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:

• 

  on the fence - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By marie - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car because of the affordability and HOT look. The body of the car is so great and the interior is quite nice, too. For a V6 its a great car, a super commuter. The trunk size is one of the best features. at 24,000 miles I had to replace the K-2 clutches because they went haywire and the RMS would almost redline randomly, at 40,000 I was informed I have a leak at the rack and pinion, a $1,000.00 repair. So as much as I love my car, the look and the power, I feel let down with the repairs I need that arent under warranty. Maybe a good car for a year of fun, then trade it in for something more reliable. Definitely on the fence!

• 

  The Beast! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Hemi Srt-8 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Where do I start? In two words this car is "a beast"! The combination of the horsepower and torque on this car is ridiculously amazing! Ive been driving this car for about 6 months now & it sill amazes me. Mostly no cars on the road can compete with it (theres only a few that can). Given the aggressive looks on the outside, the blazing speed on this beast, the enormous amount of space in the interior, etc. This car is like no other (its in a class all by itself). Especially when you factor in all the great features and qualities this car has for the amount of money it costs this car is among the elite. I can go on & on about this car but my best advice is to drive one and see for yourself.

• 

  Charger - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By CHARGER SXT 3.5L - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned 2007 my Dodge Charger SXT for 5 month and have had to bring it to the shop 3 times! My first problem was the passenger side window would not work properly. The second time i got stuck at walmart when my charger decided to not come out of park! the final and last time is when the malfunction indicator light came on at 36,123 i have about had it with this car!

• 

  Get one! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Jeff - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new, and loved it from day 1. Roomy enough for 5 adults, huge trunk, lots of power, yet with the MDS, I averaged 22 Mpg combined (and over 27 on road trips). Interior is a little cheap-feeling, but the only cars you can compare it to for performance and space are at least $10k more. Had my car serviced regularly at the dealer, and had NO mechanical or electric problems. Only "surprise" was the $200+ for a tuneup (due to the Hemi requiring 16 spark plugs!). Great car and Id buy another in a second. Dont buy the base- the small V6 isnt enough for the car. Mileage for the 5.7Hemi and 3.5V6 are almost identical, so go for the power (and resale value) of the Hemi.

• 

  Love this car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kamil - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Smooth ride, clean and comfortable. I get nothing but positive feedback on the drive (I like to promote the car, so I toss people the keys all the time and say light er up!) The power is sheer is awesome. I went from a 1998 GP GT (first car) to this, and sweet Baby Jesus! Ive got a 5 year finance on this car, and if things go well, I WILL be buying another Charger (hopefully theyre still around). The only gripe is occasionally the car wont start properly til I tap the gas, but thats not too big a problem. Beautiful, powerful, aggressive looking fun car.

• 

  Good car - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By 07 5.7l v8 charger - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used about a year ago. It has the hemi and its black with the hemi decal on the side in red, I get so many compliments on it!I am the 3rd owner and have not had any problems with it, maybe I am lucky or it was just very well taken car of but I have no complaints except wish it had automatic headlights, but thats just me being lazy LOL

• 

  One Fun Ride - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By AMZ - September 9 - 2:00 am

  After owning a Honda Accord Coupe for 12 years driving a full sized American sedan was thrilling. Havent owned an 8 cylinder car for about 26 years so having some Detroit iron around me again was gratifying. I am still getting used to her but this car is a real head turner and an absolute thrill to drive. If youre looking at American sedans you must consider the Charger.

• 

  Top Banana! Great Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By John - September 7 - 5:28 am

  The Daytona, Top Banana Charger is a great car. It holds the road like glue. It makes driving fun. If we could only get rid of speed limits

• 

  Upset - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Chargerr x3 - August 27 - 2:09 pm

  I bought this car not even 2 weeks ago and Im already having A LOT of problems with it. I noticed the control arm on the car was busted the very same day I got it home and Dodge refused to cover the damages! I love the car, its been my dream car for a very long time but I am furious with how Dodge handles these problems. I am crazy about the car, but I would never again buy a Dodge.

• 

  Computer - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By BethRodgers - August 12 - 3:04 pm

  Well I had my car, bought used the owner before paid got the extended warranty, part of the selling feature. When I driving the car sometimes starts to chug and I step on the gas and nothing happens, no rpm no speed, then the engine light flashes and the bell starts to ring. And then the car feels like its going to die. I pull over turn it off the then restart. And the car is fine. But this isnt really happening (more then 50 times) because the dealer cant find anything wrong with it. The computer say it didnt happen. Ya right. I will never buy another Dodge again. They have treated me like crap. I have never had this many problems before.