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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  Beautiful - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Ryan L - August 19 - 1:37 am

  I recently totaled my 08 Mazda 6 so I have been car shopping for a while now. I can honestly say that having an infant daughter, This car is everything I wanted and more. Its Sporty but can also fit a family inside. It hauls major when I need to gas it in front of the guys but also comfortable as a cloud. If youre looking for a Safe Reliable sharp looking car. The Charger is the way to go.

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  The research paid off - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By marlin95 - August 18 - 3:03 am

  This Charger RT has the power to get up and go when you feel the need, but will also give you the gas mileage when you feel the need. I test drove the 06 Mustang GT and found the performance, styling and curb appeal of the Charger was head and shoulders above the Mustang. I have not been able to fuel up without someone approaching me to comment the beautiful looks of the car.

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  An amazing piece of machinery! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kingtigre - August 17 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car! Top of line. Rides great! Corners effortlessly. Like a dream come true. Engine hums so quietly that I sometimes forget that its on. If you want a car that looks mean and plays nice, this is the car for you.

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  So far, a lot of fun - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Aaron - August 17 - 12:31 pm

  Bought the 2009 R/T R package (Road and Track) - I think it is well worth the extra money - improved handling and the top line seats - only drawback they are (or at least at the time I bought) very hard to find. So far the car is great to drive - very comfortable on road trips - I can drive all day long. I also bought the upgraded sound system (Boston), best sounding factory installed system I have ever had. I live in Wisconsin, drove once in the snow earlier this year and I am planning on driving year round - from what I have experienced car should handle as good as any non 4X4 - just have to drive with common sense! Dodge rebates plus lifetime warranty backed by the govt sealed the deal

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  Its Still Early - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Mike - August 3 - 12:14 pm

  I told my wife I wanted a 4-door 300+mph car. I had that in my R/T. Then I test drove the SRT8. I then told my wife I wanted a 4 door 400+mph car. This is an awesome car. This car cradles the driver and because Im still breaking her in, Ive only gone 120mph. I got to that speed with no effort. I love the power. Just starting the car lets you know this car aint no joke. The rumble sounds so nice that Im thinking about leaving the exhaust alone. Any louder and the neighbors will complain. I bought this car knowing the gas mileage wasnt that great but after driving it I stopped caring.

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  The car of my youth is back! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By spoonerock - August 2 - 4:56 am

  This is the car I have been waiting for almost 25 years. My 1st car was the original 1966 model (with the 381 engine). Later, I also owned a 1972. Neither car had the famous Hemi engine (most in fact did not). The Charger was always the car with attitude! A car that each owner could personalize to fit their taste. The 2006 model will do the same. Off the showroom floor it is a "head turner", and a great car to drive. The Charger has evolved as did those of us who drove our "muscle cars" in the 70s. Now we can have our family car and relive our youth at the same time. Its great to able to have your cake & eat it too!

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  I Love it - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Guitarguru23 - July 27 - 4:43 am

  I love this car! Its very quiet, and the Hemi is amazing. I urge everyone to buy one while they are here. The transmission is seamless and the suspension is just right, at least with the R/T version. Styling is different that the plain stuff coming from the other companies. Wait until they come out with a Cuda.

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  2016 Dodge Charger SXT - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Sliim - July 10 - 7:40 am

  Going from a 2 Dr g35 coupe to the Charger....not looking back. Love the car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Michael McAllister - June 25 - 3:37 pm

  So far I’m very happy with mine. Drive a lot so I look good Drive fast and good gas mileage!

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  Best Car Ever! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Traded Up - June 25 - 11:40 am

  I just bought a 2006 Dodge Charger R/T, and it is hands down the best car Ive ever driven. The looks are amazing and it has more than enough HP to get up and move. The interior is very comfortable and luxurious. The dash lights up like nothing Ive ever seen. Its as good looking on the inside as it is on the outside. I traded in my 2005 Dodge Ram QC with the Hemi for this amazing machine and I dont regret it one bit. For all of those retro Charger critics: get with the times man, this car is sweet! If you want to make it more like a sports car, then take the resonators off the exhaust and shell purr. Stop looking at other models, this takes the cake. Spend more money for the Hemi Charger!