The Polyspheric Head Explained To address the cost, complexity, and weight issues that were hallmarks of the Hemi design,...
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Brand Marketing
Includes Print Ads, Press Releases, Sales Brochures, Posters, Cards, Dealer Sheets, and other Artwork.
Factory Documents
Includes Bulletins, Parts Catalogs, Owners Manuals, Stylist Drawings, and other information created by the manufacturer for informational and other purposes.
Features and Articles
Features & Articles from our Magazine Archive as well as materials written and collated by our staff.
Road Tests
A collection of road tests collected from various sources including our Magazine Archive.
Service Manuals
Manuals to assistance in the repair and service of a vehicle. The manuals are accessible if you are a Dues-Paying Members only.
Technical Info & Specifications
Technical Information and Specifications Including AMA Info
Pre World War II Models
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General Brand History
Years Manufactured
1900 – Present
World Head Quarters
Auburn Hills, Michigan
Dodge, an iconic American automotive brand, has left an indelible mark on the industry since its founding in 1900 by brothers John and Horace Dodge. Initially, Dodge supplied components to Detroit’s burgeoning automobile industry before venturing into car manufacturing themselves. Known for their durability and performance, Dodge vehicles quickly gained popularity, particularly with commercial customers. Over the years, Dodge has produced a diverse range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger, which have become synonymous with American performance. The brand’s commitment to innovation is evident in technologies like the HEMI V8 engine and advanced safety features. Today, Dodge continues to cater to enthusiasts with powerful and distinctive vehicles while maintaining a reputation for ruggedness and reliability, making it a beloved and enduring presence in the automotive landscape.
The Tabs Below Have Historical Information from Specific Years
**Scroll above section to see the models built by year
- Historical Information
- 1900 – 1909
- 1910 - 1919
- 1920 - 1929
- 1930 - 1939
- 1940 - 1949
- 1950 - 1959
- 1960 - 1969
- 1970 - 1979
- 1980 - 1989
- 1990 - 1999
- 2000 - 2009
- 2020 - 2029
These Tabs Have
Historical Information
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1900 – John and Horace Dodge establish the Dodge Brothers Company, a machine shop in Detroit, initially focusing on producing parts for bicycles and early automobiles. Their quality work attracts the interest of the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, resulting in a contract to supply engines and transmissions for Oldsmobile cars.
1901 – The Dodge brothers expand their skills and reputation by gaining recognition for precision machining and reliability. Their clientele grows to include companies like the Detroit Automobile Company and the Ford Motor Company.
1902 – The Dodge Brothers demonstrated innovation by designing and constructing custom engines and transmissions, showcasing their engineering talent and problem-solving skills.
1903 – Henry Ford collaborates with the Dodge brothers to manufacture reliable transmissions for his ambitious Model T project. The Dodge brothers’ high-quality transmissions and efficient production methods play a crucial role in the success of the Model T, contributing to its affordability and facilitating mass production.
1904 – 1907 – The Dodge brothers become significant shareholders and advisors in the Ford Motor Company, playing a pivotal role in its rapid growth and success. They contribute significantly to the evolution of the Model T by introducing improvements such as the four-cylinder engine, enhancing power and efficiency. Their substantial shares in the company make them wealthy and influential figures in the automotive industry.
1908 – 1909 – Tensions escalate between the Dodge brothers and Henry Ford over issues like profit sharing, production methods, and differing visions for the company’s future. The Dodge brothers advocate for stricter quality standards and efficient production processes, conflicting with Ford’s cost-centric approach. Recognizing these growing differences, the Dodge brothers opt to sell their shares in Ford, amassing substantial wealth and pursuing independence from the company.
1910 – The Dodge Brothers, John and Horace, founded the Dodge Brothers Company in Detroit, Michigan. Their initial focus was on producing parts for the Ford Model T.
1911 – The Dodge Brothers formally incorporate the Dodge Brothers Company, with a primary focus on continuing to manufacturing parts for the Ford Model T. They initiate production of the Dodge Model 1, a four-cylinder touring car, but it does not make it to public sale.
