Home » Car Reviews » Dodge
Dodge
Dodge Challenger - exterior.
2008 Dodge Challenger - enlargeDodge is a North American automaker founded in 1914 and currently headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Dodge was a part of DaimlerChrysler AG, based in Stuttgart. As of 2005, the Dodge brand has become known primarily for its trucks and vans, which account for 78% of the division's sales.1 Dodge is attempting to change this with the introduction of many new car models including the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and the soon to be released Dodge Challenger.2 In Spring 2007, DaimlerChrysler reached an agreement with Cerberus Capital Management to sell off its Chrysler Group subsidiary of which the Dodge division is part.3
Its present lineup starts with the second generation 2008 Dodge Avenger midsize sedan (MSRP: $19,600 - $24,280, Invoice price: $18,239 - $22,451), which competes with the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Azera, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Toyota Camry. Available engines include a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter I4 engine, a 189-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine, and a 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. Buyers can choose between a four-speed automatic and six-speed shiftable automatic transmission; and between front-wheel and all-wheel drive systems.
Next is the 2008 Dodge Charger midsize sedan (MSRP: $22,920 - $39,218, Invoice price: $21,466 - $36,768), was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model. Dodge Charger competitors include the Buick Lucerne Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Mazda Mazda6, Mercury Sable, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, and Toyota Camry. Available engine choices are a 186-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine, a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 340-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine, and a 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter V8 engine. Buyers can choose between four-speed and five-speed automatic transmissions; and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive systems.
Up next is the only hatchback in Dodge's current lineup, the 2008 Dodge Caliber compact hatchback (MSRP: $14,900 - $23,285, Invoice price: $14,071 - $21,702), which was introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model. This model is available in Base SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT-4 trim levels and with the Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Flex, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix. Buyers can choose from a 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter I4 engine and a 173-horsepower, a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter, I4 engine, a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter I4 engine, and a 285-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged I4 engine. Buyers can choose between five-speed or six-speed manual transmissions (mated with a front-wheel drive system) or a continuously variable transmission mated with an all-wheel drive system.
Dodge also has one wagon in its lineup, the 2008 Dodge Magnum fullsize wagon (MSRP: $24,120 - $38,805, Invoice price: $22,543 - $36,195) is available in Base, SXT, R/T, and SRT-8 trim levels. This model was included on Car and Driver's Ten Best list in 2005 and competes with the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series wagon, Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Taurus X, Mercedes Benz E-Class wagon, Saab 9-5 SportWagon, Volkswagen Passat wagon, and Volvo V70. Buyers can choose from a 190-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine, a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 340-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine, and a 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter V8 engine. It comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, and a rear-wheel drive system. A five-speed shiftable automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system (with mechanical center differential) are also available.
Then, we have the 2008 Dodge Challenger midsize coupe (MSRP: $40,158, Invoice price: $37,641), a remake of the Dodge Challenger of the 1970s. This model debuted as a concept car in 2006 at the North American Auto Show and competes with the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Infiniti G37, Nissan 350 Z, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Pontiac G6, Pontiac Solstice, and Saturn Sky. It comes with a 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter V8 engine, a five-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and a rear-wheel drive system.
Next in the lineup is the third generation 2008 Dodge Viper sports car, which comes in coupe (MSRP: $88,261, Invoice price: $81,087) and convertible versions (MSRP: $87,511, Invoice price: $80,419). The coupe version competes with the BMW M Coupe, Cadillac XLR, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Shelby GT500, Porsche 911 and Porsche Cayman, while the convertible version competes with the BMW M Roadster, Cadillac XLR, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes Benz CLK-Class, and Porsche 911. This model comes with a powerful 600-horsepower, 8.4-liter V10 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a rear-wheel drive system with rear limited slip differential. Also featured are 19 x 13.0 inch polished alloy wheels, performance tires, leather/suede upholstery, power-dependent steering, a manual convertible roof (for convertible version), height-adjustable pedals, and a bevy of safety features.
