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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  Great car! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Jeremy G! - August 6 - 8:03 pm

  Bought this car off an old acquaintance and Im very satisfied with my purchase. I love the handling and engine roar I get when I floor it, granted I do only have the 2.7 v6. Interior is kinda boring with all the solid black plastic. Also poor visibility from inside, feel like Im in a tank. LOL

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  I am spoiled! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Marti - August 4 - 12:08 pm

  I got this car in 2006, the RT model. At the time I wanted a mustang but I had to have a car with roomy backseat for my babies (furry ones). Also i am afraid of big bridges and this car flies over with ease. My stepmom loves the backseat roominess (she drives a cozy mercedes and I can tell she likes mine better). I drive like an old lady a lot but I love the pick up when I am passing and annoyed with other cars:) It is a large frame though and parking it is troublesome, have had a few dings. I was sold on the leather interior and heated seats. I dont like the gas mileage though. Overall I am pretty happy with this car. Watch out for me on the road at least once a month:)

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  Great sports sedan - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By Rich - July 8 - 9:45 pm

  Bought this 2009 used with (13000 miles) in May,"for my wife". She loves it except that the ride is a bit rough on bumpy roads. The car drives great and has lots of room for passengers. Its quiet and feels solid. I was very skeptical about the gas mileage with the hemi V8,but am very impressed so far. 368 H.P and deliver 26- 27 M.P.G. on freeway trips is outstanding.

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  A True, Bonafide Charger! - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Chairman of da Bored - June 30 - 4:19 pm

  This is IT, man! If you want a big, burly, unapologetic All-American car (yeah I know it was built in Canada, but still) that shoots a middle finger to any sort of political or social correctness, this is your car. With its lowered stance, wide tires, deep front air dam and raised rear spoiler, it has the looks that strike fear in small children - yet can still fit 4 adults comfortably (5 if you squeeze) with all their luggage and a soft enough ride for a nice long road trip. Try that in a Camaro or a Mustang - it aint happenin!

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  Still good as new - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By luvmycharger - June 10 - 9:24 pm

  This car has help up extremely well, the paint is the only thing I take issue with as there is some light fading only. Interior has help up very well, leather still in great shape. Performance is as strong as it was when new, brakes still strong with the original pads!!! Gas mileage varies with how hard you hit the HEMI, set the cruise at 70 and get 26.5 mpg, set it at 60 and get between 30-31 mpg! The best part is while getting those mpg #s it will still hit 60 in under 6 seconds, I think the only car I would replace this with would be the Challenger R/T or SRT- 8 or another Charger R/T or SRT-8. They all run as good as they look, plus they can carry 4 or 5 people in comfort and style.

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  Great Full Size Car - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By commuter - June 4 - 2:48 am

  I replaced an AWD Magnum with this AWD Charger. A lot has been updated in five years in this essentially similar Dodge. First thing noticed is the improved interior. The seats are still firm, supportive and comfortable, but the trim and finishes in the Charger are much nicer, with brushed metallic accents against charcoal. The AWD system now reverts to two wheel drive when AWD isnt needed. This nets a couple more miles per gallon. Im averaging just under 23 mpg in mixed suburban and expressway driving on my 45 mile trip to work. Most recent tank of gas got me 28.5 mpg, truly impressive for a large, very solid vehicle. Handling is secure, and AWD great in slippery weather.

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  Charge! - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By BrianT - June 1 - 10:10 am

  Love my R/T so far. 1400 miles on it. Stock performance is fantastic, but even greater with a programmer V8 sound literally turns heads. Not a fan of the MDS sound when 4 cyls turn off. Seat comfort is wonderful plenty of room for 5 passengers, especially in rear seat. Fits my family very well. Hard to keep foot of gas. HDD system is nice but not as sophisticated as other systems. Sound system is very nice and the bass pumps. Wish car had hood struts instead of the metal stand. Wish a couple other convenience items were standard - see below. This car is worth the money. Its been a while since Ive enjoyed a car this much.

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  Dont get a 3.5 Charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By paulseid - May 20 - 11:31 pm

  Transmission mishaps after 30,000 miles. Bumps in between shifts. Numerous trips to dealer for software reinstalls that had no effect on the deteriorating transmission. I hear the R/T with its German made tranny was a lot better. Should have done more research. This transmission is terrible and also the driver has no access to a transmission dipstick. One tech who I have to give some credit too had an idea to make an adjustment to a part of the tranny but I wanted a new transmission as the car was only a year old. Chrysler did not acknowledge there was any real problem. Never Chrysler never again is my motto.

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  Love This Car - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By DocJo - May 20 - 7:26 pm

  Ive only had this car for about a month, but I truly enjoy driving it. I drove the car across country one week after purchasing it and I got great mileage for this type of vehicle. It was really comfortable, even for hours on end. The handling is great, and even the 3.5 L has enough get-up-and-go.

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  I Hate my Charger - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Ebailey - May 20 - 8:42 am

  When this car came out I was determined to get one, especially since I had to sell my 72 Cutlass. I could only afford the base model. This motor (2.7) is good on gas but lacks power. After a year the tranny had to be replaced, that same year the engine began to tick. Took it to a dealer in Manassas at least four times and they could never find the problem until after my warranty expired. Which was another issue b/c I was told I had the Lifetime warranty but only had a 36,000 mile warranty. So now I ride around town with my music up loud to block out the lifters ticking. Which i have to pay $1200 to get fixed.