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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  I Love my Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Gunz - January 28 - 12:40 am

  Ever since I was a little boy I wanted a Charger! When I heard they were coming out with this one I went crazy! I was the first one in my town to buy one and I love it! I got the Midnight Blue Metallic one with the Hemi of course but I am going to make it my own! Originality is what I like. I just wish that everyone else would stop buying them because I liked being the first and only for a while! The only thing I wish is that it was two doors!

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  Something Wicked This Way Comes - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Gruvn_SRT8 - January 21 - 10:42 am

  The beauty of modern engineering is that car manufacturers can now produce a vehicle such as the SRT8. A car that blends exceptional civility with very uncivilised performance. I just purchased this car a week ago. Brought it home without drama in 10 below weather, with the roads covered in ice. The tires on this monster are Goodyear F1s! Started it without a hitch in the same weather the next morning. Again, no drama. And no engine block heater either. That is not even on the option sheet for the SRT8. Not even here in Canada. Warmed the car up and drove to work. Found a patch of dry road on the way. No traffic. Dropped the hammer. Big drama! Thanks DC!

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  Best Dodge ever owned - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By xtec - January 20 - 1:14 pm

  Every time I drive my Charger,if feels like the first time. This car has a awesome ride. The transmission is one of the smoothest I ever had. The doors are solid when you close them. The 3.5 is very powerful for A V6, and my mileage has been around 20 in the city, which is great for a car this heavy. I have bought Chrysler products most of my life, and will say this is the best so far.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Carby w/ SXT - January 17 - 11:22 pm

  Perfect vehicle. Roomy and safe for family. Fun to drive and cool as well The 3.5L HO V6 has plenty to motivate this car and decent fuel mileage for so much power and torque. The 5 speed tranny (Mercedes sourced) is silky smooth and the auto-stick is fun when you feel like taking a little more control. I want to drive this car forever.

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  This ones mine, get your own - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Hemi Gal - January 17 - 3:04 pm

  My husband and I have never owned a new car before the SRT8. We couldnt find anything good enough, until now. I find myself looking for excuses to go to town, just so I can drive this wonderful car. I love everything from the kicker audio system to the 20" wheels! The trunk space is massive and the interior is roomy enough for 6+ tall individuals and the handling is better than a tiny sports car in so many ways. I dont even mind the extra weight, it makes it feel so stable. The brilliant black crystal pearl paint just makes this car that much more eye catching. This car truly turns everyones head where ever I go!

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  06 Daytona - GoManGo - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Daytona - January 10 - 6:57 pm

  Bought Dec 31 2005. Car has great syling, is a lot of fun to drive. It is everything I expected when buying. Has very comfortable front seats. I would highly recommend the Daytona or Road & Track Group with the upgraded seats. They are much more comfortable than standard seats. Car handles very well, although I store it in winter so I am not sure about snow,/ice. Dont buy for fuel economy. .I still have never gotten anywhere near the 25 highway on the sticker, closer to 21. So far my only problem is a squeak in the dash that comes and goes. Otherwise, no problems in the first 13K miles. Very roomy, kids really like riding in it!

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  Charger R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Mark - January 9 - 9:47 pm

  My first Dodge of 8 new car purchases Ive made, and wow, what a very nice product! Dodge has certainly designed and built a top notch vehicle. The vehicle is precisely what Ive read and more. Its engine/tranny is responsive, precise, and impressive. All the features are nicely done and worth the options cost. The sound system is impressive and allows you to rock like we once did. So many positives and updated technology with a retro look. Im left very impressed with my white R/T every time I get behind the wheel and when I unwilling disembark. Have driven European/Asian/and GM vehicles, Dodge has come up with a great product to match the best of the best.

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  Best new car I have ever owned - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jason - January 9 - 2:54 pm

  She has all the sophistication of a classic road car with all the creature comforts a man needs. Her performance will be a ten when I add the supercharger system and all the mods to push this beast past any conventional two door sports car. Dodge hit this one right on the money with the nascar body styling and four doors for the family man. A perfect car for the midlife crisis. I love the fact everybody on the highway gets out of my way when they seen me coming from their rearview mirros. I cannot stop smiling for two hours after I go on one of my "country cruises." I have had as many thumbs up with this car as I have with my classic collection.

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  I love my new Daytona Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Brett - January 9 - 12:20 am

  I had this car for 3 weeks now and already put 1300 miles on it just because i have so much fun driving it. It is the best of both worlds fast and sporty but also comfortable. My sister falls asleep everytime she gets in because the seats are like sitting on a lazy boy. Also the stereo is out of this world. I bought subs to put in it but I dont even have to now it will vibrate the whole car. I would recomend this car to a teenager looking to have some fun or a family of 4 going on vacation.

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  Charger SXT - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Batista - January 3 - 1:41 pm

  The car is smooth, handles well, quiet and comfortable. The tires are lousy and will slip with too much throttle. It is much better car than the competition because of the RWD 53/46 weight distribution.