1912 – Dodge concentrates on supplying top-notch components to Ford, establishing a reputation for reliability and innovation. They play a role in advancements such as electric starters and self-lubricating chassis for the Model T.
1913 – Dodge experiences sustained growth as a parts supplier for Ford, consolidating their reputation in the automotive industry. John Dodge secures patents for various automotive innovations, including the single-plate clutch and the use of heat-treated alloy steel for gears.
1914 – On November 4th, Dodge Brothers introduces the Model 30-35, marking their entry into complete car production. Renowned for its affordability, power, and modern features like electric lights and a self-starter, the Model 30-35 experiences robust sales, positioning Dodge Brothers as a formidable competitor to Ford.
1915 – Dodge Brothers becomes Ford’s primary parts supplier, manufacturing almost half of the components for the Model T. Tensions escalate between the Dodge Brothers and Henry Ford, stemming from disagreements over pricing and control issues.
1916 – The Dodge Brothers decline to renew their contract with Ford and shift their focus to expanding their own car production. They launch the Model 30 touring car, an enhanced version of the 30-35, and experience substantial sales success.
1917 – Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company achieves the status of the world’s largest motor vehicle producer, surpassing Ford. The company broadens its product range by introducing new models such as the Model B roadster and the 1-ton truck.
1918 – During World War I, production at Dodge Brothers is significantly affected as the company shifts its focus to contribute to the war effort. They manufacture trucks and ambulances for the Allies, but encounter challenges due to material shortages and wartime regulations.
1919 – Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company experiences growth, producing over 100,000 vehicles annually and introducing the Model D, their first four-door sedan. The company celebrates its 500,000th vehicle in July. However, ongoing legal battles with Ford impact finances, and a post-war economic slowdown starts affecting car sales, including those of Dodge. John Dodge expresses concerns about the company’s long-term financial stability.
1920 – Following John Dodge’s death from influenza, leadership uncertainty ensues. The widows of John and Horace Dodge appoint Frederick Haynes as president. However, the company faces another blow with Horace Dodge’s death in a car accident, exacerbating leadership and morale issues. Ongoing lawsuits with Ford continue, draining resources and delaying new model releases. Furthermore, the post-war economic slowdown exacerbates the decline in sales, leading to a decrease in profitability.
1921 – Following Haynes’s resignation, Horace Dodge’s widow, Anna, assumes leadership. However, sales plummet by 50% amid intensified competition. Despite the introduction of the Series 116, it fails to generate excitement among buyers.
1922 – Amid mounting pressure, Anna Dodge resigns from her position, and Alfred Sloan Jr., later known for his association with General Motors, takes over leadership. Facing financial difficulties, the company seeks bank loans and grapples with the threat of insolvency. Limited updates to models hamper their appeal in the market.
1923 – After Alfred Sloan’s resignation, Z.G. Hopkins takes over leadership. Dodge strikes an agreement with Graham Brothers to manufacture Dodge Brothers Company trucks. The company, facing imminent bankruptcy, seeks government loans to stabilize its financial situation.
1924 – To cope with financial challenges, Dodge Brothers Company reduces wages and implements layoffs. The Series 120 is introduced with refreshed styling, but Dodge Brothers Companies market position declines, falling to seventh place in the US car market.
1925 – Dave Brown succeeds Z.G. Hopkins as the head of Dodge Brothers Company. The company nearly merges with Studebaker-Packard, but the deal collapses. Dodge Brothers Company’s styling continues to lag behind competitors, remaining outdated.
1926 – Dodge Brothers Company launches its first six-cylinder model, the Senior Six, amidst ongoing layoffs and production line streamlining efforts. Despite these measures, sales and market share continue to decline.
1927 – Dodge Brothers Company engaged in discussions with investment bankers regarding a potential acquisition as a last resort. The “Fast Four” model is introduced to target younger buyers, achieving moderate success. However, the company teeters on the verge of collapse due to ongoing financial challenges.
