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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  One of the best cars I have ever owned - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By revan - June 20 - 7:08 pm

  Very attractive, Powerful ,Secure,Reliable and fun to drive. plenty of room for drivers over six foot,nice layout of interior plenty of everything you need excellent in all aspects.

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  Great SRT8 - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By ABest - June 10 - 1:13 pm

  This is the first car that I have really enjoyed. The drivability is great and the performance is out of this work for a 5 seater. I have three kids under the age of 4 and this allows for me to enjoy my car while still being able to transport the entire family.

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  Unfortunately Not Happy - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By CSilva - June 5 - 8:51 pm

  Ive had my car for a little over 3 years and I was really enjoying driving my car, until recently. I guess I was 1 of the unfortunate owners. It all started with a ticking noise, which then turned into a knocking noise, which then turned to my engine rattling and car stalling. And yes, this all happened after my warranty ended. Apparently the rocker arms went bad on the right side and was told the left side would break in time. The shifter broke as well. I had to take it into the shop and 1100.00 later, no noise and the shifter works. Both are known problems and its very disappointing that they werent recalls. Thought buying American was better, guess not Dodge proved me wrong.

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  Im a Charger Fan! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Dodgefan - June 2 - 5:27 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years and still am excited to get behind the wheel! It demonstrates the comfort of a luxury sedan, with the speed and agility of a sports car! What more could one want?

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  Great car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kent - June 2 - 12:23 pm

  Have only had the Charger for a little over a month but I must say it is one great car. Drives wonderfully and has no lack of power. The seats are comfortable and everything inside is right where it should be. The dash is on the plain side but very functional. Also love the sunroof...gives the whole car an "airy" look.

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  Charger SXT Perfect Blend of Everything! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By noneya bisnez - May 26 - 11:57 am

  After looking for a car months, I finally came home with the Charger SXT. That first night all I could do was look out the window at it gleaming. The car is heavy, and the drive is smooth. Acceleration with the 3.5L is more than enough to get "into trouble" with and conservative enough to return excellent fuel economy. The car looks beautiful and ferocious, and almost everyday someone stops me to tell me so. Older people think it is a Mustang for some reason... Bottom Line is this car is amazing. Its the perfect blend of all things. If your a dad looking for a car to take the family in, but also want morph into Kasey Kane when no one is looking... This is the car for you!

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  Great Car - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Gracie Estrada - May 22 - 1:29 pm

  Would of have liked a CD player in the car

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  Dodge Charger RT - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Steven DeHaven - May 19 - 1:36 am

  I have been waiting 40 years to own a Charger. It was well worth the wait. I think Dodge did an excellent job designing the new Charger to fit the baby boomers. Its the best car I have driven. More than enough power and handling capability. The Charger is a real pleasure to drive. Although its not the muscle car of the sixties, the Charger has matured nicely.

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  Great value, lots of fun - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By canderson - May 16 - 11:26 pm

  Exciting styling and no dissapointment while behind the wheel. Best value out there in its class. Quality at par with any foreign car at a much lower price. There is still hope for the American car industry.

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  to many problems - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By red runner - May 13 - 11:32 am

  I purchased the 2008 dodge charger with the 3.5 liter. so far Ive had the rocker arms push rods and tappet covers replaced, now the clear coating is peeling off and chrysler is saying it isnt a warantable isue. this is the replacement to my first charger that the transmision blew in.