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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  more bang for the buck - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By DB - August 30 - 8:00 pm

  A fine vehicle

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  Driving My Dream - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Ruler P - August 9 - 2:02 am

  I just bought a used 2007 Charger SRT-8 a little over a month ago and I absolutely love it! Its the car I always wanted and with all the options. Now, the car does have over 100K miles on it so Im expecting some minor mechanical issues to pop up soon but so far so good. The 6.1L engine is EXACTLY the size motor that should be in a car of its size. With that power, it handles like a dream. The sport suspension and 20" wheels do take some getting used to especially if you commonly drive in areas with uneven pavement. One thing to know if youre considering buying any charger from 2006 to 2008 is that the Nav radios have NO AUX INPUT (3.5mm jack or USB) for an ipod or MP3 player. Honestly, that sucked but I bought an adapter that plugs into the back of the stereo now Im good to go. I thought when I bought the car that I wouldnt get much attention seeing as how there are two newer generations out plus there are so many customized versions out on the road. However, theres still a fair amount of car enthusiasts out there that still appreciate the 1st generation Charger ESPECIALLY if you have a HEMI! Ill be keeping mine until it becomes a classic!

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  She is My Lady - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By Frank - August 4 - 10:36 pm

  I bought my 2010 Charger SXT used from a family friends dealership. She had 11,900 on her and was a former rental car. That was back in Jan 2011. Nearly five years later, I am so sad that I have begun looking at new cars. But its not due to poor aging. This car is as magnificent as the day I got her. I love my Midnight with all my heart. Maintaining her has been childs play. Oil and fluids on schedule and only had to replace the brakes, rotors, and tires once. Everything else is original equipment. There have been no major problems. After almost five years and 70,000 miles on the odometer, Midnight still thrills me every time I drive her. Gas mileage has been great. Highway driving was smooth. And she is tough. A traffic cone caught her on the nose and there was only a minor crack to her bumper. The only reason I am trading her in at the end of the year is I finally have a good enough credit rating to afford a brand new car. I can say without a doubt, I will be getting a new Charger. Dodge gave me a great product and I will remain loyal, possibly for life. I hate to see Midnight go. But after seeing one in deep blue, I fell in love with the Charger all over again. Only a Challenger could possibly change my mind. I think Ill call my new car...Luna.

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  2015 Dodge Charger rt road&track package - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By Guadalupe cisneros - August 2 - 12:46 am

  Im having a lot of problems with suspension noise and braking car just have 2k miles I need to take back too dealer ship Im pissed off never thought that I would have this problems with a brand new car and also a lot of brake dust

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  Beware of Electronics! - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By jjski78 - July 31 - 9:02 pm

  I had my 2012 R/T for 3.5 years and 65,002 miles. Here are my final thoughts on the car: The performance is spectacular. The 5.7 Hemi is more engine than most drivers will ever need (but then again, so is the 3.6) and is really a gem. It is smooth and docile when driven gently, and turns into a snarling monster when you put your foot down. Combined with a cold air intake and a Flowmaster dual exhaust it really became quite an animal. Lets just say I never needed much room to pass a bad/slow driver, and the sound coming from the exhaust was more than enough to let them know I didnt approve of their driving style. The car really was a bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Again, driving gently the engine was very docile, and the ride was borderline supple. Though the 20" wheels never allow it to get too soft. When youre driving it closer to the edge, the engine is right there with you and the suspension seems to tighten right up and allow you to take corners at speeds that would have been suicide in a car this large 20 years ago. On top of the craziness, it was not uncommon for me to obtain 30+ MPG on the highway and low-mid 20s in the city. Make sure youre using mid grade fuel though. The interior is fantastic. The seats are probably the most comfortable I have ever sat in. With severe back issues I could easily drive this car for 12+ hours and not have a problem. They are supportive and comfortable. The materials used on the interior are also great. Is it Audi great? No. But it is definitely a fantastic place to be. Everything is laid out intuitively, and access to most controls is through the touch screen or through the steering wheel. So why did I get rid of it? One word: electronics. Simply said, the electronics were complete trash. When youre making bets with yourself over how many of your 12 speakers are going to work on this start, theres a problem. When the radio decides you really didnt want to listen to that song, and then literally refuses to play that one song until the car is shut off and restarted, theres a problem. When it decides you really didnt want to connect your bluetooth, mid call, theres a problem. And finally, when the bluetooth call quality sounds like old tv static being transmitted through an olympic size swimming pool, its just time to move on. The dealer said they would basically replace the entire system, at a very substantial cost to me due to the fact this all happened after the warranty was up. So it was time to walk away. Ive been told mine was a rare occurrence, and that may be. Still doesnt change the fact that it happened and those horrifyingly bad electronics ruined the entire experience of the car.