1928 – Walter P. Chrysler acquires Dodge Brothers Company, leading to the formation of Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler assumes control and appoints a new management team. The DA Series is launched, marking Dodge Brothers Company’s first all-steel bodied car. This move helps Dodge Brothers Company’s sales rebound, and the brand’s image begins to recover.
1929 – Under Chrysler’s leadership, Dodge Brothers Company experiences revitalization with the introduction of new six-cylinder and eight-cylinder models. However, the onset of the Great Depression poses new challenges for the automotive industry as a whole, including Dodge Brothers Company.
1930 – The company undergoes a name change, becoming simply “Dodge” after dropping “Brothers.” The Great Depression severely affects sales, leading to layoffs and production cuts. The DA Series persists with minor updates, while the DD taxicab model is introduced. Dodge faces intense competition from Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth.
1931 – Under the leadership of K.T. Keller, Dodge prioritizes cost-cutting and operational streamlining. The company introduces the Eight (DC), its first eight-cylinder engine car, while Dodge trucks gain acclaim for their durability and reliability. However, despite these efforts, Dodge’s market share continues to decline.
1932 – Facing record-low sales and nearing bankruptcy, Dodge implements drastic measures. The company streamlines its product lineup, offering fewer models at lower prices to stay afloat. Dodge emphasizes affordability and value to better compete with lower-priced brands in the market.
1933 – As the economy begins to recover, Dodge experiences a gradual increase in sales. The company introduces the Six (DE), providing a more affordable option for buyers. Streamlined styling becomes a key focus to attract customers. Dodge adopts marketing strategies such as sponsoring radio programs and utilizing celebrity endorsements to enhance brand visibility.
1934 – As sales continue to climb, Dodge sees a return to profitability. The company introduces the Airflow, a futuristic aerodynamic car, which receives mixed reception from consumers. However, Chevrolet’s introduction of the Master Series poses a significant threat to Dodge’s market position.
1935 – Consumer rejection of the Airflow’s radical design prompts Dodge to scale back production. Instead, the company introduces more conventional models like the DU series to better meet consumer preferences. Dodge shifts its focus to emphasize performance and value, aiming to compete effectively with Chevrolet in the market.
1936 – After incurring significant losses, Dodge discontinues the unpopular Airflow design. The introduction of the D-2 series brings modern styling and features, including independent front suspension. Dodge experiences a resurgence in sales, reaching their highest level since 1929.
1937 – Unionization efforts and strikes disrupt production and impact sales for Dodge. Despite these challenges, the D-3 series carries forward design improvements. Dodge focuses its marketing efforts on emphasizing “dependability” and “value for money” to appeal to potential buyers.
1938 – Despite facing another downturn in sales, Dodge manages to weather the storm, albeit not as severely as during the Great Depression. The D-4 series continues the trend of evolutionary design changes. Dodge shifts its marketing strategy to highlight specific features such as safety and comfort to attract customers.
1939 – Preparations for war significantly impact Dodge’s production and resources. The introduction of the D-5 series sees minor changes. Dodge actively promotes patriotism and emphasizes its contribution to the war effort as part of its marketing strategy.
1940 – During World War II, Dodge maintains its focus on producing passenger cars like the D-7 series, emphasizing reliability and value. However, the company shifts production lines to manufacture military vehicles for the war effort. Key contributions include the WC series trucks and WD series ambulances. Dodge actively promotes patriotism and highlights its role in supporting the war effort through its manufacturing capabilities.
1941 – During World War II, Dodge achieves peak wartime production, manufacturing thousands of military vehicles annually. The company spearheads new designs and innovations tailored for military applications. Dodge workers are honored with awards and recognition for their significant contributions to the war effort. Dodge vehicles play a crucial role in securing Allied victory during World War II, showcasing the company’s pivotal role in supporting the war effort.
1942 – 1944 During World War II, Dodge achieves peak wartime production, manufacturing thousands of military vehicles annually. The company spearheads new designs and innovations tailored for military applications, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort. Dodge workers receive awards and recognition for their invaluable contributions to the production of military vehicles. Dodge vehicles play a vital role in the Allied victory, demonstrating the company’s pivotal role in supporting the war effort.
