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:

• 

  2.7L not enough, otherwise OK car - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Chris - November 30 - 11:03 pm

  Engine sounds great. The steering is responsive, the brakes are good. The handling is fine if you dont ask it to dance. Body motions are fairly well controlled. Its rear-wheel drive (no torque steer!) The body structure is solid. The fit is satisfying, the room is plentiful, the trunk size is fine for a car this big. The base radio sounds surprisingly nice and the car has presence. The bad: Mail slot windows are claustrophobic. Thick front and rear pillars block things you should be able to see. The engine is weak, and the car is heavy (3780lbs!). The steering is too light and does not give good feedback. The car is slow to get off the line, cant turn off traction control.

• 

  Two door vs four door - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By domenick - November 24 - 2:06 pm

  This vechcle is fun to drive with the Hemi power. Its fast, fun, and brand new. I really like the classic ones better the old ones blow the new one away........

• 

  2006 charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By david enyart - November 21 - 3:56 pm

  I love the design and the way the car drives! You can tell the vehicle has European influence. There was a time not to long ago that I wouldnt have considered a Chrysler product! Things are truly different now! I just completed a road trip of 4000 miles. The car averaged between 28-30 mpg. The trunk was loaded with luggage of 4 people who made the trip. I love the car and always look forward to driving! Everywhere I go, people point, and look at the car! Chrysler/Dodge/Mercedes, have done a great job !

• 

  Charger RT - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Faulkner - October 22 - 8:58 am

  Fun car to drive with lots of power and comforts. Replacing a 2005 Pontiac Bonneville and the Charger is lots more fun to drive. It has more room, is more comfortable, has more power, but less fuel economy.

• 

  Charger Daytona RT - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By bigred06 - October 21 - 1:20 pm

  I think this is a great car. I got all the power I wanted with room for three real adults. The Hemi engine hardly seems like its being pushed, even at 80 MPH! I think they also did a decent job of packaging the option together. I really like the fact that for all the power and sport that this car is a everyday driver. I feel comfortable driving in stop and go traffic. (I dont like it) The transmission is much better than the original autosticks they offered. It also finally has five gears. Decent fuel economy for the V8. I also like the fact that it doesnt need premium gas.

• 

  Love The Power!!!!! - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Ken - October 11 - 7:04 pm

  This car is a beast , you can drive it everyday . however high millage will drop the value. It is an eye catcher. Next best thing to the hellcat

• 

  2006 Dodge SRT8 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By John Metcalf - October 5 - 8:06 pm

  This is one of the finest cars I have ever purchased. It has a great ride and great feel to the road. The fuel consumption is actually pretty good considering the horsepower this car develops. Ive taken it on one trip and got an average of 21.7 mpg. Please note that 98% was freeway driving at 68 to 72 mph. This car is a great value for its price.

• 

  Nice overall - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Richard DiCosmo - September 26 - 3:33 pm

  The car has great pickup. 0-60 very fast. Comfort good. I like the autostick feature. The fuel mileage is OK, approx. 18-21 average. The braking is excellent, noise factor minimum. It has a great look, the front is slightly throw-back in style. I`ve gotten a lot of nice car comments from everyboby. The only issue I don`t like is the noisy auto steering, only when pulling out or in or parking. Overall good value, styling, and performance.

• 

  Muscle is for Moms, too - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By MsPbody - September 23 - 12:23 pm

  This is a beautiful, fun to drive car. It transitions nicely from being a family sedan to a "hot" ride quickly. The safety features are impressive, and while many have said the interior leaves much to be desired, I find the design very "woman friendly". We have driven out in the country to see how well the car responds, and let me tell you....it rocks!!

• 

  superman - 2007 Dodge Charger
  By Ron - September 17 - 5:49 pm

  The power is unbeliveable, and it handles great. Lots of leg room. The seats are very comfortable. Trunk storage is real nice