The Dodge brand enjoys a long and cherished legacy in American automotive history. From innovative discovery to exhilarating victory, the Dodge story has it all. And today, the brand enjoys an exciting position at the top of the American automotive market. But how did Dodge reach its current levels of success? And how does the brand continue to rewrite the history books, over 100 years since its founding? Join the Evans Arena family as we explore the history of Dodge as an automotive brand.
Evans Arena has long held a special place in the Dayton automotive market. We believe that every American driver should have the chance to experience the best vehicles their country has to offer. That is why we work long and hard to find financing options that will fit a wide range of budgets and life circumstances. And our VIP Exclusive benefits give customers valuable perks which make vehicle ownership easier than ever before. Contact us for details.
Meet the Brothers
Despite its history of excellence with crafting four-wheel vehicles, the Dodge brand actually got its start with bicycles. Brothers John Francis and Horace Dodge opened Evans and Dodge Bicycles with a partner in 1896. The company soon became famous for its innovative dirt-resistant ball bearings, a concept patented by Horace.
They would eventually shift from making bicycles to making car parts for companies with well-known names such as Ford and Olds. In 1913, the brothers opened the Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company. Throughout these years, the brothers crafted well-made vehicles built on the same innovative spirit that had always run through the brand. The first Dodge vehicle the Model 30, was released in 1914. The Model 30 made its mark as the first ever all-steel touring car. The vehicle ran on a four-cylinder engine and made 35 horsepower.
The Dodge brothers both died in 1920. Five years later, Chrysler purchased the company, which was the second largest American automaker at the time. This partnership still exists today.
Innovation and Excitement
In the 1930’s, Chrysler used the Dodge name to produce innovative, practical family vehicles boasting exclusive new features such as rustproof bodies and independent front suspensions. By 1935, the brand had produced three million vehicles and was eager to build more.
Like all other automakers in the 1940’s, Dodge halted production of passenger cars to focus on making military equipment for World War II. Along with tanks and planes, Dodge made 150 cars for the armed forces to use. The automaker’s military ambulance would become the inspiration for a line of commercial trucks after the war.
After the war, Dodge achieved booming successes, releasing new exciting models and gaining adherents across the country. The first Dodge Charger concept was released in 1964, with the Challenger rolling off production lines in 1970. But perhaps the highlight of this era was when Richard Petty won the Daytona 500 in February 1974 behind the wheel of a Charger! This event cemented the brand as an American performance legend, and created a new legacy for Dodge vehicles.
In 1981, Dodge gained ownership of the RAM Truck brand. RAM evolved as a division of Dodge until it became its own brand in 1994.
Today, Dodge offers drivers vehicles built with the same spirit of innovation and performance that motivated John Francis and Horace all those years ago. Its small yet mighty lineup of powerful performance cars and SUVs captures the essence of American driving culture and is popular with buyers from sea to shining sea.
Conclusion
From 1914 to 2021 and beyond, Dodge has sought to redefine what customers could expect from their vehicles. The Dodge story is complex, ranging from bicycles to pickup trucks and from war to racing, but the legacy of the Dodge brothers lives on. And today, Dodge dealers all over the United States are ready to help their customers write the next great chapter in American automotive history.
Evans Arena offers Dayton-area drivers a wide variety of new and used vehicles from some of America’s top automotive brands. Our finance and service centers are eager to help drivers afford and maintain their next great ride. And with VIP Exclusive benefits, we make owning a Dodge vehicle easier than ever. Visit us at 924 Shiloh Springs Road in Dayton, Ohio, or call us at (937) 802-2449 to learn more or to schedule a test drive. And remember, whether it comes down to selection, service or financing, nobody beats Evans Arena…Nobody!