1945 – With the end of the war, military production plummets. Dodge transitions its factories back to car manufacturing, introducing the D-24 series trucks and the 1946 Deluxe and Special models. However, Dodge confronts strong competition as other automakers also revert to civilian production.
1946 – 1947 The post-war period sees a surge in demand for new cars, leading to a swift rise in Dodge sales. The company introduces the 1948 Wayfarer and the 1949 Meadowbrook models. However, production and sales are occasionally disrupted by strikes and unionization efforts. Additionally, supply chain complications intermittently hinder production.
1948 – 1949 The post-war economic slump leads to a decrease in car sales and a slowdown in growth. Dodge makes minor modifications to existing models such as the Wayfarer and Meadowbrook. To appeal to buyers, Dodge emphasizes affordability and value. The company also introduces the Power Wagon truck, which boasts innovative features.
1950 – Dodge shifts production to include military vehicles, albeit to a lesser extent than during WWII. The company introduces the Coronet, a full-size car targeting the mainstream market. Despite facing fierce competition from Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth, Dodge emphasizes value, performance, and styling to attract buyers and maintain its market position.
1951 – Dodge continues its production of military vehicles alongside civilian car manufacturing. Minor updates are applied to existing models like the Coronet and the Wayfarer, with notable design elements such as fins and chrome becoming prominent. Dodge actively promotes new features and styling advancements to attract buyers and stay competitive in the market.
1952 – Dodge transitions its focus solely to civilian car production, introducing models like the Royal and Meadowbrook to expand its lineup. Despite competition from the “Big Three” automakers, Dodge aims to strengthen its position in the market. Additionally, Dodge adopts television advertising for the first time to reach a wider audience and promote its vehicles.
1953 – Despite strong sales, Dodge faces stiff competition, resulting in thin profit margins. The company concentrates on improving existing models by enhancing drivetrains and interiors to stay competitive. Dodge emphasizes the qualities of “dependability” and “family car” attributes in its marketing campaigns. Additionally, Power Steering becomes available on select Dodge models, enhancing driving comfort and convenience for customers.
1954 – As the economy weakens, car sales decline, posing challenges for Dodge. In response, Dodge adopts a new “gyroscopically balanced” V8 engine to enhance performance and efficiency. However, Dodge struggles to differentiate itself in a crowded market. To expand its offerings, Dodge introduces the Power Wagon, featuring increased hauling capacity to appeal to customers seeking utility and versatility in their vehicles.
1955 – With the recovery of the economy, car sales experience a significant rebound. Dodge introduces the iconic Dodge Lancer, catering to the performance market segment. Embracing the “jet-age” styling trend, Dodge incorporates fins and chrome embellishments into its designs. The company’s advertising campaigns emphasize power, performance, and futuristic design, reflecting the appeal of their vehicles to consumers.
1956 – Amidst the intensifying “muscle car” era with offerings from Ford and Chevrolet, Dodge refines its lineup. It enhances the Lancer and introduces the D-500, a sporty two-door coupe, to cater to the growing demand for high-performance vehicles. Continuing with the “jet-age” design language, Dodge incorporates bolder styling elements into its models. The company emphasizes performance and value in its marketing efforts to compete effectively with its muscle car rivals.
1957 – Car sales soar to record highs, buoyed by consumer optimism. Dodge introduces the groundbreaking “Forward Look” design for its Coronet and Royal models. Characterized by swept-back fins, push-button transmissions, and futuristic styling, the “Forward Look” revolutionizes automotive design. Dodge accentuates the sleek aesthetics and advanced features of the “Forward Look” cars in its marketing campaigns, capturing the imagination of consumers and setting new standards in the industry.
1958 – Amidst an economic downturn, car sales plummet, impacting Dodge significantly. The declining popularity of larger cars contributes to a decline in Dodge sales. In response, Dodge modifies the “Forward Look” design to be more conservative, reflecting changing consumer preferences. The company shifts its focus to emphasize value and practicality, aiming to attract budget-conscious buyers amidst challenging economic conditions.
