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:
Showing 201 through 210 of 743.00-
5.7 L Hemi Midnight Blue - 2006 Dodge Charger
By James - November 27 - 5:05 pmIm 38 yrs old with a family of 4. After some extensive research and looking for a good all around family car, I purchased a 2006 Dodge Charger RT with spoiler showing 46,000 km on the odometer. The Charger RT has great looks, grin smiling power, and is a great all around family car with lots of rear trunk space. The interior is simple & pleasing. Gas mileage on the highway is fairly decent as long as you keep it under 110km/h as the MDS will stay on. Highway 24-28 mpg. Its hard to keep good gas mileage though with the HEMI when you have 340hp at the mercy of your right foot. At the end of the day, this car is an amazing bang for the buck. PS. Put a K&N Cold Air Intake on!
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a night out - 2009 Dodge Charger
By got muscle? - November 23 - 12:44 pmi broke 12 seconds at the drag track with micky tompson drag radial tires (stock out of the box! 12.90@ 106 mph
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3.5L All The Way - 2007 Dodge Charger
By Sean B - November 20 - 5:52 pmIve had my 07 SXT for a little over a year, and Ive got to say that Im about as happy as I thought I would be with it. This car is big, mean and downright commanding. If four-doors is the only reason people dont like this car, obviously they havent driven one. Seeing isnt believing, driving is. The 07 has a step on the new models, since they down-tuned the engines to save on fuel, but with 250 across the board, that car has absolutely no problems moving. If youre going to buy one, I strongly suggest finding one with the 3.5L, you wont be sorry.
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Finally - 2006 Dodge Charger
By dodged - November 19 - 6:46 pmThe 2006 Dodge Charger is finally the car Americans fell in love with 40 years ago.Front wheel drive has its place, but true American muscle requires RWD.This car is a hit. It is what Americans do best. The industry will spend 5 years catching up to this superior design, and when they do, Dodge will introduce the next generation. Finally, a car that in 5 years, I wont worry about trade in value(although I suspect it will be strong)because Ill keep it for the next generation of drivers in the family. Safe,affordable, great looking, roomy, comfortable, and a blast to drive.
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Dream car turned worst nightmare! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By K. Scott - November 6 - 8:27 pmI started having issues with my charger 1 year after I purchased, first my driver side window and door locking switches fell down in the door panel, then at 23,000 miles the car really fell apart. First I started to hear a loud noise while the air conditioner was on, then as I was in stop and go traffic when my air is on my car overheats, then I noticed a delay when trying to start the vehicle, then all my air vents popped off the dash. Now at 24,000 miles my shifter locked up in the park position of coarse just after the 3 year warranty has expired. The only assistance dodge will offer is an extended warranty for $1400.00 for 50% off parts and labor.
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One Awsome Ride - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Mark Wigley - October 29 - 3:00 amWhen I heard that this car was on tap from the boys at Mopar I got real interested. Since I missed having one of the original muscle cars I was ready. I have hated driving front wheel drive cars most of my life. When I saw the first new Charger and had a chance to drive it with the Hemi I had to have one. I am a automotive technician and have the opportunity to drive just about everything on the road. For the money, I dont think you can buy another car that is this well enginieered with the looks and performance that this car has.
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my rental - 2009 Dodge Charger
By phil - October 27 - 10:57 amRented this car for 10 days.It had 22K on odometer.Drove for app 3K miles from Alabama to NYC and then to NC mountains.Very comfortable,quiet,decent power.MPG blew mw away.At interstate driving slightly over posted speed I got a low of just over 26 and high of just over 30.I was expecting 22-23 range.That is great for a heavy, full size sedan.Only negative is the gas pedal feels too firm and a little out of comfort position,Other wise for a tall man, it was a pleasure to drive.I feel dodge wont hold value well so prob wouldnt buy a new vehicle, but a late model used charger should be fine.I will look for this model next time i rent.
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Way too heavy!! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Homer - October 23 - 5:26 pmThis car is nice inside but needs to go on a diet. The Hemi is struggling with the 4100 pound weight of the car. Add a few passengers and the performance is lack luster.
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Take the 2.7L off the market!!!!!!!! - 2007 Dodge Charger
By Sarge - October 23 - 2:48 pmAfter buying this car and riding in a friends RT, I should have gotten the RT or SRT8.. Yes the price was nice for a new car but, what was Dodge thinking?? No ABS on the SE and a 2.7L that can hardly pull itself out of the way???(Saves tires I guess). My friend tells me how his RT gets 15-20 around town (depnding on his foot) and a nice 25-30 on the highway.. This 2.7 is getting 12-17 in town and 21 on highway no matter how it is driven. What gives??? Anyway if you want a Charger >>>>>Get nothing lower than the SXT and you will be very happy... Dont get me wrong, I cannot wait to give this to my highschooler, it is big, safe and SLOW!!!
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Great in a Crash! - 2009 Dodge Charger
By dlp - October 22 - 11:39 pmWe rented this car but the next day we were in a head-on collision in rush-hour traffic on an expressway in Tulsa. (Not our fault -- a driver next to us lost control, spun out and got turned around to face us.) All of us in the Charger walked away with NO injuries. We all drive smallish imports were all giving those cars second thoughts now. I know this isnt the kind of review Edmunds likes, but I hope they do post it, as safety can be a major issue in an auto purchase.
