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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Some Hits, Some Misses - 2009 Dodge Charger
By HFish1212 - December 22 - 1:48 pmJust purchased a used 09 SXT base with only optional power driver seat. This was a rental but I got a great price ($16,400) with only 29k miles. Some things are a hit while others are a miss. Pros: Styling (these with 22" rims and tint look awesome!), reliability, available features (not saying the one I got had any of them), price, size (hate small cars), rear wheel drive, interior which appears very easy to keep clean but is cheap plastic (good compared to other things that rip, weather). Cons: fueling cuts off during fill up because of tank design, cloth seats are uncomfortable- lumbar hits in upper back/ headrest is too far forward, no programmable seat positioning, weird key fob
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Charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Josh - December 20 - 5:04 pmI have 2008 Charger with 60,000 miles. I lease 2 years and go only to 60 K. I have bought Impalas, Intrepeds, magnums and now a charger. I love this car. I am up for a new one and have ben looking around. I like driving a big rear wheel drive car. What I really love the way it handles. I have had one issue, the key stopped working and I had to have the car towed. I am always scared about the Trans.
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2008 Charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Josh - December 19 - 8:12 pmI have a 2008 Charger 60,000 miles. w2.7 v6. The car is bid and I have had only two issues with this car. One I had to tow it bad key. Also bad tow problem. They replaced the front tie rod. It has been fine since. The car is coming off lease and surprising I think I am going to buy another Charger. The car is big and handles well. It also get good MFG. I am looking at Camry (Boring and slow) Impala (fast but sloppy handling) Ford Tourus (Close second) Accord (Nice but slow and back hurts) They say Dodge stinks but $22,000 its hard to beat!
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The Bomb! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Melissa & Josh - December 17 - 8:26 amMy husband just bought me the Charger R/T for Christmas and I love it! It passes other cars with ease. I love the autostick. It is great for passing others! I would highly recomend others to buy this car. I guarantee you will never regret it!
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Yes, it does have a Hemi! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Moparknighthawk - December 13 - 10:43 amThe Charger R/T Daytona is a super awesome car! I have loved every mile so far. Being a limited production car, (mine is number 1592 of 4000 made) I love the look and the color. Its loaded to the gills too. I am getting great mileage so far averaging 21 MPG in the 4200 miles I have driven it. It gets noticed everywhere I go. It seems to fit me. I plan on keeping it for many many years to come. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something unique and head turning. Its a true enthusiasts car!
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Awesome Ride! - 2010 Dodge Charger
By luvinit! - December 11 - 6:32 pmOnly just got it a few days ago so Ill have to come back and give an update after Ive spent some real time with her but so far its the best car Ive owned so far. More power than I even know what to do with, excellent handling for a rear wheel drive car and a very comfortable and well designed interior. The MPG of course is atrocious but itll probably get better when I stop gunning it just for fun, and anyone looking at this variant knows what they are getting into with that. Its great b/c it has tons of room for the family so you can get everyone comfortable to where they are going...really fast!
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Cant Believe I Have No Tickets Yets - 2009 Dodge Charger
By Puffy - December 11 - 9:33 amPutting gas mileage aside, this car is wonderful. I find every reason to go for a drive. It handles like a champ on all roads. After removing the Goodyear RS-As, my wet traction wet up. As far as gas mileage goes, its better than I thought. Im getting over 19 miles a gallon overall. But a 2-ton, 425HP vehicle is not bought for fuel conservation. Now for style. Turning heads is what this car does. At traffic lights I can see people looking at the car (police too). Whenever I park, usually there is someone complimenting the car or joking about getting tickets in it. They always say the same thing though........... "Nice car." And it is that.
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Dodge Charger Daytona R/T #1937 - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Phil - December 11 - 1:11 amI own a 2006 Dodge Daytona with 78000 miles on the odometer and it still runs perfect !! Using the slapstick auto will save on rotors. I have only changed them once. A/C blows ICE COLD air and heater and seat warmers heat me up in no times. Adding K@N cold air intake and FLOwmaster gives me 20 mpg in town. Not bad for a HEMI. Dodge did well with this car and looking forward to getting a Challenger down the road. Glad I opted for the V-8 as opposed to the V-6 Charger. Best car I have ever owned .
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Great Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
By tom - December 10 - 8:30 pmWhat a fun car to drive. Good milaege also. While cruising 55 to 60 mph no problem seeing 28 mpg with the 350 hp Hemi
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Best car Ive ever owned.. - 2006 Dodge Charger
By achaeon - December 3 - 11:03 amI love it. I look forward to driving it everyday. Its fast, it handles well and its comfortable.
