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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  Best car I have ever driven or owned - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Terry - December 25 - 5:16 am

  This car is fun to drive. I feel confident in heavy traffic. So smooth and quiet on acceleration that I find myself flying down the highway. It stops as fast as it accelerates and is very comfortable on long trips.

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  Dodge Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jens - December 23 - 10:23 pm

  It is a great car and handles very well for a bigger car. Handles the curves easily.

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  Nice car overall - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By vince - December 19 - 1:02 pm

  Ive enjoyed this car since the day I purchased it. After 11 months of ownership, I still catch myself looking over my shoulder at it, as I walk away. Fun car to drive. The 3.5 V6 is more than enough power for most driving. Expected a bit better gas milage.. the V8 guys get close to what I get. Now Dodge has snared me with a well designed/good quality car, I may have to look at the new Challenger. Good job Dodge.

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  Awesome SRT-8 - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Ron Nichols - December 19 - 8:23 am

  I bought this car before gas went to $3.50 per gallon, but I would not hesitate to buy it again. It is an awesome car, beautiful, comfortable, attracts attention everywhere it goes, and with acceleration that shames any pont car. It is rated at 14/20 mpg but I always beat that. I average 20 in overall driving. Strictly interstate it will average 24-25 mpg. It is the most fun to drive of any car Ive owned including a Cobra, a G-35, 2 SHOs, and a Grand Prix GTP. I only wish it was available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

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  Yup, Its another Mopar alright - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By DaMoparGuy - December 16 - 11:00 pm

  Mopar is back with the return of the Charger. I think that they should have saved the return of the HEMI for the return of the Charger to make a huge come back, but hey, thats just me. This car is no slouch on the gas pedal, and less than half way up the rpm range, you realize what a Hemi is all about. This is an excellent reincarnation of the classic Mopar performance car.

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  Dodge Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By N Moore - December 14 - 2:36 pm

  I love my Dodge Charger! It is so fun to drive! Handles great and rides like a dream. I have had many cars and SUVs over the years and the Charger is definitely my favorite.

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  Love this Car - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By T K - December 11 - 8:01 am

  I absolutely love this car. I had been driving a Lincoln Aviator for a bit, but test drove the Charger and instantly feel in love. The power is awesome. The interior is very stylish and comfortable. Even though Ive only had it a couple of days...I dont think Ill ever get rid of this car.

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  06 Charger SE w/ 3.5HO 5A added sunroof - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By JimPonder - December 10 - 7:39 am

  I just purchased this vehicle and find that it is very comfortable and roomy for taller people like myself. You can glide down the road not even noting your speed. Fairly quiet running vehicle and smooth over the bumps. Not the R/T so I havent done the curves hard with it. I do recommend you get the 5sp auto for this vehicle (I believe they are standard on the 06 models and only on the SXT-R/T models later.) The 5speed (or 5A as they note it) will give you the low rpm cruising speed on the highways which will help with gas. I get 30mpg with this car.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Captain Midnight - December 3 - 1:07 pm

  Id like to say that this is a great car, but we will go with good for now. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet, and Id be fine riding in it for hours without undue fatigue. The steering gets raspberries because its too heavy at all speeds and the chassis is busy at cruise. The most fatiguing part of driving this car is the constant inputs required, even on smooth, uncrowned roads. I really hate that part. The stock 225 60R18 touring tires grip well in the dry and are a menace in the wet. First thing I did was to get Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 snow tires so that I can get through a Michigan winter without ending up in a ditch somewhere. Recommended with reservations

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  Best car Ive owned - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By romman - November 25 - 11:27 pm

  Bought this car over the weekend and love it! In fact I would say that this is the best car Ive owned. I have owned quite a few cars and trucks over the years including Mustangs, Thunderbirds, Trans- Am, Dodge RAM pickup and most recently a Durango. I have been very pleased on how the car handles and absolutely love the sunroof since I live in CA. The seats are comfortable and Dodge finally did something with the 07 cruise control handle problem. I rented an 07 charger for about 10 days and that lever drove me nuts! Sirius radio is a nice touch and the rear air is nice for the kids! Everything about the car feels solid and the handling is superb. I wanted the myGig system but maybe next time