Dodge is a US car manufacturer synonymous with producing high quality cars, minivans, MPVs and pick-up trucks. With a broad customer base and an impressive model range, the manufacturer has come a long way since its formation 110 years ago. Now regarded as the go-to manufacturer for big, bold vehicles, Dodge has become a huge hit with drivers all over the world, particularly in America and Europe. But just where did it all start?

Dodge was originally founded as the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 and found success supplying parts and assemblies to the Detroit auto industry but they soon found this wasn’t enough. Fed up of “being carried around in Henry Ford’s vest pocket” the Dodge brothers decided it was time they used their expertise to build their own complete models. In 1914 the firm produced its first vehicle – the Dodge Model 30 – which was hailed as a slightly more upmarket alternative to its competitor the Ford Model T. They then went on to achieve great success and their cars were ranked second place in the American sales in 1920.

But it wasn’t long before Dodge attracted the attention of some of the larger companies in the manufacturing business. In 1928 the firm was bought by Chrysler Corporation where the firm still resides today. Chrysler currently has a merger with Fiat which has plans to evolve many of the Dodge models into products of the Chrysler-Fiat merger.

In terms of Dodge vehicles, the model range couldn’t be stronger. Key models throughout the Dodge timeline include the Hemi, the Lancer, the Charger and the Challenger. Popular modern Dodge vehicles include the Journey, the Viper and the Nitro. In terms of the future, Dodge is just about to put the new Ram range on the market. Characteristic and extrovert; the Ram series is easily the most daring and exciting of all the Dodge ranges. But will they be a success? If Dodge’s past history is anything the go by, the answer has to be a resounding “yes”!