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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06 Dodge Charger SXT - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Roadstar - March 9 - 5:43 pmThis car drives great and I have the SXT trim level. The 3.5 engine is plenty of power for most people and still have fun. The tie rods wore out a little early at 45,000 miles. All in all I love this car!
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I hate my Dodge Charger - 2007 Dodge Charger
By Tina - March 7 - 4:39 pmI bought my Charger new in 2007. Since then I have had to replace a sensor in the transmission. I would lose power and would have to pull to this side of the road, turn the car off and restart it before it would work correctly again. I replaced the front ball joints before 58,000 miles. My blower motor only works on high and my rear defroster no longer works even after we replaced the fuse. I LOVE the look of the car but cant wait to get rid of it. Needless to say, my next car will NOT be a Dodge.
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Love my newest Charger - 2007 Dodge Charger
By RamRay - March 2 - 10:41 amI am a big Mopar fan and had an69 Charger. I got a returned lease SXT with the 3.5 V6 for a great price and only 16K on the odo. I proceeded to upgrade it with a K&N CAI, magnaflow catback exhaust, dark tint, spoiler, custom 20" chromes, 6 Sony speakers and a nice faux wood dash kit. While I wish I had an R/T, the 3.5 is adequate and in all back looks baaaaaad! I am very happy and can haul the family anywhere in style. While my wife hates the loud new exhaust, she is now a fan of Mopar and will get a 300C after years of Ford ownership. Critics be damned, this is a fine car!
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Automatic Woes - 2009 Dodge Charger
By Ray - February 27 - 12:41 pmI have a drone from the transmission at 1500 rpm and under a slight load (4 & 5 gears. When I change to manual mode it goes away. Shifts just fine otherwise. Chrysler will not fix the noise so I have contacted a lawyer to help resolve this issue. By the way I drove a 2010 R/T and it had the same noise.
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This is so aggrevating - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Never Again - February 26 - 3:51 amThe biggest, most complicated issue was eventually finding out that a "rattle" I was hearing from the engine area was actually a weld seam that came undone between the engine compartment and the firewall of the dash. My vehicle was in the shop for almost a month while the engine was completely taken apart and rebuilt. They welded the seam together and put everything else back. Luckily that started happening before the warranty ran out. Since then, various parts of my engine have made noises belts, cooling fan, etc. My exhaust manifold has been replaced twice already. Now my car is "chiming" while I drive, and the oil leaks--go figure! I do not suggest this vehicle.
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Where were the Germans? - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Perry Webb - February 22 - 6:48 pmActually is wifes car but there are definitely problems with it. Ate the original tires under 25000,Then around 50000 check engine light reared its ugly beam.Dealer came up with a $900.00 fix something about fixing valves with add on clamps?Never understood that,bought some gum out light stayed out for over 6000 then came back on.When I drive it there are just too many blind spots,the ride seems harsh,bump My head on the low roof,dont like not being able to rest arm on window sill.Now also finding out about tie rod problems,My guess the chassis is weak to handle stress of engine and rear wheel drive.
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Shes BAD! - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Marcus Seals - February 13 - 5:17 amI wanted this car when I saw the concept, but they completely changed the design. I waited and almost bought a G8. This is a very reliable car and is built pretty good. The dealership takes extremely good care of me and her. I got some exhaust work done and didnt even take off the factory system. It sounds like a champ now! I really enjoy driving this car. I paid only 26,000 brand new oh yeah! Best car so far! My mother calls it hers b/c she loves it.
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I love my charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By charger happy - February 9 - 9:54 pmI actually bought my 06 RT with 25000 miles on it and a minor crash with about 2000 dollars worth of damage to bumper, fender, roof. I got it fixed and then promptly hit an elk, car jumped it nicely. put black 18s on it,the car is metallic black and totally plain and I absolutely love it. Of course the hemi is awesome, I am totally stock, would like new exhaust for more sound but it is great just the way it is! Gas mileage is about 21 on the highway but I can NEVER keep my foot out of it, love to pass everyone uphill!
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Makes Me Plum Crazy to drive! - 2007 Dodge Charger
By Dean - February 7 - 8:23 amI work at a Toyota Dealership. I was driving a 2007 Charger SXT 3.5 which I was quite satisfied with. We traded for a 2007 Plum Crazy Charger Daytona with only 661 miles. I drove the car and fell in love INSTANTLY! The 3.5 was great but the feel and sound of this Daytona makes me feel like Im 20 years old again. Handles like a dream and its a pleasure to drive. I leave an hour early for work just so I can drive my car!
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Voom Voom see my dust ? - 2010 Dodge Charger
By Happiest man alive - February 5 - 1:02 amI got my 2010 RT 7 weeks ago. Already, put on 4k miles on it, and I love this baby. i traded my 06 charger SE, v6, 2.7 liter engine, had that one for 3 years and had 100K when i traded it in. Never had a problem besides dragging on the road, thats why i got another Charger. My RT does a better gas millage that the other one, i get 19-21 on street, and 21-25 on the freeway in decent driving. Just got it dropped and put on my 22 inch wheels on it and i get all the looks. Dodge has come a long way building a reliable car. Just do a test drive and you will know what i am talking about.
