Dodge History and Buying Benefits

Learn More about Dodge with Portage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Learn more about the Dodge brand, from their high-octane lineup of muscle cars and growing accolades to their humble beginnings and all their competitive advantages. Whatever your driving style or lifestyle demands are, Dodge is sure to have the perfect muscle car, sedan, crossover, SUV, or minivan perfect for you. Take a seat in the fast lane with the exciting Dodge Charger sedan or powerful Dodge Challenger coupe, for an unparalleled driving experience. Or if you’re in the market for something larger and just as powerful, Dodge has the bold Durango SUV, versatile Journey SUV, and spacious Grand Caravan minivan. After you’ve skimmed all the fantastic benefits, awards, and class-exclusive features found throughout the Dodge lineup, be sure to stop by Portage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a test drive.

Each new Dodge comes with an impressive vehicle’s warranty, potent power, an eye-catching aggressive style, and a slew of next-level premium amenities. When you buy Dodge you’re becoming a part of a community of vehicles in a class of their own. There is a reason why Dodge has been able to see success for over one hundred years, enjoy a reliable and most importantly fun driver-focused experience unlike any other with a new Dodge. Top reasons why to buy a new Dodge today include:

  • Unmistakable looks and performances
  • Backed by Mopar® Vehicle Protection
  • J.D. Power IQS and APEAL Studies honors
  • Multiple class-leading and exclusive performance offerings
  • First-class customer service experience
  • Top-tier financing and leasing availability

Dodge Accolades

Dodge is the first domestic brand to rank highest among mass-market brands in both the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL Studies. In addition to that, the Dodge Challenger was a J.D. Powers performance winner, standing out from the pack due to its exceptional overall driving experience. Only Dodge offers top-of-the-line style, reliability, and power at its incredibly low starting price point.

Dodge History

Brothers John F. and Horace E. Dodge moved to Detroit at the turn of the century. After briefly producing transmissions for Ransom E. Olds they later became major suppliers of drive trains to the Ford Motor Company. In November 1914 the first Dodge automobile was built to rousing success, by 1920 22,000 workers were employed and produced 140,000 automobiles per year. Dodge Brothers Company remained an independent firm until 1928, after that time they were acquired by the Chrysler Corporation. Follow Dodge’s success and introduction of several key vehicles below:

  • The first Dodge, Model 30 was introduced on Nov 14th, 1914
  • 1916 Dodge ranked second in overall sales for American cars
  • 1920 Dodge’s annual production rate was 104,000 units
  • 1940 Dodge’s annual production rate more than doubled to 236,999
  • 1950 Dodge introduced its first hardtop coupe and new roll-up windows
  • 1960 Dodge began producing muscle cars like the Dart 330 in 1967 and Charger in 1969
  • 1970 the Dodge Challenger was released
  • 1980 Dodge began producing efficient and budget-friendly cars
  • 1984 Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan was released
  • 1998 the Dodge Durango was initially introduced
  • 2009 Dodge Journey was released

Dodge Power

Starting with the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat that is America’s fastest four-door muscle car with class-leading horsepower. Dodge continues to offer numerous engine options for each vehicle, letting everyone experience the power of a muscle car no matter the model style. From coupe to SUV, Dodge offers a Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® SRT V8 Engine and Bilstein® Adaptive Damping Suspension that can help make every drive a memorable one. Additional DOdge performance highlights include:

  • Available Best-in-Class Towing Capacity of 8,700 lbs in new Durango
  • Charger offers up to 30 Highway MPG
  • Available Four-Piston Brembo Performance Brakes at All Four Wheels
  • Available Brembo Six-Piston Performance Front Brakes and Four-Piston Rear Brakes
  • Available Bilstein® Adaptive Damping Suspension with Customizable Ride Stiffness Settings
  • Available SRT® Front Fascia, Large Front Splitter, and Widebody Fender Flares

Dodge Technology

Pair your smartphone with your vehicle using the Uconnect® system to access apps, radio stations, and more through the user-friendly touchscreen. Dodge also offers Apple Carplay® support for next-level iPhone connectivity and control on a built-in display. Dodge models are also all equipped with an array of standard and available features to help keep you safe and secure should anything happen. Dodge advanced safety features and intuitive technology found throughout the fleet include:

  • ParkView® RearBackUpCamera with ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
  • Uconnect® 4 with 7-InchTouchscreen or available 8.4-Inch Touchscreen Featuring SRT® Performance Pages
  • Apple CarPlay® Support and Android Auto™ Integration
  • Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ with Remote Vehicle Start