Up next is the fifth generation 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan (MSRP: $22,470 - $27,535, Invoice price: $20,779 - $25,286), which competes with the Chrysler Town and Country, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna. The Grand Caravan comes with two engine choices: a 175-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine and a 197-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine. Buyers can choose between four-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions. This model is equipped with a front-wheel drive system.
Then, we have the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Fullsize Cargo Van (MSRP: $36,105 - $42,560, Invoice price: $32,944 - $38,818), which is available in 2500 and 3500 versions and has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This model competes with the Chevrolet Express Cargo, Ford Econoline Cargo, and GMC Savana Cargo. It has two available wheelbases (144 and 170 inches), three available body lengths (233, 273, and 289 inches), and three available roof heights (65, 76, and 84 inches). The Sprinter Cargo comes with a 154-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine (a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is optional), a five-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and a rear-wheel drive system.
There's also the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 Compact Passenger Van (MSRP: $38,935 - $43,550, Invoice price: $35,519 - $39,719), which comes in three body styles: one with a 144-inch wheelbase (also the regular length) and a 65-inch roof, one with a regular length and a 76.4-inch high roof, and one with the 76.4-inch high roof and a wheelbase of 170 inches. This model competes with the Chevrolet Express, Ford Econoline Wagon, and GMC Savana. This passenger van comes with a 154-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine (a 254-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is optional), a five-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and a rear-wheel drive system. This model has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the maximum payload for the 144-inch wheelbase is 2,937 pounds.
We go next to the Dodge sport utility vehicles, starting with the 2009 Dodge Journey compact sport utility vehicle (MSRP: $19,985 - $28,295, Invoice price: $18,843 - $26,128). This model was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show and competes with the Buick Enclave, Dodge Caliber, Ford Edge, Ford Escape, GMC Acadia, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Patriot, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-7, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Saturn Outlook, Saturn VUE, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4. Buyers can choose between a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine and a 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine; four-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions; and front-wheel and all-wheel drive systems.
Next is the 2008 Dodge Nitro midsize sport utility vehicle (MSRP: $20,580 - $25,630, Invoice price: $19,390 - $24,011), which competes with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Patriot, Kia Sorento, Mercury Mariner, Nissan Rogue, Nissan XTerra, Saturn Outlook, Saturn VUE, Toyota 4 Runner, and Toyota FJ Cruiser. Buyers can choose between a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine and a 260-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine; a six-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission; and a rear-wheel and four-wheel drive system. It also features a Load 'N Go sliding cargo floor, which can be extended through the rear hatch by 18 inches.
The second generation 2008 Dodge Durango midsize sport utility vehicle (MSRP: $27,675 - $38,435, Invoice price: $25,489 - $35,120) rounds out Dodge's SUV list, and competes with the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Chrysler Aspen, Ford Expedition, GMC Acadia, GMC Yukon, Infiniti QX56, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Armada, Nissan Pathfinder, and Saturn Outlook. Saab 9-7X, and Toyota Sequoia. Engine choices include a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, a 303-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 engine, a 303-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 engine, and a 330-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. Buyers can choose between four-speed and five-speed automatic transmissions; and rear-wheel and four-wheel drive systems. The latter comes with on demand 4WD, a mechanical center differential, and automatic locking hubs. It also features 17 x 7.0 inch steel wheels, all terrain tires, a cargo capacity of 68 cubic feet (with the third seat folded), power features, and power and heated mirrors.
We go next to the Dodge pickup trucks, starting with the 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup (MSRP: $22,115 - $49,825, Invoice price: $19,825 - $43,841). This model comes in 1500, 2500, and 3500 versions and Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Mega Cab body styles. It also competes with similar pickup trucks from Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. Available engines to choose from for the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 include a 215-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, a 310-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 engine, and a 345-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine. Both six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are available, as well as both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive systems. This pickup can tow up to 9,100 pounds, if equipped properly.
