Overview & Reviews

Popularized by NASCAR dominance and later a hokey TV show, the Dodge Charger is one of America's most revered performance nameplates. Originally an icon of the muscle car era, the Charger was reborn as an affordable performance sedan -- and it's one of the better ones available in this market niche.

The current Dodge Charger may not be the two-door muscle car you remember from the '60s (to the chagrin of traditionalists, it's a four-door sedan), but it does a fine job of being a modern interpretation. As a bonus, the latest Charger has a usable interior and plenty of standard equipment. Think of it as a muscle car the whole family can enjoy.

Current Dodge Charger
The current Dodge Charger is based on the same platform used for the Chrysler 300. As such, the Charger has four doors and is a fairly large sedan. Its front-end styling is much more aggressive than the 300C's, and the rear roof line slopes downward in a coupelike fashion.

The current Charger is available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, SRT8 and SRT8 Superbee. The SE and SRT8 trims are only offered with rear-wheel drive, while the SXT and R/T can be rear-drive or all-wheel drive.

The SE and SXT come with a 3.5-liter 292-horsepower V6 engine that achieves good fuel economy given its output. Adding the Rallye Appearance Group or Blacktop package raises horsepower to 300. A five-speed automatic is standard on the SE; an eight-speed automatic is optional for the SE and standard for all SXTs.

Stepping up to the R/T gets you a 370-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine along with a sport-tuned suspension and a variety of luxury, convenience and technology items that are mostly available as options on the V6 trims. The R/T's Super Track Pak gets you additional handling and braking upgrades, including a three-mode adjustable stability control system.

The SRT8 ups the performance ante further by essentially pairing the Super Track Pak items with a 470-hp 6.4-liter V8. It gets an abundance of luxury features standard, but should you be OK with less stuff, the decontented SRT8 Superbee should do the trick. We hope you like yellow or black paint, though, as they are mandatory, along with some not-so-subtle Superbee graphics.

The current Charger scores points not only for the plentiful power output of its big V8 engines, but the ample grunt and decent fuel economy of the entry-level V6 as well. The spacious cabin, improvements in ride quality and interior design also contribute to the overall appeal. There are a couple downsides, notably a lack of rear headroom and lifeless steering, but overall the Dodge Charger is one of the most fun-to-drive large sedans on the market.

Used Dodge Charger Models
The current Dodge Charger was heavily overhauled for 2011. Although it maintained the platform of its predecessor, it is largely a redesigned model. Besides styling changes, interior quality, driving involvement and overall refinement were dramatically improved. Its new V6 engine was also a huge step up from the old six-cylinders. In the current Charger's first year, only the SE and R/T trim levels were available.

Although it's closely related to the current model, the Dodge Charger from 2006-'10 differed in many ways. At its debut, only SE, R/T and SRT8 trims were available. The SE had a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6, while the R/T had a 340-hp version of the current car's 5.7-liter V8. The SRT8 came with a 6.1-liter V8 good for 425 hp. All came with a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2007, a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine became standard on the SE, while the 3.5 became optional.

From 2006-'10 Dodge offered a couple performance packages for the Challenger R/T -- the Daytona and Road/Track packages included sport-tuned suspension and steering. There was a SXT trim level from 2008-'10; it came standard with the 3.5-liter V6. Other notable changes for this period included an improved interior and new features in 2008 and an increase to 368 hp for the R/T for '09.

Overall, we were impressed by this revived Charger's spacious cabin, comfy ride, affordable price and available all-wheel drive. Of course, the big V8 was a nice bonus as well. However, the V6 engines were always disappointing, especially the 190-hp 2.7-liter, which was both underpowered and inefficient. As such, we would avoid it. The cabin also had a low-buck feel (even after the interior was improved for '08), with subpar materials and forgettable design. Rear seat entry was also hampered by the sloping roof line. But overall, this Charger will be a solid choice for a large sedan.

From a historical standpoint, the Dodge Charger originally debuted as a1966 model. This Coronet-based coupe had a unique look, with a sweeping fastback and concealed headlights. But it's the second generation of the Charger that was most popular. This was the one that served as the basis for the winged and race-wining Charger Daytona of 1969 and, later, the bright orange "General Lee" from the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard.

Less popular were three successive generations of Chargers. Third- and fourth-generation models from the 1970s were emasculated by new emissions regulations. A fifth generation, made available from 1982-'87, was a variation of the front-drive Dodge Omni 024 economy hatchback. Near the end of its production, there were sporty, turbocharged versions modified by Carroll Shelby that culminated in the Shelby Charger GLH-S.