1959 – As the economy shows signs of improvement, car sales begin to rebound. Dodge responds to shifting market trends by introducing the Dart, a compact car targeting the expanding market segment. Embracing a more conservative and streamlined design approach across all models, Dodge prioritizes practicality, affordability, and fuel efficiency for the Dart, aligning with consumer preferences in a changing economic landscape.
1960 – Dodge introduced the Dart model, a compact car that gained popularity among consumers. Dodge also ventured into performance-oriented vehicles, launching the Polara D-500 with a high-performance engine. The D-series pickup trucks were redesigned to offer enhanced capabilities and comfort.
1961 – The Dodge Lancer, a compact car, was introduced to tap into the growing market for smaller vehicles. The Lancer, a sporty two-door coupe, was targeted at younger buyers, reflecting Dodge’s continued focus on performance. The Dart model received engine upgrades, enhancing its appeal as a practical yet exciting option. The D-series trucks were also upgraded with an optional 361 cubic inch V8 engine, adding to their power.
1962 – Dodge broadened its offerings with the Dodge Custom 880, a full-size car designed to meet diverse consumer needs. The company also made progress in motorsports, with the Dodge Dart excelling in drag racing. The Polara, full-size luxury sedan, were updated to emphasize elegance and comfort. Dodge catered to practical needs with the A100 compact van, targeting families and businesses. The D-series trucks, known for their rugged reliability, continued to be popular workhorses.
1963 – Dodge achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of the Polara 500, a high-performance version of its full-size car, strengthening its position in the performance car segment. Dodge also made a remarkable entry into NASCAR with the Dodge Ramcharger 413. The company launched the Super Stock program, offering high-performance versions of the Dart and Charger, tapping into the growing popularity of drag racing. The D-series trucks were further enhanced with the powerful 426 cubic inch “Ramcharger” V8 engine.
1964 – Dodge underwent a major redesign with the launch of the “Dodge Dependables” lineup, which included models like the Dart, Polara, and Coronet, aiming to modernize its image and appeal to a wider audience. Dodge also started exporting vehicles to various countries, exploring international market opportunities. The Charger was significantly redesigned, becoming more sleek and aerodynamic. The introduction of the medium-sized Coronet expanded Dodge’s offerings, targeting budget-conscious buyers seeking style and comfort. The D-series trucks maintained their reputation as reliable workhorses.
1965 – Dodge introduced the Dodge Monaco, a full-size luxury car, to compete with high-end models from other manufacturers. Dodge continued its success in motorsports, including NASCAR and drag racing. The Dodge Charger Daytona, designed for NASCAR superspeedway racing, made its debut with aerodynamic innovations and impressive speeds. The Coronet received positive reviews, securing its position in Dodge’s lineup. The D-series trucks expanded their options with crew cab and long-bed configurations.
1966 – Dodge refined its lineup, introducing the iconic Charger, a sporty coupe with distinctive styling and powerful engines, appealing to performance-oriented consumers. The Charger R/T, featuring the powerful 426 Hemi engine, raised the bar for performance. The Charger Daytona dominated in NASCAR, gaining public attention. The D-series trucks continued to be popular for their durability and versatility.
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Acquisitions, Partnerships, and Mergers
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Cultural References
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Search the Complete Dodge Document Library Here
Brand Marketing
Includes Print Ads, Press Releases, Sales Brochures, Posters, Cards, Dealer Sheets, and other Artwork.
Factory Documents
Includes Bulletins, Parts Catalogs, Owners Manuals, Stylist Drawings, and other information created by the manufacturer for informational and other purposes.
Features and Articles
Features & Articles from our Magazine Archive as well as materials written and collated by our staff.
Road Tests
A collection of road tests collected from various sources including our Magazine Archive.
Service Manuals
Manuals to assistance in the repair and service of a vehicle. The manuals are accessible if you are a Dues-Paying Members only.
Technical Info & Specifications
Technical Information and Specifications Including AMA Info