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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  Daytona, yes! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jeff27 - June 14 - 6:00 am

  Of all the cars I have owned and purchased new, this car has given me the most pleasure of them all. I still dont know if I am more impressed with the power or the amount of features that are available for this car.The nav will get you just about to the front door of where you are going and the sound system upgrade was well worth it. The heated seats warm up very fast on the cold nights. I am impressed with how smooth the transmission shifts also. My daughter is just upset that she has no heated seat in the back for her. Heck, with the leg room and video system I dont mind sitting back there.

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  The best car. - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Osmany - June 12 - 1:45 pm

  The car now have almost 11000 miles and is a great car, everything is excellent. look very nice and the traction is very good for a 3.6 liter engine.

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  RT Hemi - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By rick - June 1 - 1:56 pm

  Am overjoyed with the 350 horse Hemi. Only two problems with the car seem to be the brakes do not match up with the power and there seem to be a couple of blind spots when driving. I have only put 7800 miles on this car and am going to try to keep the miles low. The car handles like a race car with the tight suspension and the incredible power of the engine. It has the sound of the old muscle cars of the 60s. I weigh 270 and am 64", there is more than enough room for me. The 4 doors make this car more practical than any new Mustang on the market and both my kids have put dibs on it when I die

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  Great looking fun car - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By krd - June 1 - 1:49 pm

  If you want a four door sedan that excites you everytime you drive it then the Charger SRT8 should be your choice. Wonderful acceleration and great handling for a heavy sedan. The interior is very comfortable. The seats just coddle you. Controls are easy to reach and use and work well. Car does what it is supposed to do and looks great doing it.

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  Love My Charger! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Gary - May 29 - 4:25 pm

  For the price, the size, power, and comfort cant be beat. Im a tall person. Ive driven German luxury cars in the past. This car matches the power and exceeds the leg room by far.

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  Family Fun Car - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Nala34 - May 23 - 1:39 pm

  I just picked up my SRT-8 Charger from the dealer. I traded in an R/T Magnum. Wow, what a difference! Awesome power, terrific handling, much better seating, not to mention that throaty growl. I dont care if gasoline goes up to $4 per gallon! Other than a new cold-air intake, will probably keep this sweetheart stock. Dodge hits the bullseye!

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  Awesome in lime green - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Bubba - April 15 - 12:10 am

  Just got the sub lime R/T Daytona for my wife at Christmas and the only drawback is I have a hard time getting it from her. This car is trully awesome. The interior is way cool. The best part is our sons car seat. I love looking at the poor souls in minivans and boring cars and to see their facial expressions. I constantly get complements, and other guys with Beemers and Benzes wishing they had one. At almost less than half the price of their less styled cars. I highly recomend getting the lime green monster and if you missed out on getting 1 of the 1500 of these try your luck on the plum purple next. Way fast family car.

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  Muscle and Looks - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Steve in Idaho - April 14 - 1:13 am

  A little light on the steering, but still fairly easy to control on hard/fast corners. First week took on 1,000 mile trip with 2 other passengers, everyone was very comfortable and didnt experience any fatigue after 6 hours of continous driving. Solid feel at high speed. Very good stereo and all controls are logically laid out. Traded Porsche Cayenne S which had better handling/suspension, but feel this is a far better vehicle for price, features and performance.

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  So Fun! - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Carrillo3948 - April 13 - 11:13 pm

  Wow! I saw it, had to drive it, and was so impressed with it, that I bought it! What a car! I am a mom of 3 and traded in the minivan for this red beauty. I cant tell you how fun, smooth, comfortable, reliable, and roomy this car is. I have no regrets. The kids love it, and my husband is a bit jealous.

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  I love my Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Byron - April 11 - 7:03 pm

  I think its a great car. Although this modern Hemi is nothing compared to the original (Ive had a 440 Cuda that would outright kill it), the modern Hemi still seems like a great motor, just dont ever think you have a chance against the 440s and 426 Hemis of old. My Charger has the Goodyear RSA tires, which I hear are better than the Continentals, but Im very disappointed with the tires. They dont grip well, especially in winter. And P225 (thats 225mm wide) tires are too narrow on a car of this size. Upgrade, Im telling you. I think the steering could be improved, and as someone else said, the cupholders. Theres nothing else on the market as fast and practical.