Dodge

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Dodge: a simple history of the American muscle and truck brand

What Dodge is
Dodge is an American car and truck brand now part of Stellantis. Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, it has long been known for performance cars and durable trucks, and for many years sat in the mid‑price tier above Plymouth. In recent years, Dodge has focused on high‑performance models like the Charger and Challenger, with Durango as its main SUV, while Ram handles the truck side as a separate brand.

Founding and early years
Dodge began as the Dodge Brothers Company in Detroit in 1900, started by Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge. They originally built precision parts for cars, especially engines and chassis, for Detroit’s growing automakers. In 1914 they started making complete cars under the Dodge Brothers name. Their Hamtramck, Michigan, factory became the main production site. The brothers built a reputation for quality in trucking parts and engines, and their company became an important supplier to industry leaders like Ford and Olds.

Shift to Chrysler and early growth
In 1925 the Dodge Brothers’ families sold the company to Dillon, Read & Co., and in 1928 Chrysler Corporation bought Dodge. Dodge cars and especially light trucks soon became a core part of Chrysler’s lineup. Dodge trucks and cars were widely used by the military and civilian customers, helping the brand grow through the 1930s and 1940s.

Pre‑war to WWII innovations
Dodge introduced several notable features in the 1930s, including streamlined styling and new engineering ideas. In 1941 it added Fluid Drive, a transmission system designed to smooth gear changes. During World War II, Dodge built many military trucks and ambulances, gaining a strong reputation for rugged, durable vehicles. After the war, Dodge continued to offer a broad line of cars and trucks, adapting to peacetime demand.

Post‑war era and the big car era
The 1950s brought the Forward Look styling trend, and Dodge introduced the Coronet, Royal, and other lines with stronger V8 power and newer transmissions. The company also pursued performance models and introduced the Dart family in the 1960s, which helped keep Dodge competitive in the growing mid‑size market. The 1960s and early 1970s saw the rise of Dodge muscle cars, including performance‑oriented versions of the Charger and the Challenger, along with a range of other sporty options.

Energy crisis and downsizing
The 1973 oil crisis forced all American automakers to rethink big, thirsty cars. Dodge responded with smaller, more efficient designs, including collaborations with Mitsubishi and the introduction of compact models and the Omni. The 1970s and early 1980s were a mixed period, with some successes (like the minivan influence on family transport) and some missteps, as the auto market shifted toward fuel efficiency and new competition.

From minivans to modern performance
In the 1980s Dodge helped reinvent families’ cars with the minivan—Dodge Caravan and its siblings—alongside renewed interest in sportier models. The 1990s brought the high‑performance Viper, a standout sports car that helped redefine Dodge’s image as a performance brand. Dodge also expanded into foreign markets and entered alliances that shaped its global footprint.

DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat, and the modern era
Dodge became part of DaimlerChrysler from 1998 to 2007, after which Chrysler faced financial trouble and a government bailout. In 2009 Fiat took a controlling interest, and in 2014 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) reorganized to place Dodge squarely as a performance‑focused brand within the new corporate structure. In 2021 FCA merged with PSA to form Stellantis, making Dodge part of a large, global automaker.

Logo and branding changes
Dodge’s logo history mirrors its evolving identity. Early emblems featured the Dodge Brothers star, later adopting the ram hood ornament for trucks and the Ram head logo for trucks. In the 1950s and beyond, the Pentastar became common on many Dodge vehicles. In the 2010s the brand adopted a “cross‑hair” grille logo for a modern look, while recent years have seen the Ram and other emblems evolve as the brand’s focus shifted toward performance models. In 2025, Dodge revived the Fratzog motif as a secondary emblem for its new electric vehicles, signaling a nod to its heritage while moving into the future.

Current lineup and direction
Today, Dodge concentrates on performance cars and sport‑utility offerings. Its flagship cars are the Charger and Challenger, both of which emphasize high horsepower and street‑legal performance. The Durango remains the brand’s main SUV, while Ram handles heavy‑duty pickups separately. The Grand Caravan minivan was discontinued in 2020, with Dodge shifting away from mainstream minivans toward sportier, performance‑oriented models and trims.

Global reach
Dodge has operated around the world, with varying degrees of presence in markets like Argentina, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Over the years it has partnered with local manufacturers and adjusted its lineup to fit regional tastes and regulations. Some markets saw Dodge vehicles rebadged or withdrawn, while others welcomed Dodge models under different arrangements. In recent years, Dodge’s focus has been more tightly on its core North American performance lineup, with selective international presence aligned to Stellantis strategy.

In short
Dodge started as a parts supplier in 1900, grew into a major car and truck maker, and became part of Chrysler in 1928. After decades of evolution, ownership changes, and product shifts, the brand today emphasizes performance vehicles and high‑powered sport models, while continuing to influence the broader lineup of trucks and family vehicles under Stellantis.