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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  Stylish, aggressive and powerful - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By OFiroz - April 6 - 4:38 am

  V6 3.5 High Out put engine, I am totally convinced and satisfied with the performance of this beast. I had JAG V8 before this car. I think Charger V6 is faster than JAG V8, dont know how and why! I had some exterior sticker work and sports filter fixed on my black charger. It turns head wherever it goes. calm ride, though I am not very pleased about the interior plastic pieces and shock absorbers, even small humps can be felt inside the cabin. some noise from the back seats and rear door, dont know it is from inside the door or rear fender. Checked twice, the dealers doesnt have a clue it seems.It is 100% mens car and it is written all over the car!

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  Lifelong Ford Man Finally Goes DODGE - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By H/Oly_SXT - April 5 - 12:08 pm

  Ok, I have been a Ford guy most of my life, but when the Dodge Charger came out a few years ago I knew that was the car for me! I drove the doors off my 2001 Ford Focus, suffering quietly... while watching gas prices soar. Pretty much the same story as "DVLocker". I found a stellar looking SXT at a great price and so I freakin did it! I finally bought the Charger!! All I can say is Dear God, it is everything I hoped it would be and more. Its heavy, yet remarkably nimble, feels almost armored like a Hummer. I agree the cup holders are poorly placed but seriously, there isnt a person around that doesnt love my car... maybe a SRT8 owner somewhere. Buy one right now if you can.

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  The Beast - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Larry Jackson - April 3 - 1:39 am

  I love this vehicle, brillant black and I added some aftermarket chrome and this car really came alive. Catches all the cutie eyes. Plenty of hp. Love to just go for a ride just to watch people faces as I Cruise by. Went in to dealership ship for service and people could not take there eyes off car and was told to enter in car show. It cost me a lot to bring it out, but it was well worth it. Cold air intake is well worth its weight in gold. I cant say enough about this vehicle.

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  BEE- liever - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Mr. Bad Bee - April 1 - 1:47 pm

  We got our 08 SRT Super Bee about a month ago. It has been a blast! The car has so much power and rides as smooth as glass. Hard to keep it under the speed limit! It is as comfortable as the Mercedes E350 it replaced. The special addition color Blue makes the car stand out where ever we go. It gets allot of attention which can be both good and bad. Did I mention how great the seats are? Cant go without mentioning the "Brembo" brakes. They are awesome. Though I feel it should go by another name other than Charger (Magnum Sedan would have been more appropriate since its a 4 door. Chargers are suppose to only have 2 doors), I think the car is just great.

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  Nice - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Former GM Guy - March 31 - 7:40 am

  Was once the proud owner of a Buick Grand National. No car before or since was quite as much fun to drive and own. My Dodge Daytona R/T easily matches that 87 wonder in both fun and power - plus adds all the gadgo-convienences I wanted. Thank you Daimler Chrysler for this one.

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  I love it. - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Skelly - March 30 - 9:39 pm

  So I bought my charger used in early August, it had 12,000 miles. I love the body styling. Its built like a Buick, but handles like a Beamer- the suspension stays tight on sharp turns. The RWD makes it feel like a dream at high speeds. The headlights are very bright- low beams are often times mistaken for brights. The back seat is huge- great for those extra passengers and road trips. Ive kept it maintained to specifications, and so far, havent had any problems.

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  Totally satisfied - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jerry Stephens - March 25 - 7:04 am

  After driving my Charger for a number of months, it has passed the test of time. I have no complaints concerning this car. The car has a perfect blend of performance, space, comfort and styling.

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  Our Dodge Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Chris Pape - March 24 - 6:58 pm

  This is my wifes car and she loves it. We have driven it on long trips and completely enjoy the power and comfort of a Hemi Charger. She enjoys the security of being able to pull out in traffic without worry. Only negative is in the snow because the Hemi has so much power. But you just put it in 2nd or 3rd and she will handle it fine. Greta car!

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  saved by my charger - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By debbie - March 24 - 8:28 am

  car was in accident hit front by an suv car took total impact and side door on drivers side hit and I walked out of the car without a scratch i was going about 15mph slowing to make turn in rain.AWD kicked in and i was untouched dash was totally in tack airbags went off would like to find another AWD Charger This car saved my life it was a beauty had leather interior/sunroof red with a black racing stripe I loved it Great gas mileage we drove from Allentown, PA to Scituate, RI on one tank of gas!!

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  Very impressed - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By EARROL - March 23 - 1:04 pm

  This is a great car! Was trying to get into Hemi, but with gas and price difference of 10 grand , I thought twice.This car has excellent power HO six is great and always a head turner, with a air intake and exhaust , pushing close to 300hp, but saving gas with a six cylinder!