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  Hemi with AWD, whats not to love! - 2014 Dodge Charger
  By J. Demkovich - July 28 - 1:03 am

  My wife asked about getting a Charger, and I knew owners loved them but I was surprised to see that reliability complaints were few and far between. So I agreed to look at one and I am so glad that we did! After 18 months the car now has 18K trouble free miles with two repairs: 1) the sunroof lost its mind after about a year - it refused to work until it was reset and reprogrammed by a dealer and 2) it came with a cracked panel in the trunk that was replaced by the dealer. We purchased the AWD version because I personally would not consider a RWD car (which most Chargers are) in Chicago where we live. AWD works great in snow and we feel very secure driving it in the worst weather. It switches into AWD when the temp goes below the upper 30s and the mileage drops in the winter - we get 2-3 mpg less in the winter vs summer. I do wish it had a switch to disable AWD but it does not. The AWD R/T has a softer suspension and different tires than the standard R/T. We like it this way because it is a family car for us and everyone is comfortable in the car. AWD also makes "burnouts" pretty much impossible, but if you are looking for acceleration there is no substitute for four wheels putting Hemi power on the road! The car is really fun and comfortable to drive in any weather. Last comment: 2014 was the final year for the AWD Hemi R/T so 2014 is the year to get if you want this model.

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  07 SRT8 - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By dan wolf - July 23 - 10:15 pm

  Since 2006 Ive been dreaming of getting a charger srt8! 2 years ago I purchased a 2007 with 25,000 miles on it with one owner, it was everything I dreamed of. I absolutely love car, I got all options with the car but H.I.Ds. Entertainment system is great subwoofer and navigation system are great quality. Now for the Hemi that 4k pound car has got some balls, went to the dragstrip ran a 12.1 in 1/4 mile!! Gas mileage I get 15 in the city but can "never" get more than 19.4 on the highway. Overall quality in the car I couldnt have thought anything better its perfect for me, comfortable, everything is accessable and easy to use, the time srt put in this car was great quality and really aggressively badass!! Ill have this car till Im dead, been my dream to get one for years and now I finally got one and Im not lettin go of the car!!!

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  Avoid Chargers - 2010 Dodge Charger
  By Ms. Demeanor - July 12 - 2:17 am

  Car was parked for three days without driving. Wife went to get something out of the car and in less than an hour later, the car was totaled due to a fire that started in the passenger headlight (from unlocking the thing). Dodge denies there is any manufacturer defect so I guess gremlins must have caused the thing to destroy itself. Funny thing is less than three weeks later here in our town, a lady was driving a 12 Charger and had to pull over when it caught fire and was totaled - started in the passenger headlight. Dodge denies responsibility yet these vehicles have a tendency to catch fire. Couple that with the fact police departments are jumping on the chance to move to other vehicles due to problems with these cars. Again, avoid buying Chargers.

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  New 2015 Charger SXT AWD...just bought - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By wsteph72 - July 1 - 2:47 pm

  Just bought my new 2015 Dodge Charger SXT AWD. Love all the "gadgets" and such, but in the end, it is the performance that really matters. This car is fun to drive and still has plenty of room. I think Im like most guys who would really prefer to have the ability to get a new Challenger Hellcat, but...alas...we have families and responsibilities and many many more important things to drop that much money on! That being the case, the Charger is a GREAT car for all those reasons. It will not only get you and the family from Point A to Point B....it will do it in style and youll have a blast getting there!

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  The 1st Review!! - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By joner800 - June 15 - 7:35 am

  i upgraded from a Chrysler 300 w/5.7 Hemi to the Scat Pack as i wanted more performance and couldnt afford the SRT price premium. i just rolled over 2600 miles and have not regretted my decision one bit. the power and performance bang-for-the-buck is unbeatable. the ride is firm but liveable and cabin materials quality is fantastic. if you think all Chargers look like rental cars, think again in Scat Pack/SRT trims, this is the meanest looking sedan out there. and i can have my son in his car seat in the back, my wife in the passenger side, and room in the trunk for plenty of beach or sports gear and be completely comfortable.