is the one...easy to fix.

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  nice car - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Sota5103 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  i have had no trouble with it and it runs great. its fun to drive.

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  Love my Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TP45 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  In the 15 months since my wife and I purchased our Intrepid we have been extremely happy with the decision to purchase this vehicle. A used car with 12,000 miles from Thriftys rental fleet, the Dodge now has 36,000 miles on the odometer and our only expenses have been for fuel and oil changes. What the base 2.7L engine may lack in low end torque is easily forgotten as the RPMs climb. Fuel economy is excellant for a vehicle of this size.I have experienced fuel mileage in excess of 30MPG for highway driving with an average of 18-20MPG city and highway. It handles and looks great. I will not hesitate to purchase another Intrepid when replacing this car.

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  Durango blues - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Durango dud - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Things that go wrong in less than 50,000 Front tie rods replacead at 44,000 miles transmission speed sensor replaces at 42000miles fuel sensor replced at 39,000 now rear bearing is going and needs replced at 53,000miles

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  Excelent Car for the price - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Rossyman - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about a month ago and absolutely love it. Blind spots a bit more difficult than I am used to, but not too bad. Other than that no complaints yet.

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  p retty good car - 1993 Dodge Stealth
  By Craig Vellella - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used with 68,000 and it has a few problems and I expected some. Many places can not find the part when needed it always takes one day longer minor inconvenices come with this car. However people often think the car is new while it is 10 years old it is a beautiful car and most love it.