Did Dodge ever make a Polaris?
No—Dodge never produced a vehicle named Polaris. Polaris is a separate maker of powersports equipment, including ATVs and snowmobiles, and has no official automobile production history with Dodge.
The confusion likely stems from the similar-sounding names and from the Dodge Polara, a real full-size Dodge model from the 1960s. Misreadings or online misprints can blur the distinction between Polaris and Polara.
Clarifying the names: Polaris vs. Polara
Before diving into details, it’s important to separate the two: Polaris is a Minnesota-based company known for off-road and recreational vehicles, not cars. Polara is the Dodge model name used on a line of full-size passenger cars in the 1960s and early 1970s.
- Polaris: A powersports manufacturer, founded in 1954, producing ATVs, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles. It has no history of automobile production under the Dodge banner.
- Polara: A Dodge full-size car name used primarily in the 1960s and into the early 1970s, available in various body styles such as sedans and hardtops.
- Confusion factor: The similar spelling of Polaris vs. Polara plus occasional misprints in catalogs or online posts can blur the distinction for readers not closely tracing automotive histories.
In short, there is no Dodge-Polaris vehicle; the correct Dodge model is Polara, while Polaris remains a separate powersports company.
Historical context: Dodge Polara and the Polaris mix-up
The Polara name served as an upscale or flagship designation within Dodge’s lineup during the 1960s and early 1970s, representing full-size passenger cars with a range of trims and options. It was never used for a Dodge car called Polaris. Polaris, meanwhile, began as a stand-alone powersports company and has not produced cars under the Dodge name or any other major automaker’s badge.
Dodge Polara: a brief overview
The Polara appeared as a Dodge model during the mid-20th century, evolving through various generations and body configurations. It occupied Dodge’s larger, more luxurious segment at the time but did not involve any association with the Polaris brand or its products.
Polaris: the powersports company
Polaris Industries has built its business around off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and related equipment. Its product lineup is independent of automotive manufacturers, and there is no official Dodge Polaris automobile in any production or marketing history.
Bottom line: what you should know
Before searching for a Dodge Polaris, keep these takeaways in mind. Polaris refers to a separate powersports company; Dodge did not produce a vehicle named Polaris. The Dodge Polara is the closest historic Dodge name that might be mistaken for Polaris.
- No Dodge model ever officially carried the name Polaris.
- Polara is the genuine Dodge model name from the 1960s/70s era.
- Polaris (the brand) operates in powersports, not automobile manufacturing.
- Spelling and memory mix-ups are common sources of confusion; verify with period catalogs or dealership records when in doubt.
If you encounter references to a "Dodge Polaris" in old ads or online, they are almost certainly errors or misprints; the accurate pairing is "Dodge Polara" for the car model and Polaris for the powersports company.
Summary
Dodge did not make a vehicle named Polaris. The confusion stems from the similar spelling to the Dodge Polara, a legitimate Dodge full-size car from the 1960s and early 1970s, and from Polaris—the independent powersports manufacturer. For accurate history, treat Polaris as a separate brand and Polara as a Dodge model name from a different era.
What was Dodge originally called?
Dodge was founded as the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 by brothers John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge. The brand initially supplied parts and assemblies for Detroit automakers before launching its own line of vehicles.
Did Dodge make a Polaris?
The Dodge Polara is an automobile introduced in the United States for the 1960 model year as Dodge's top-of-the-line full-size car.
How many 1968 Dodge Polara were made?
In the 1968 model year, 2,206 Polara 318 vehicles were built for police and taxi use.
What was the last year of the Dodge Polara?
1973
The Polara eventually replaced the Dodge 880 and was the top vehicle for the brand. It ended with its fourth generation in 1969 that served for five years. The 1973 Polara was the last one as the Dodge brand formed the Monaco for the 1974 car year.
