15 Facts About Dodge: Statistics to Know in 2023
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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Dodge is one of the largest auto manufacturers in the United States, so it’s only natural to want to know more. Even if you’re a Dodge guru, chances are that there are more than a few facts and stats that you’re not aware of!
That’s why we researched and tracked down 15 extremely interesting Dodge statistics, specifically diving into Dodge Challenger facts and Dodge Viper facts!
Click below to jump ahead:
Top 15 Dodge Statistics
- Dodge started by selling bicycles in 1896.
- In 1900, Dodge shifted to manufacturing parts for stoves.
- Dodge built parts for the Model T in 1910.
- Dodge shifted to the automotive market in 1914.
- Dodge released its first truck in 1917.
- The 2014 Ram 1500 was the first compact diesel pickup truck.
- The first Dodge logo was three intersecting triangles.
- Both Dodge brothers died in January 1920.
- The Dodge Challenger debuted in 1969.
- The top speed of a Dodge Challenger is 203 mph.
- The R/T Scat Pack Challenger has a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds.
- The Dodge Viper has a top speed of 206 mph.
- The Dodge Viper has a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
- Dodge released the Viper in 1991.
- Lamborghini built the first Dodge Viper engine.
General Dodge Facts
1. Dodge started by selling bicycles in 1896.
(The Dodge Brothers)
While you likely can’t find a Dodge bicycle today, to get to Dodge’s humble roots, you need to take it back to two wheels. The Dodge brothers started producing bicycles over 200 years ago, and it’s those humble roots that vaulted Dodge to where it is today.
2. In 1900, Dodge shifted to manufacturing parts for stoves.
(The Dodge Brothers)
While it might seem like a straightforward transition from bicycles to cars, that’s not what happened. While Dodge never made entire stoves, it was responsible for producing some of the finer machinery inside of them.
3. Dodge built parts for the Model T in 1910.
(The Dodge Brothers)
Dodge didn’t go straight from stoves to cars. First, it moved into automotive part manufacturing, and in 1910, it was producing parts for the Model T. These parts were so reliable, people were soon calling for Dodge to create its own vehicles.
4. Dodge shifted to the automotive market in 1914.
(The Dodge Brothers)
While Dodge started with bicycles and shifted to stoves, it didn’t take the executives long to realize that the real money was in vehicles. Dodge created its first vehicle in 1914, and by 1915, it was mass-producing vehicles for the open road.
5. Dodge released its first truck in 1917.
(The Dodge Brothers)
While Dodge started with the car, it soon ventured into the truck market. In 1917, it produced its first truck, and it’s been pushing them out ever since.
6. The 2014 Ram 1500 was the first compact diesel pickup truck.
(Automotive Training Center)
Not only has Dodge been producing trucks for over 100 years, but it’s been innovating along the way. In 2014, it was the first company to release a compact diesel pickup truck when it released the 2014 Ram 1500. It had power and a smaller size, all bundled into one awesome package.
7. The first Dodge logo was three intersecting triangles.
(The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile)
While Dodge has a straightforward logo today with its Dodge text, it wasn’t always this way. The first Dodge logo consisted of three intersecting triangles. This logo was known as the Fratzog, and it served as its logo from 1962 to 1981.
8. Both Dodge brothers died in January 1920.
(The Dodge Brothers)
While Dodge has grown to a massive corporation, the truth is that neither brother saw its most massive rise to fame. Both brothers died after contracting the flu and pneumonia at an automotive festival in New York. While no one can confirm it, both Dodge brothers likely died of the 1918 flu.
Dodge Challenger Facts
9. The Dodge Challenger debuted in 1969.
(American Cars of the 1960s)
Dodge’s signature American muscle car has been a staple in its lineup since 1969. While that means it’s been around for over 50 years, it also means that it took the company over 70 years to release them.
10. The top speed of a Dodge Challenger is 203 mph.
(Dodge)
While the Dodge Challenger isn’t the fastest car in the Dodge lineup, that doesn’t mean it can’t move. Its top speed is over 200 miles per hour, which means it can smoke plenty of cars off the track if you have the right package.
11. The R/T Scat Pack Challenger has a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds.
(Dodge)
Not only does the Dodge Challenger have a super impressive top speed, but it’s super quick too. The R/T Scat Pack Challenger (the fastest model) can reach 60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds! It’s not the quickest vehicle in Dodge’s lineup, but it’s pretty close.
Dodge Viper Facts
12. The Dodge Viper has a top seed of 206 mph.
While the Dodge Challenger is impressive, if you’re looking for the fastest car that Dodge makes, you need to look at the Viper. It has an impressive top speed of 206 miles per hour, which is wildly fast no matter how you look at it.
13. The Dodge Viper has a 0-60-mph time of 3.5 seconds.
(Dodge)
Not only does the Viper have a super impressive top speed, but it can also get there in no time. It can hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds, which makes it both the fastest and the quickest vehicle that Dodge makes.
14. Dodge released the Viper in 1991.
(The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile)
While Dodge released the classic Challenger in 1969, it took the company a little longer to get to the Viper. It’s been around for just over 30 years now, but that still makes it one of the newer classic vehicles.
15. Lamborghini built the first Dodge Viper engine.
(The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile)
When Dodge first released the Viper, it wanted the best of the best, and that’s a mantra that it’s stuck with year after year. Few companies produce better and more powerful engines than Lamborghini, so it’s not surprising that Dodge used one of its engines in the first Vipers.
It also highlights just how far Dodge is willing to go to put a top-notch engine in its signature high-speed vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dodge
The more information that you get, the more questions that you’re bound to have. We completely understand the constant drive for more knowledge, and that’s why we highlighted and answered frequently asked questions about Dodge here!
What Is the Most Popular Dodge?
If you’re looking for the best-selling model that Dodge pushes out, it’s the Grand Caravan, but the most popular car among fans and enthusiasts is likely the Charger. It’s its number-one selling sedan, and since it’s a classic American muscle car, that’s truly a ringing endorsement. (Carsalesbase)
What Dodge Is the Fastest?
If you’re looking for the fastest possible Dodge, it’s the Dodge Challenger Demon, but if you’re looking for the fastest one that you can purchase, it’s the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. It can fly to 203 miles per hour, and it’s a piece of classic American muscle that you’ll love. (Dodge)
Who Owns Dodge?
While Dodge started with two brothers, today, it’s part of a massive corporation. Stellantis is a massive corporation that completed a merger and sprung into existence in 2020. It also owns Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Peugeot, and Ram. (Car and Driver)
What Is a Dodge Demon?
The Dodge Demon is a wildly fast Challenger that Dodge produced. It only made 3,300 of these vehicles, though, so don’t think that you can head out to your local dealership and pick one up! Still, it’s one awesome car that you’re sure to fall in love with when you look into them. (Motor Illustrated)
What Is the Fastest Muscle Car?
While it’s not exactly a commercially available vehicle, the Dodge Challenger Demon currently holds the title as the fastest American muscle car. It only takes 2.3 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, and it has a top speed of 211 miles per hour. If you have a need for speed, you can’t beat the Dodge Challenger Demon. (Top Speed)
Conclusion
There’s little doubt that Dodge is one of the most interesting companies out there, and hopefully, this guide opened your eyes to a few of the things that make Dodge unique. Between the Viper, the Challenger, and every other passenger vehicle that Dodge makes, there’s plenty that makes it an exciting company!
Featured Image Credit: Dan Gold, Unsplash
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