Dodge is an American icon. This American established company has prided itself on quality and longevity. From the first Model-30 until today’s Challenger, Dodge is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. The company that started as the brainchild of two brothers is still impacting the world over a hundred years later.
How the Company Got Started
John and Horace Dodge, born in Niles, Michigan, are the founders of Dodge. These brothers had a reputation for excellence in the automotive industry. It was so good that Henry Ford offered the brothers 10% of his company in 1902 in return for parts for his Ford vehicles. In 1910, a new factory in Michigan became one of the largest automotive parts companies in the world. The Dodge company had a big part in the development of the first all-American car, the Model-T. The engines, transmissions, and other components for this legendary car were made by Dodge.
The Dodge brothers resigned and refused to work with Ford after a decade of supplying them with parts. On July 17, 1914, the Dodge brother’s decision to sell their brand of vehicles and the Dodge Brothers Company began. The very first four-cylinder Dodge Model was born later that year. Because of their excellent reputation, the brothers had no problem selling and growing the company quickly. The Dodge brand made a name synonymous with dependability.
In 1928, Walter Percy Chrysler purchased Dodge after both the brother tragically lost their life to influenza a few months apart. This purchase helped Chrysler grow and become the third-largest automaker in the world. Dodge adopted the iconic RAM symbol, which represented dependability and strength in 1933.
Brands
Dodge is owned by Stellantis and GAC group as equal partners. Stellantis is the design, development, manufacture, and sale of automobiles bearing its 15 brands: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall, and Mopar auto parts. The Stellantis company is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. GAC is based in Guangzhou, China.
The Logo
The first redesign of the Dodge visual identity was in 1914. The new emblem celebrated its first Model-30. It was a circular emblem and the middle part was the Star of David symbol set on a black and white map background. The DB lettering was placed in the very middle of the badge, executed in white and outlined in black. The prominent lettering in the uppercase sans-serif was set in white around the black circular frame.
In 1928, the Dodge logo was simplified with the letters executed in very thick and stable lines. It was a simple yet powerful symbol in black. In 1994 a ram head appeared on the logo, still associated with this brand. The primary color remained red, but the print of the brand’s name appeared in a classic black. The Dodge logo transformed into the silver font of the brand, with two red lines arranged diagonally. However, the ram is still associated with Dodge even today.
Sales
Below are the unit volume sales and unit growth rate for the Dodge brand in the United States, where you can see their progress over the past 15+ years – as compiled by Goodcarbadcar.
Many Different Models
Dodge, at this time, produces two muscle car models and one SUV. The iconic RAM truck is now under the RAM brand. The classic Charger is still one of the top muscle cars in the world. Here are the models you can find on the market today:
Model | Avg Asking Price | Picture | Description |
Used: $31,125 New: $40,100 |  | The ominously powerful Dodge Charger is a statement of speed and performance. Boasting a spine-chilling 797 horsepower with the HEMI® SRT Hellcat V8 engine, the fastest mass-produced sedan is an achievement we’re proud to deliver | |
Used: $29,450 New: $31,000 |  | Tough and timeless, the classic body style of the 2021 Dodge Challenger is stunning with its modernized twist, spanning the grille to the hood scoop to the menacing available Widebody Package. | |
Used: $33,377 New: $36,250 |  | With its Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® SRT Hellcat V8 engine and a whopping 710 horsepower, the Dodge Durango SRT® is a statement of strength. Strap on 645 pound-feet of torque and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds to this AWD SUV for maximized potential. |
Used prices for Dodge cars have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but will hopefully reduce once the used car industry stops experiencing shortages due do lack of available vehicles.
Most Popular Model
The Challenger is Dodge’s most popular model. The Dodge Challenger R/T features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, a performance exhaust, and an upgraded rear axle. The Hemi is rated at 375 horsepower with a standard six-speed manual transmission, and it’s 372 horsepower with an optional eight-speed automatic. The Challenger was first introduced in the fall of 1969.
Even though the first generation of this iconic car had a relatively short run, it impacted the auto industry and pop culture. It became a phenomenon among those who loved muscle cars and was featured in many movies and TV shows. A film called Vanishing Point popularized the 1970 Dodge Challenger and made generations of car enthusiasts fall in love with it.
Dodge Motorsports
Dodge took the Charger into NASCAR in 1966, hoping the fastback would win the high-banks. But the car proved to have rear-end lift around corners which made it slip on the faster tracks. The lift was because air traveled faster over the top of the car than under it, causing it to act as a giant airplane wing. Drivers would later claim that “it was like driving on ice.” Dodge solved this issue by installing a minor lip spoiler on the trunk lid, which improved traction at speeds above 150 mph (240 km/h). Following the 2012 season, Dodge pulled away from all NASCAR series.
Geographic Popularity
Dodge is sold globally on six different continents. Although Dodge began in the United States, it is now a globally known automotive company. In 2021, the company reported $9.3 billion in international sales.
Sustainability
Stellanti’s mission, as stated on their website, is as follows, “Our spirit defines us. We know that long-term success is achieved by linking economic growth with respect, financial performance with social responsibility, and industrial development with environmental stewardship. As a leading company, we take our Corporate Social Responsibility seriously and embed it into business practices,
“We are committed to shaping a better future through a strong sense of responsibility and leadership in a new era of sustainable mobility. We engage with our stakeholders through dialogue aiming to create and share value with them: our employees, our customers, our partners, our suppliers, our host territories and their communities, our investors and the environment.”
Safety
Dodge incorporates the following safety features into their vehicles:
- Full-speed forward collision warning with active braking
- LaneSense lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Parkview rear backup camera
- Rear park assist system
- All-speed traction control
- Hill start assist
- Active front headrests, solid safety frame, side guard door beams, and airbags throughout.
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