In 1901, when the Dodge brothers (John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge) moved their Bicycle & Machine Factory to
Detroit, Michigan, they probably didn't know they would one day be one of the best known American car makers. At the
time, their bearings and other parts were in demand with the early automobile industry, and they helped design motor
parts for early Oldsmobiles.
In 1902, Henry Ford approached the Dodge brothers for help in financing his own automobile company, which they did, as
well as manufacturing parts for early Fords, to everyone's mutual benefit.
Twelve years later, the brothers opened the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company, and selected 50 dealers to represent
their line, based on applications received from around the country. Some of those dealers remain successful even today.
In 1917 the Dodge Brothers sued the Ford company, which increased their revenue, and started building motor trucks.
In 1925 the company was purchased by Dillon, Read & Company for a $148 million, which was said to be the largest
cash transaction in history (up to that time). Three years later, Dodge was sold again, this time to Chrysler.
Dodge today is still a part of Chrysler (now DaimlerChrysler), and is known primarily for its trucks - so much so that
they account for 78% of sales.
The company represented by the ram logo is trying to change that, however, with the
Charger and Challenger. It's also been re-branding itself in Europe, pushing the new Dodge viper.
Dodge says it's "ram tough" and its history supports this.
2013 Dodge ChargerAt first glance, most potential car buyers would think the 2013 Charger is out of their price range. However, starting at a reasonable $25,995 this performance sedan is going to be available to many consumers looking for a new car. This year's model is available in 8 stunning colors and has Dodge's signature front grille. The exterior design was created to be highly aerodynamic, resulting in flashy, eye-catching appeal, as well as improved fuel economy. Racer-style LED taillights connect in a solid bar from the left side to the right side of the Charger. This helps improve visibility of other drivers behind it.
The interior of this performance sedan was built for pure comfort; well, the driver and front passenger's seats anyway. The rear seating is very cramped in terms of both headroom and legroom and the rear seating is not all that comfortable to begin with. The leather seats are heated for the rear occupants, as well as the driver and front passenger, along with dual-zone climate control. There are also three interior options, including Black Nappa Leather, Radar Red Nappa Leather-Trim and Light Frost Beige Cloth.
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2013 Dodge DurangoWhatever premonitions you had about the 2013 Dodge Durango, based on your observation of past models, cast them aside. This is the new-and-improved Durango, capable of handling everything from smooth city streets to rugged off-road terrain.
2012 Dodge AvengerThe 2012 Dodge Avenger is the epitome of a ferocious beast trapped in a mid-size sedan’s body. While it may be classified as such, this year’s Avenger can hardly be considered something as mild as a “mid-size sedan.” Dodge has revamped the Avenger to provide intense and awe-inspiring looks, incredible affordability and supreme functionality.
2012 Dodge Grand CaravanWhen you picture a typical minivan the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is probably not at all what comes to mind. This beast – ok, well it’s still a minivan, so probably not a beast – has completely set a new standard for what a minivan should be.
2012 Dodge JourneyOver the years crossover SUVs have become increasingly popular among American consumers. The 2012 Dodge Journey caters to this popularity. With an MSRP that starts at just $18,995 the 2012 Journey is far more affordable than some of its class competitors.