History
The Dodge Dart and the Custom 880 were popular cars in the 1960s. The Dodge Charger, one of the Dodge's most iconic vehicles, made its debut. The muscle car featured a fastback roofline, hidden pop-up headlamps and a full-width taillamp panel. In 1970 the Challenger, a pony car was launched. The turbulence of the 1970s triggered off by the oil crisis has spelled a doom on the fortune of Dodge. However with government aid Dodge managed to make a recovery and launched the Caravan. This car was spacious, functional, targeted families and was the forerunner of the minivan segment. The V10-powered Viper roadster and an all-new Ram pickup were the popular models of the 1990's. Since its inception the Dodge has come a long way witnessing many ups and down. Today it is a division of DaimlerChrysler, the German owner of Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. The company's lineup includes coupes and sedans, minivans, SUVs and trucks.

Expansion
The Dodge Brothers Horace and John, who were manufacturers of bicycles and automotive parts, had founded the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company in 1914. They first rolled a touring car, a roadster and a four-door sedan on the road. By 1917, the companys trucks and cars were used as staff vehicles and ambulances during the First World War. After 14 years of its existence, the Dodge was sold to Chrysler Corporation In 1928. After the 2nd world war in 1945, the Dodge launched a Power Wagon truck, Hemi-powered Coronet and the Royal Lancer with dealer-installed air-conditioning.