Buyers of the Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 can choose between a 330-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine and a 350-horsepower, 6.7-liter diesel-fueled I6 engine. Five-speed automatic, six-speed manual, and six-speed automatic transmissions are available, as well as rear-wheel and four-wheel drive systems. The four-wheel drive versions have part time 4WD, manual hi-lo gear selection, and automatic locking hubs. Those who prefer the Dodge Ram Pickup 3500 can choose between a a 330-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 gas engine and a 350-horsepower, 6.7-liter I6 diesel engine. Both a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and a five-speed automatic transmission are available, as well as rear-wheel and four-wheel drive systems. The four-wheel drive version comes with part-time 4WD, an - electronic hi-lo gear selection, and automatic locking hubs. The Ram Pickup 3500 has a maximum towing capacity of 16,350 pounds.
Rounding out the pickup truck list and Dodge model lineup is the midsized 2008 Dodge Dakota compact pickup truck (MSRP: $22,780 - $30,370, Invoice price: $20,990 - $27,745), which is available in two versions: an Extended Cab with a 6 1/2-foot bed, a 40/20/40-split bench front seat, and small, rear compartment doors; and a Crew Cab with bucket front seats, a five-foot and four-inch bed, and four full-sized doors. This model has a maximum towing capacity of 7,050 pounds and competes with the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Mazda B-Series, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. There are two available engines: a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 gas engine and a 302-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 engine. Both six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are available, as well as rear-wheel and four-wheel drive systems.
A look at Dodge's reliability ratings (ConsumerReports.org) showed that the showed how the Dodge Magnum held up mechanically. The Dodge Magnum received the following ratings for the year 2006 (major design year was 2005): Excellent ratings for engine (major and cooling), electrical system and exhaust; Very Good rating for engine (minor); a Good rating for drive, fuel, climate and audio systems, suspension, paint and trim, squeaks and rattles, body hardware, and power equipment; a Fair rating for transmission (major); and Poor ratings for transmission (minor) and brakes.
Meanwhile, the Dodge Dakota held up mechanically. The Dodge Dakota (2WD) received the following ratings for the year 2006 (major design year was 2005): Excellent ratings for engine, major transmission, exhaust, electrical and climate system trouble spots; Very Good ratings for its minor transmission, fuel system, paint and trim, and audio system trouble spots; Good ratings for its body hardware and power equipment; Fair ratings for its squeak and rattles; and Poor ratings for its brakes and drive system trouble spots. The Dodge Dakota (4WD) had the following ratings: Excellent ratings for major engine, engine cooling, and major transmission trouble spots; Very Good ratings for minor engine, exhaust, fuel, electrical, and audio system trouble spots; Good ratings for climate system and power equipment; Fair ratings for paint and trim, squeaks and rattles, and body hardware trouble spots; and Poor ratings for minor transmission, drive system, suspension, and brakes trouble spots.
Dodges are also equipped with security and safety features and have been tested and proven safe. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reflect that the showed that both the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab and 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab received five stars out of five in frontal crash tests, and four stars out of five (both for 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive) in rollover tests. Meanwhile, the 2008 Dodge Durango SUV received five stars out of five in front crash tests; and three stars out of five (2-wheel drive) and four stars out of five (4-wheel drive) in rollover tests.
A 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Regular Cab with an MSRP of $22,115 is more expensive than competing models 2008 Ford F-150 Regular Cab (MSRP: $18,850.00) and a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Regular Cab (MSRP: $18,425.00). Depreciation-wise, the Dodge model is the least competitive. Case in point, a base 2007 version which had an original MSRP of $21,505 currently has a selling price within the $15,500-range. Meanwhile, a base 2007 Ford F-150 (MSRP: $18,275) can now be had for around $14,775, while a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (the most competitive of the three) which was originally sold at $16,915 is now priced within the $13,920-range.
Dodge Ram fans should watch out for the 2009 Dodge Ram, which features a new look, an impressive safety hardware, a cargo management system, two-tone upholstery, and a new Sirius Backseat TV.
Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Dodge car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.
