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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Its Worth It! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By GoManGo! - December 16 - 9:23 amI picked up my GoMango! Daytona a week ago. All I can say is "Wow!" Great car to drive and well built. If anyone ever asks if its worth getting the Daytona, or an RT with the Road and Track package the answer is simply Yes. The R&T suspension really settles the car down and eliminates float without being too harsh on bumps. The other reason to go with this package is the 9 land steering. WAY better than the regular RT. The last reasons are the brakes and nivomats but lawdy! lawdy! that exhaust note is nice! So far its a hoot and I cant go anywhere without getting thumbs up or drawing crowds. The car handles great, stops well, and is better than any Chrysler products in past 3 decades.
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Awesome - 2016 Dodge Charger
By Steve - December 9 - 9:00 am -
No Buyers Remorse Here - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Brian - December 7 - 5:36 pmI ended up purchasing this car after my 2002 Grand Prix was totaled. So far, the Charger has been everything I was hoping for. The 3.5 engine at 250 hp has plenty of pick up for this heavier car. It handles very well, the ride is smooth, and from the interior the engine is seems really quiet. Going from FWD to RWD was a slight adjustment, especially in winter driving conditions, but the RWD Charger has held its own, even going uphill on black ice. The interior is comfortable,functional, and simple, not flashy or luxury-like. To date, fuel mileage has been surprisingly good, equaling or bettering the Grand Prix despite a lower fuel rating. Its a fun car and Im an very happy with it.
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Too Cool Hemi R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Freeze - December 4 - 5:26 pmI have owned this car for a week now, what more can I say. The grin on my face says it all. What a blast to drive. The Hemi is awesome. Love the 322 watt stereo. The seats are so comfortable. My wife loves it too. Great for the kids. Its a sports car/family cruiser for us 40 somethings. Go get one before they run out.
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A Fun Car for 31K - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Jason - November 25 - 9:38 amIm very happy with my new Dodge Charger overall. I was traditionally a Ford guy, but I now have 2 kids and the backseat of the newer Mustangs just didnt cut it. It is a perfect nominal for me. There is plenty of room for the kids and plenty of horsepower for when I dont have the kids.I have taken the car on some far trips and have gotten 24 mpg on the highway. I average 15 in the city, but I have a heavy foot.
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Midlife Crisis Cure - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Billy Bob - November 23 - 7:26 amJust traded in the Buick and I feel alive again. This car has a much better ride and handles like a dream. I had a 68 Charger back in high school and think I will have just as much fun with the new one.
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Loved Car but Lots of Problems - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Rich - November 14 - 12:47 pmI purchased car new 2/06, 1st 15000 miles no problems. Then a transmission leak which was fixed by the dealer. Front rotors warped around 24000 which I had to pay to repair. Around 28000 miles rocker arm shaft dowels sheared in both exhaust shafts- engine rebuild under warranty. Around 32000 miles outer tie rod ends replaced under warranty. Now at 39300 miles I am told that inner tie rod ends are shot & Steering gear needs replacing. Dealership trying to get this covered under warranty but if not $1000 out of my pocket. Never had a car with this many problems so early on. I do not beat on the car and have changed oil every 3000 miles. Must have got a bad one.
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Greatest Charger! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Sonny G. - November 10 - 10:09 amI have a 2006 Charger Daytona, It is the most exciting car Ive ever owned. This car will do anything you ask of it and leave pleanty on the table. As for gas mileage I get 17mpg in town, 27mpg highway. And this is the 7.5 hemi. To get this much car in any other brand you would have to buy a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes. This Charger layes out a challenge that is very dificult for other automakers to meet.
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Charger RT with Road & Track - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Charger RT Road&Trak - November 3 - 1:17 pmI purchased my charger rt with R&T about a week ago. All the features you can ask for, bluetooth, navigation, heated seats, power, awesome looks, growling engine! MDS allows the car to cruise in 4cyl when you punch it it goes to 8Cyl. I added mopar exhaust and mopar cold air intake to add some MPGs and more growl and it definitely makes a wonderful difference. I receive a compliment every single day, no lie! Great value, they gave me a great price because sales are down, and the warranty seems to be great.Needless to say im a happy camper.Coming from a Base 2006 Grand prix to this is like a completely different world! If you want a charger, buy a Hemi!
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Hemi Daytona R/T Midlife - 2008 Dodge Charger
By Sweeet! - November 1 - 10:33 amThis is my fifth Dodge product Ive purchased in the last ten years and I can honestly say this Hemi Daytona R/T has exceeded all expectations I had about this car.On a recent 1K mile trip to Texas the 5.7L w/MDS achieved 21 m.p.g. on 87 octane fuel. On cruise control at 75 miles per hour the only indication MDS was active was the "Fuel Saver Mode" message was on the DIC. The performance tuned suspension on the Charger is more like a touring setup rather than a race car. Probably the most comfortable ride Ive ever owned. This car will definitely get some looks around town and its hard to resist my right foot urges too. It has all the cool toys with Sirius and MYGIG infotainment center.