Models

Dodge Avenger
The 2009 Dodge Avenger lineup loses its all-wheel-drive model and otherwise remains unchanged. The Dodge Avenger is available in SE, SXT, and sporty R/T and R/T AWD models. The SE and SXT are powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that generates 172-hp. A 2.7-liter V6 engine, which propels 190-hp, is available as optional for SXT. Equipped with a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6, the R/T AWD models have all-wheel drive but other Avengers are front drive. The 2.4 and 2.7-liter engines get a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5 equipped with a 6-speed automatic.
Dodge Caliber
The 2009 Dodge Caliber loses its all-wheel-drive model and otherwise remains largely unchanged. The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 joins SE, SXR, and R/T models. All models are bestowed with a 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. The R/T trim is however available with all-wheel drive. SE and SXT equipped with a 148-hp 1.8-liter engine wand a 5-speed manual transmission. These models are available with CVT and get a 158-hp 2.0 engine. All R/Ts have a 172-hp 2.4-liter. The SRT4 gets a turbocharged 285-hp 2.4 and a 6-speed manual.
Dodge Charger
The 2009 Dodge Charger gets more available V8 power and a few new features. The Chargers comes with base SE and R/T trim levels for 2008. An SXT package is also offered. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, but SXT and R/T models are available with all-wheel-drive. The Base SE and the SXT have been bestowed with a 3.5-liter (L) V6 engine generating 250 horsepower (hp). While the R/T gets a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that propels 340 hp and 390 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque, the Daytona R/T rates 350 hp with a 5.7L HEMI V8 and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT-8 offers a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine that generates 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. All models have been fitted with a five-speed automatic having an AutoStick feature. Newly available on the 2009 Dodge Charger is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite.
Dodge Dakota
The 2009 Dodge Dakota loses its all-wheel-drive option for 2009, but sees few other changes following its 2008 freshening. The Dodge Dakota pickup truck comes in two body styles. While the extended Cabs have a 6.5-ft cargo bed, the Quad Cab crew cabs have a 5.3-ft bed. It is powered by a standard V6 that generates 210-hp. However A 302-hp 4.7-liter V8 is new for 2008. The V8 comes with automatic transmission but the V6 comes with manual or automatic.
Dodge Durango
The 2009 Dodge Durango lineup gets a new gas/electric Hybrid model for what is its final model year. The Hybrid has a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that pairs with a battery-powered electric motor for 385 hp. The Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV which rolled on in 1998. Modeled on the lines of the Dakota pickup, Durango is available in SXT, SLT, Adventurer, and Limited trims. It is traditional a truck-type SUV having seating configurations for five, seven, or eight. For 2008, Dodge Durango gets a more powerful V8 engine. 3.7-liter V6 engine that generates 210-hp powers the SXT and SLT versions. All other models, including AWD models are equipped with a new 4.7-liter V8 engine producing 303-hp. A 335-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is optional on all but the SXT; Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation features on the Hemi V8. Standard transmission is a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed automatic. All models get rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan lineup gains some new available features. Newly available on the 2009 Grand Caravan is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite. The Dodge Grand Caravan is offered in two trims including SE and SXT levels. All Caravans now get a V6 with 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter engines. New for 2008 is a 251-hp 4.0-liter. The 3.3 V6 teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8 and 4.0 engines use a 6-speed automatic.
Dodge Journey
Introduced as a 2009 model, the Dodge Journey is a car-type SUV available in three trims that include base SE, SXT and R/T trims. The base SE seats five in base trim, and up to seven with the Flexible Seating Group with a 50/50 split third-row seat, which is available as optional. The base SE is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and comes only with front-wheel-drive. The SXT and R/T models are however equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 and available with front- or all-wheel-drive. Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, 20-gigabyte hard drive, is optional.
Dodge Magnum
The 2009 Dodge Magnum has been discontinued, but 2008 models may be available on dealer lots. The Dodge Magnum is powered by V6 and V8 engine. It also offers rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The SE models have a 2.7-liter V6 engine that produces 178-hp. While the SXT versions have been fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 engine propelled by 250-hp, the R/Ts have Chrysler's 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. High-performance SRT8s have a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi. The 5.7litre V8 engines offer Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation system. All Magnum trims have automatic transmission, 4-speed on SE and rear-drive SXT, 5-speed on the rest.
Dodge Nitro
The 2009 Dodge Nitro gets a revised suspension and braking system. The Dodge Nitro is available in SXT, SLT, and R/T models. It can accommodate as many as five passengers. The SLT and SXT trims are equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine that generates 210-hp. The R/T model however bestowed with a 4.0-liter V6 that generates a 260-hp. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on SXT while R/Ts have a 5-speed automatic. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard on SLT; however it is available as optional for SXT.
Dodge RAM 1500
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is redesigned with freshened styling, new comfort and convenience features, and more available power. The Dodge RAM 1500 is a large pickup truck that is available in 2-door regular cab and two 4-door crew cabs--the Quad Cab and the Mega Cab. The RAM 1500 is offers three engines; a 215-hp 3.7-liter V6; a new 310-hp 4.7-liter V8; and a 345-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. While the V6 and 4.7 V8 are available with manual or automatic transmission, the Hemi has been equipped with automatic transmission system. All Dodge RAMs are available with rear-wheel-drive or with 4-wheel-drive. New for 2009 is the Ram Box Storage System, available only on Crew Cabs.
Dodge RAM 2500
The 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 is powered by a new 355-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 395 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Dodge RAM is a three-quarter-ton pickup truck and comes in regular cab and four-door quad cab body styles. Its V-6 engine powers the light-duty, while its V8 engines powers the heavy-duty. The two-wheel-drive for the Base model is standard for RAM 2500 and optional for all other trims. It offers a standard four-wheel-drive (FWD) to all other trims. However, it is available as optional to the Base trim. The 2500 RAM has been equipped with a 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8 engine that produces 345 horsepower and 375 pound-feet torque.
Dodge RAM 3500
The 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 features the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel as standard for all trim levels, producing 650 lb-ft of torque and 350 horsepower. The Dodge RAM 3500 is available in regular, quad cab (crew cab) and mega cab (a jumbo crew cab) styles. The regular cab comes in ST and SLT trims, while the quad cab offers ST, SLT and Laramie trims. The mega cab is available with two trims that are SXT and Laramie. The RAM 3500 is bestowed with standard 5.7-liter, V-8 engine which generates 345 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in this model, while for the V-8, a five-speed automatic transmission is available as optional.
Dodge Sprinter Van
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Van is powered by a 154-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel that produces 280 lb-ft of torque. For 2009 a power-sliding door is offered, an upgraded audio system with MP3 capability and a 6-disc CD changer is a stand-alone option. The Sprinter Van has been equipped with two new engines, increased cargo space and towing capacity. The Sprinter 2500, available in cargo and passenger vans is wider, taller and longer. Sprinter 3500 is available in cab chassis and cargo van. The cab chassis is powered by a 3.0-liter, V-6 diesel engine which generates 154-horsepower, while the van has been equipped with a 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 CRD turbo diesel that propels 254-horsepower.
Dodge Sprinter Wagon
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Van is powered by a 154-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel that produces 280 lb-ft of torque. For 2009 a power-sliding door is offered, an upgraded audio system with MP3 capability and a 6-disc CD changer is a stand-alone option. The Sprinter comes in 2500 (three-quarter ton) and 3500 (one ton) ratings. However, only the 2500 series includes a passenger model. Both models offer an independent front suspension, rear leaf springs and power rack-and-pinion steering. It is powered by the 3.0-liter, V-6 diesel, which generates 254-horsepower, and 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 CRD turbo diesel engine. A 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline that produces 254 hp is also available as optional with is vehicle.
Dodge Viper
The 2009 Dodge Viper remains primarily unchanged following a complete redesign in 2008. The Dodge Viper is a two-seat sports car which comes as a coupe or as a convertible having a manual folding fabric top and heated glass rear window. Vipers have been equipped with V10 engine which generates a 600-hp. The engine is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission.