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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  Return to 1967 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Joe from L.A. - December 1 - 4:56 am

  I wasnt expecting much in buying this car for my daughter. I drive a Porsche GT2 and just thought I was humoring her. But to my surprise, our Charger R/T in Top Banana and fully optioned is fast, comfortable, and handles extremely well given its weight, tire size and price. The looks evoke memories of the late 60s, and there is nothing subtle about this car. It turns heads and evokes friendly smiles. I have not purchased an American car in years, but if Dodge is building such a fine automobile, I have no doubt that the U.S. auto business will flourish. I will upgrade the wheels and put on wider rubber, but other than that needed upgrade, this is a superb automobile.

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  Great Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By budo - October 15 - 9:10 am

  This is a GREAT car! Great power, handling, braking, comfort, style and quality. I love the sound system and the quiet that the car has to let you enjoy the music. Any car whose doors close with a bank vault solidity is a great car to me.

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  Shes a brick house! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By BRICKCHIK - October 11 - 1:43 pm

  I love this car! Styling is on point, Dodge hit a home run with this one. I laugh at the new Mustangs, there is no comparision. Interior room is great, and handling superior. My baby came with "Charger" pinstripping applied @ dealership, gave a even more dynamic appearence to her. Not a day goes by that someone is not asking about the car. I have to get the SRT-8 as soon as possible. INSTANT CLASSIC!!!

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  X corvette fan - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Ken - October 5 - 5:56 am

  I have owned sports cars all my life and this one is the most fun yet. Its not as refined as a Corvette but it is more fun to drive especially since I can take my whole family along for the ride. This thing actually draws more attention than either the new or the classic Corvettes that I have owned. It obviously doesnt corner as well as a Vette but it sure accelerates like one and I think that Chrysler is being a little conservative with the 13.5 sec et on 1/4 mile times. The engine is obviously capable of more if you can just get the tires to stick to the ground.

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  Great car to own - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By chadwyk - September 30 - 1:10 am

  This car is great! I ve only had the car for a month and love it. Its got a tight suspension, great handling, and for a V6, it got plenty of power. The only drawback right now it that there is little extras after you buy it (rims, cold air intake, etc.) There is a couple of defects in the car but none is very noticeable. One is the trunk lid rubs on the bumper and scratches the paint off, and there was a recall on some of the transmissions. Other than that, its perfect. If youre looking for a plain jane car, get a Honda or Toyota, if you wanna turn heads while riding in style, this is for you

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  Great Luxury Muscle Car - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Robert K Sanchez - September 19 - 1:41 pm

  Its a Luxury Muscle Car. I get lots of looks and compliments. Comfortable, lots of room, quiet and fast. I dont regret buying this car, but not cheap, I drove a Mustang for 20 years, was time to get more room. I still love Mustangs though. My AWD Charger eases the Pain.

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  Jacks Hemi - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jack Partington - August 26 - 10:53 am

  The Charger has been the most fun car to drive. It holds the road solidly and accelerates without hesitation.

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  WOW - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - July 28 - 3:50 am

  I have never had a car with an automatic kick you back in the seat like this thing does. The first time I punched it, it shocked me. All I can say is WOW. And, in 2nd gear at 4,000 RPM is sounds incredible... you have to turn off the radio just so you can hear the car. Awesome. Speaking of the radio, its great too. No need for aftermarket stuff here. The only real surprise was that there is no spare tire, and no run-flats. Instead, you get a little bottle of fix-a-flat and a pump that plugs into the power outlet. Im gunna buy an extra tire just in case I ever get a flat. I doubt you can just go in anyplace and find one in stock. But, this car is simply incredible!

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  Compliments on the vehicle - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Stilts - June 11 - 3:36 am

  I have been getting a lot of compliments on the style of the car. The people say the body style is in its own, but wish sometimes it would go back to old style Charger. The people that have ridden with me says the performance is great, and the handling is outstanding. The interior is comfortable and roomy.

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  Family rocket - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By John Ramsey - June 2 - 2:26 pm

  Its hard to believe that only a few short years ago Chrysler did not even offer a V8 in a car, much less a rear drive one. Theyve more than made up for it. With a wife and two kids, this is a perfect choice for a family mans muscle car. Not only is it the cheapest of the SRT8s, it is also the coolest looking, with its hood scoop and rear spoiler. The Magnum and 300C SRT8s look too much like the regular Hemis to me.