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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  So far, so good! - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By The Sock Monkey - June 20 - 8:16 am

  I traded in a 2012 R/T Plus for this 2016 R/T with Road and Track package. The Road and Track package literally turns this into a different car. Two different cars, really. You get two drive modes. Normal drive mode which I call "grandpa mode" is great when youre driving your mother in law to the hair salon. Or taking clients out to lunch. Or whatever. For more entertainment value, theres Sport drive mode. Power steering sensitivity, traction control, shift speed, etc., are customizable in both modes via touch screen. So basically, you get two cars for the price of one. Which is great. You can opt for the Scat Pack, SRT8 or Hellcat if you want to spend more. For the extra money, you get higher levels of performance and/or refinement and all three of those also have customizable drive modes, though they tend to always feel more "sport mode" all the time. If you want a car that feels like a "grown up" car when you want it to, but also can be fun... I dont think you can beat a Charger with the Road and Track package. I will also say that in the last 4 years, though the interior of the car aesthetically hasnt drastically changed, it definitely has improved in a number of small ways. Anyway... yeah. Id recommend it.

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  Almost 3 years old - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By TJ - June 20 - 3:14 am

  2006 SXT, Cool Vanilla, Sunroof, Leather heated seats. The honeymoon period is over. Although I still enjoy the overall ride, power and performance, I am bothered by the electrical issues, and the cheap interior this car has. Also the lack of amenities other cars offered for the price tag. The bad: Cheap plastic interior, passenger door handle broke, plastic glove box door handle broke. Leather seats look/feel cheap. Electrical sucks, rear driver side window wont go down. sometimes the Sunroof does a wacky open close open when you press the button. Horrible radio, especially with AM reception. The check engine light is lit at only 37K miles. And mind you, I baby this car

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  Very Disappointed - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Unhappycamper - June 19 - 8:45 am

  It sounds like I am the only one but I am so disappointed with my new car. I have wanted a Charger since they hit the ground. After all the waiting until I could afford one, I ended up buying the lemon from the lot. My car has 850 miles on it and has been in the shop 5 times for the transmission. When the transmissions shifts between 1st & 2nd gear it feels like I am driving over railroad tracks & it does this every time I stop & take off. The dealership says this is normal and it should work itself out after I have drove it 3000 miles or more. They also say that 1/2 of them do this & 1/2 of them dont. I dont even want to drive it. The excitement is gone.

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  You Wont Be Disappointed! - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By FastFish - June 18 - 3:45 pm

  (R/T Daytona – Orange) A dare to test drive the car resulted in buying on the spot. At the expense of sounding like a broken record with the other reviews posted here, I must say: DAMN NICE CAR! From owning BMW’s to Mercedes, this car has what it takes and for way less money! In short, just an extreme pleasure to drive! More features and creature comforts for the money and tied with outstanding performance, it’s a combination you just can’t walk away from. It’s still new so I cannot report on reliability but from what I have read from this forum as well as countless others I am sure that I will not have any surprises. Guess what my wife’s next car is going to be????

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  Dont pass the gas station - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By mattmac53 - June 16 - 3:39 pm

  Traded in a 05 Nissan Maxima GL for my 2008 Charger R/T. Looking at it was love at first sight. Love everything about it except for the gas mileage. Great road car and cruiser. Very comfortable and has THE power when you punch it. Got almost all the bells and whistles on it to which makes it a fun piece of "American Iron." Easy to see why it is the new "Cop Car".

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  This Car Attracts Criminals - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Antonio Solomon - June 14 - 8:30 pm

  I like my 08 Charger, but the car has been broken into too many times. The locking mechanism on these cars is very easy for criminals to manipulate. It is unfortunate that the manufacturers put this locking mechanism on the market. I stopped leaving things in the car after it was broken into for the first time in 2012. Here it is 2016 and the car is still being broken into. I am disheartened by the fact that my car was broken into on MLK day.

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  Lots of Compliments - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Chargerking - June 10 - 9:14 pm

  I love this car so far. I have only driven it 700 miles so far. Be prepared to get compliments daily about the style. I got the se plus with the 3.5 L. O. V-6 that supplies surprising performance and fair gas mileage. The 18 inch aluminum rims and brilliant black metallic makes it look stunning. Tons of interior room, very comfortable and is a pleasant choice from the boring cookie cutter cars. Highly recommend!

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  Love the Car but.... - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By The Simons - June 10 - 1:11 pm

  I will say I love the speed and the people in the rear view mirror. However there are some things that I am very upset with. A new car after $12,000 miles of use should not already need new rotors. I had to fight the dealership to get this warrantied. At the same time I was having radio issues as well as passengers power window would not roll down. Then came the navagation system, then a transmission leak. All in all it took 1 yr and 3 separate car dealerships to work out the rotor issue (two times), radio/nav. system, transmission leak, power lock. I think finally all the bugs have been worked out. Just hope the car holds up for the years we have to pay for it.

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  Looks fast sitting still - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Dodge SE Plus - May 26 - 10:57 pm

  LOVE IT! This replaced our 2001 Dodge Ram Sport, and looks like its tough little brother or sister. Our Ram was all black, sport package. Our Charger is all black just like our Ram. We just got the windows tinted black and it looks fast just sitting there! Gotta love the attitude this car gives off. ROOMY interior - WOW! Dont pull up too far at some lights - the roof can block them. Fun to take turns a little too fast in! LOVE Sirius - havent listened to the "real" radio yet! Would LOVE to have a sunroof as an option on this model. Looks kind of like a great white shark at the front - love its tough look! Get one!

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  Luv the power - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By My 2nd Dodge - May 26 - 9:47 pm

  This is my 2nd Dodge. I do not have the Hemi, and I feel there is no need to really have it. I wish it had the radio and other controls on the steering wheel like my Monte. I use the manual shift at times when I need that extra power in tight places. Great on gas for the power it has. My favorite color is the Black. I have had one problem with the car, and I have had it into the Dodge Dealer 2xs and they still dont have it fixed. The right side rear window motor keeps going bad and now that it is out the service agreement Im not really sure who to trust in fixing the problem. I wish it came with a sunroof also. Great looking car for it being a 4 door, I never thought I would buy one.