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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  My Charger saved my families life. - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By Charmira - April 14 - 4:07 am

  I was an owner of a 2006 dodge charger and loved it. In the course of owning my car I was involved in three serious accidents where 3 individuals hit me. I not only walked away from each accident but my charger kept going. The very last accident which was the 4th one involved my 18 year old son and his 3 friends. They where rammed on the passengers side by a drunk driver. The car was completely mangled and totaled but my son and his 3 friends walked away uninjured. When I got the insurance money the only logical choice was another charger. I was also pleasantly surprised at what my 2006 charger appraised at. My 2015 charger is beautiful it gets a lot of attention, its fast its all those things its supposed to be. Honestly, I could care less about the aesthetics and speed. What I do care about is that car saved us many times. When my son was hit by the drunk driver the responding officer was surprised no one was injured. Im just grateful that we still have American companies that still care about americans and their safety. I am a charger fan for life.

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  Muscle cars shouldnt be family cars. - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Xena - April 10 - 1:36 am

  My husband got this car, and coming from a Mopar family, I was impressed he wanted it. I am all for having a second Hemi in the family (my father has a 69 Hemi Roadrunner), but the interior and exterior of this car is just another boring family sedan. This car seems to impress people who know they should be impressed by a Hemi, but dont really know why they should be impressed by a Hemi. True Hemi fans, will want to stick with the original muscle cars that were built to haul the mail - not a haul a family.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By pete - April 7 - 8:45 pm

  This car is the most relieable and fun car to drive. I have done some bolt on modifications done to it (intake,exhaust,programmer) and i beat on this poor car and it takes the abuse fine. On the days when my foot isnt as heavy its a great smooth ride. It doesnt like to turn very fast but its great to see a mustang gts headlights in my rearview mirror.

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  Good car, but disappointed - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By jimmy - April 7 - 12:20 am

  Fun car to drive. Interior a little too kit car for me. Cheap plastic, but hey for $30k with the power worth it. My real big problem is that Dodge and parent company have the worst paint going. I have the metallic black and doesnt take much to scratch unlike my wifes new Mustang.

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  HARLEM BULLY - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By A.PATE - March 25 - 8:26 am

  The Charger is really well put together and a joy to drive. Its a mans car that can also be enjoyable for the ladies. Its a looker that turns heads no matter what part of the country youre visiting. Theres a few things that would make the Charger the perfect car; better gas mileage and a more luxurious interior. I give the Charger "thumbs up"...Dodge has a winner!

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  Rocket Ride - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By JustOrange - March 24 - 4:25 pm

  I just traded in a 04 Mazda 6 for this brand new, 2008 Daytona R/T. I drive Crown Vics for a living and find a 4 cylinder gas friendly but boring! I have admired the new Charger since they were first debuted, but since it was an American car, I was weary. The Charger is the embodiement of everything I think "cool" cars should be - and everything that American cars should live up to. It is my absolute favorite car ever designed. I never got to buy "the" car up until now, I have always gotten the one that sufficed. This is just plain fun to drive. Gas milage is not the selling point to these, but I will gladly sacrifice in that dpt! I look forward to driving my car!

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  In a world of compromise, dont - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Mike - March 22 - 12:23 am

  Went in to buy a fuel economical car for work but walked out of the dealership with the SE Charger and I havent looked back since. (fuel economy is still not bad for a V6). Now I find any reason to go out and drive around the area love the comfortable ride and solid handling. Ever time Ive gone to the gas station people ask about her. On the highway have to watch your speed. Its easy to get going fast without noticing youre blowing out the other cars. SE trim is nice, but adding on the other features will make this beauty a diamond in the rough.

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  2006 GoMango #2965 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Rob E. - March 19 - 2:40 pm

  Front brake rotors have been replaced 4 times - Had to go w/ after mkt vented/slotted/drilled rotor. Motor mount replaced, some front suspension parts replaced, and car eats tires. Ride, power, performance, and comfort are excellent. Interior plastics are not highest grade. Sound system, Nav, and Bluetooth are trouble free and work great. Paint is holding up beautifully. Overall - a nice car w/some quirks,great engine performance, expensive to maintain, very high fun-to-drive factor.

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  Never Again Dodge/Chrysler - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By Larry Jackson - March 14 - 11:31 am

  I bought a new 2007 Dodge Charger R/T which brokedown at 1143 miles and has been a nightmare since. motor has knock in it and Dodge/Chrysler will do nothing to fix. Nothing but lies from the top down. MY FIRST/MY LAST.Visit Edmunds.com and view reports by other customers,you will be amazed at what you see. Recommendation,spend your money on another vehicle. Stay away from Dodge/Chrysler products.

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  Tie Rods and Tires - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By steve - March 11 - 7:40 pm

  The car is nice to drive, but has had numerous service issues. From day 1, there was a front tire thumping/noise issue that was never resolved even after 6 visits to 3 different dealerships. They never found anything. At 31,000 miles, a front tire blowout caused from excessive wear. Replaced all 4 tires with Coopers. After only 17,000 miles on these, they are showing the same wear patterns. Now, the front tie rods and control arms need replacing at a cost of $970! This car costs too much in maintenance to keep.