User Reviews:

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  An honest SXT review after 2 years... - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Sam - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I drive an SXT. Awesome to look at, fun to drive, handles well (especially for its size), it is big and comfortable with plenty of room for my 65" 300 lb body. Lots of space, huge back seat, huge trunk. Great family car. Problems: There are several "known issues" theyre not horrendously expensive to fix, but the two problems I had are both well known and common (shifter becoming "jammed" due to a mechanical breakage of an internal plastic part and the O-Ring for the transmission doesnt fit quite right and will have to be replaced eventually). Biggest problem is the build quality. It is cheap. The car develops rattles and squeaks quickly on the interior plastic molding.

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  Yea Its got a HEMI - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By DeMo1978 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a newer Charger RT since I first laid eyes on them. Almost bought one in 07 but couldnt afford it. When my Durango hit 170K I figured its time to go get a Charger. I bought a pearl black 07 RT with heated leather, moon roof, spoiler. I absolutely love everything about it. Its got plenty of space and power at 340 hp and it just looks mean plain and simple. It turns heads all the time. Dont waste your time on anything less than the RT 5.7. V8. The resale value is higher and the gas mileage isnt much different between the 3.5 and the 5.7. V8. They just put more time and effort into the RT. After market upgrades are plentiful and cheap plus the sound of the dual exhaust is cool.

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  Love this car - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By Bryan - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my Charger a couple of months ago and I really love it. Had an old BMW 740 that was heavy but fast, and honestly this has just as much pickup in a tight spot. I have the 3.5L V6 but I drove the 2.7. Glad I got the extra HP. Great going around turns, smooth braking.

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  Dads Car ! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Frank - November 15 - 2:00 am

  After driving around a Honda CR-V for a year I needed a new car because that Honda is boring! This R/T is a blast the HEMI roars or just chills whenever you want this car does it. Nice roomy cabin, heated seats, nice back seat for the kids and much more ! For the money you can beat this car If I wanted a Honda I would have bought a Honda.

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  2 Words: Amazing Machine! - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Sean - November 8 - 2:00 am

  The car actually looks like a sports car and all that, but the fact i realized after purchasing this car was, this could be an everyday sedan as well as the car which gives you the grin after you race that kid in the honda or nissan or mustang! Its spacious, load stuff in, go on long trips, go off road (Desert), seriously lets see a mustang or camaro do this. 5.7l V8 is simply crazy and on the freeway the fuel consumption is nothing! You want that car which keeps your wife happy because you look like a family man or that car which will make you happy because it makes you wanna go dukes of hazard? Well buddy its the DODGE Charger R/T!

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  Love this car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By kbigweezy - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a reliable used car that was fun to drive. Found the "Top Banana" and fell in love. Great look. The car is comfortable and fun to drive. The power is what makes me smile every time I get in this car. The sound when you touch the gas the power that you FEEL when you hit the pedal. I debated with my wife about getting a Mustang. I am so glad I listened to her. This is truly a fun car. The attention that it gets from people that pass by isnt bad either.

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  AWD heaven - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By scogg - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Who knew you could get Mercedes AWD underpinnings with a HEMI? Worried about traction in snow/rain given power and AWD takes that worry away. Interior is roomy, got used to the visibility, and rear view mirror in my old Acura now feels too close! Dont understand not having mirror with microphone for bluetooth capability as part of nav package, mine doesnt and is an exam $550 for the mirror.

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  Problem child - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By tracersummit - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned this rig for less than 2 months. Have barely 1500 miles on it and the sun roof doesnt work, the tire sensors flash on the dash board, the passenger window fell off the track and it has a vibration the the dealer cant find. All these problems have been looked at 3 times and still no satisfaction. As soon as my warranty runs out, Im going back to a quality German made car!

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  Excellent car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By love my charger - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a Dodge product prior to this, was always a Chevy guy. This car takes the cake. A rear drive, powerful, affordable car! I had a small transmission fluid leak at approx 29,000, but that was a seal. Fuel mileage is very respectable for a car with almost 400 hp. Seats are quite comfortable. Took the car on a 4000 mile road trip with my then 13 yr tall son and dad. Everyone stayed comfortable. I have not seen the tire problems listed w what seem to be the SE Chargers. Stereo very nice. I have a K&N filter, and a part of flowmasters for exhaust (so its not quiet any more). Paint has held up very well. In snow this is a little tricky to drive. All in all I love this car.

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  Very "ticked off!" - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Annette Lysmer - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned My Charger now for 4 1/2 yrs, and almost have it paid off. this is the first car Ive ever bought brand new. I have never had any problems with this car until the basic warranty ran out. I only have 41,000 miles on it, and developed a "ticking" sound coming form the drivers side of the engine. I brought it in to the dealership, had a diagnostic, and was told that The "rocker arms" on both Left & right sides need to be replaced, with a cost of $800.00 for parts and $1000.00 for labor, AND the "tension struts" needed to be replaced as well! for another $1300.00!!! after reading some of these other consumer reviews, many others have had this problem as well, at low mileage! Recall!