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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  Smooth Power - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By TD - February 2 - 9:58 pm

  I traded in a Jeep to get a Charger and was really happy I did. The AWD feature is great for driving in the snow and wet conditions. The 5.7L Hemi has incredibly smooth power that gets up and goes without jerky motions. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a big car with power and lots of room. So far it is also getting decent gas mileage

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  2008 dodge Charger RT RWD - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By steve mackanos - February 2 - 7:36 pm

  This car Rocks fun to drive handles like a dream safe feeling. The police depts use these for a good reason. Fast and can handle being driven hard....The MPG on the HWY if you set the cruise around 28.......Big trunk and plenty room for two kids in the back with car seats......See ya in the fast lane!

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  Nice fun car to drive - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Don - January 30 - 2:42 am

  We loved the car overall.

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  Well refined Hot Rod... - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By nealuss - January 26 - 10:20 pm

  I have owned this car for about 2 years now and so far no regrets. I spend a lot of time in it driving 40+ miles to work almost every day. So far I have no real complaints. Its a comfortable commuter with a more than adequate passing gear and a well equipped sports car at the same time. I would recommend the 3.5L to those who arent concerned with performance, but if you are a car nut like me you should go no lower than the R/T.

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  MY SOUL MATE - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Jeylo2 - January 25 - 5:19 pm

  I scoped this car out for months, read all the reviews, drove several models, but Im absolutely thrilled over my "CHARGER". So far it has been everything I anticipated it to be and more. Im not a drag racer and I know a little something about cars to go with the 3.5 V-6 HIGH-OUTPUT at least. All around the board this is the car for me. My kids will get this car and still be cool and safe. I was a little hesitant about the rear wheel thingy, but I found that if I just respect the vehicle, it will definitely return the favor. This is definitely my soul mate.

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  The review of the SRT8 Hemi - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Carman - January 22 - 10:19 pm

  I have test drove the 2009 Dodge Charger(sxt)250hp it was very nice, but it didn`t have enough horsepower too it so my dealer introduce me to the 6.1 hemi V8(SRT8)425 horsepower. I test drove it and the same day it was park in my back yard.

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  Awesome! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Danielle - January 18 - 5:09 pm

  I havent seen too many reviews from women so heres one. I just bought my 2008 Charger from Enterprise Rental. Great deal, clean CARFAX, love the car. Its a base model but cant imagine needing a bigger engine. This car hauls! Loved my old Dodge and this one drives even better. Seat seems low compared to my old Dodge Stratus but Im 54" tall and visibility is good after putting the headrests all the way down and adjusting the passenger seat. No one buys a Charger for fuel efficiency but its not too bad. I fill up about once a week. I definitely made the right choice buying this car. So fun to drive, it puts a smile on my face! Seems a shame to haul groceries with it.

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  HEMI power with style - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By DKRGoods - January 13 - 7:25 pm

  Always wanted a car that does not look like the rest, has a nice line too it, rides with comfort but yet is aggressive when needed, interior is quiet, comfy and has room for my big shoulders. A car that has the power when needed to make those quick passes. Wink! Wink! A car you feel safe in when driving. But most of all... a car you can custom to fit your personality. Just remember, like all cars you will have your maintenance but with this car you can spend a few extra bucks and go high performance and not lose your shirt paying for the parts. If you enjoy muscle cars... GET IT. If you dont...dont waste your money. Pros... HEMI, comfort, style Cons... Cant think of any

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  Decent after some modifications - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Jim - January 8 - 4:08 pm

  I bought this car for looks and performance. The 5 issues I have are the tires (Continental tires feel like Flintstones), the driver seat height, steering stiffness, fuel pump whine, and no MDS indicator. After replacing the plastichrome wheels with real chrome & buying Michelins, the ride is more smoother & looks much better with real chrome. I had to buy a car performance computer to show MDS, but it works great. The only other probs are fuel pump whine, which they claim is normal (its really not), and I feel like I sit too high. I always want to adjust the steering wheel another inch or so lower, but it wont go. I think the black looks best just coz it matches the black trim.

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  The Beast - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jeannie Lopez - December 23 - 7:06 pm

  I am a 50 year old mom and have a need for speed. I traded in my Mustang I owned for 5 years for this big beast. My husband had asked me to trade in my car for something more comfortable and has more room for the family, so I looked and looked, fighting the fact I needed something fast and muscle packed. Finally found this beast, and it was love at first sight. The power is so over whelming and so tuff to the human eye, but a soft comfortabe touch in side. The color is pearl black which turns heads everywhere I go. This is a keeper!