Dodge Design

Dodge is well known for its eye-catching aggressive and modern designs, from the Dodge Charger that has boasted a muscle car design since the 1960s to the latest Dodge Challenger that flaunts a stunning modernized twist with its unforgettable grille and available hood scoop. Uncover some of the available interior and exterior design highlights found throughout the Dodge lineup including:

  • Charger offers up to 104.7 cubic feet of passenger space
  • Available Heated Cloth Performance Seats and Heated Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Available 20×9-Inch Low-Gloss Granite Aluminum Wheels
  • Available Satin Carbon Aluminum Wheels
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
  • Durango boasts up to 85.1 cu-ft of max cargo space
  • Grand Caravan offers a spacious 140.3 cu-ft of cargo space

Dodge Competitive Advantages

2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat vs the Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Mustang Shelby GT500

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat
Top Speed: 203 mph
Horsepower: 807 hp
Torque: 707 lb-ft
All-Wheel Drive: Available
Passengers: 5 seats
Chevy Camaro ZL1
Top Speed: 198 mph
Horsepower: 650 hp
Torque: 650 lb-ft
All-Wheel Drive: Not available
Passengers: 4 seats
Mustang Shelby GT500
Top Speed: 180 mph
Horsepower: 760 hp
Torque: 625 lb-ft
All-Wheel Drive: Not Available
Passengers: 4 seats

From available features including Best-in-Class horsepower and torque and the fastest top speed of any production car of 203 MPH on the Dodge Challenger SRT® Hellcat Redeye to widebody flares, all-wheel-drive and a mega touchscreen, there’s no doubt the Dodge Challenger is a winner-all around.

2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat vs the Chevy Mercedes AMG E 63 and BMW M5 Sedan

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Horsepower: 797 hp
Torque: 707 lb-ft
Cargo Capacity: 6’3”
Chevy Mercedes AMG E 63
Horsepower: 603 hp
Torque: 627 lb-ft
Cargo Capacity: 13.1 cu-ft
BMW M5 Sedan
Horsepower: 617 hp
Torque: 553 lb-ft
Cargo Capacity: 14 cu-ft

Enjoy all the dynamic thrills of a coupe with the convenience and capabilities of a sedan in every drive with a new Dodge Charger. With uncompromising room for cargo and passengers, the latest Charger models give you the best of both worlds at a sensible starting price. A full-size sedan that’s full of power, the Dodge Charger SRT® Hellcat Redeye Widebody has the highest top speed of any four-door mass-produced car. The Dodge Charger SRT® Hellcat Redeye also provides Best-in-Class horsepower, torque, and V8 power of any standard full-size car segment.

Dodge FAQs

What is a manufacturer limited warranty?

A manufacturer’s limited vehicle warranty, also called a limited auto warranty or limited factory warranty covers defects or damage to your car that occur as a result of factory-installed parts.

What is an extended vehicle warranty?

An extended limited vehicle warranty, usually purchased separately, offers coverage for your vehicle after the term of the manufacturer’s limited warranty ends. It may be offered by the manufacturer or by a third-party provider.

What is a Dodge Hellcat?

A Dodge Hellcat is Dodge’s most powerful engine, featuring a 6.2L High-Output Supercharged HEMI® V8 engine.

How long does Dodge’s limited warranty last?

Manufacturer’s limited warranties are limited by distance driven or time elapsed since purchase, whichever comes first. A common length for a basic limited warranty is 3 years or 36,000 miles, though certain parts like powertrains may be covered for longer.

What is Mopar® Vehicle Protection?

Mopar® Vehicle Protection is the only service contract provider backed by FCA and honoured at all Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and FIAT® dealerships across North America. Have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is being serviced by factory-trained technicians using certified Mopar parts.

When did Dodge and RAM separate?

Chrysler bought Dodge in 1981 and kept their most popular models, including RAM pickup trucks. From 1981 to 2009, their pickup trucks were called “Dodge RAM.” and later decided to restructure the brand and split Dodge and RAM into two separate vehicle lineups.

When was Dodge founded?

Dodge was found by two brothers in 1900.

When did Chrysler buy Dodge??

In 1928, Walter Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corporation, purchased the Dodge company for $170 million

Why did Dodge and RAM separate?

Dodge RAM split into separate entities so that Dodge could focus more on building new vehicles that could compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Chevy Corvette.

Stop by Portage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Today

Here at Portage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, it is our mission to be the automotive home of drivers in the Portage, WI area. We provide a vast selection of new and used vehicles, exceptional car care, and customer service with a smile! With competitive prices offered on every pre-owned model for sale on our lot, you won’t find a reason to visit any other dealership in Portage.