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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  Lucky SRT8 Owner - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By RedheadSRT8 - May 29 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased this car over the phone sight unseen and am absolutely thrilled with its looks, performance, handling, and comfort. It is a limited production car that will not be a daily driver or driven in wet weather. I am keeping the car in brand new condition so that it can be enjoyed for years to come. Hopefully it will be a collectable just like the original Hemi! At only 1050 miles the only issues I have are way excessive amounts of brake dust, and a transmission that has a pump and/or torque converter whine.

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  Best Car of the YEar - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Ripan - May 29 - 8:16 am

  It is the best car of the year cause of its muscular shape, luxurious and roomy interior. Very fast and a howling engine. Best sedan, it gets no problems. I am glad and very happy that I bought it. It is also way better than any Ford, Honda, or a Toyota.

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  Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Reggie - May 2 - 8:33 pm

  My RT is an excellent vehicle. Very powerful and comfortable. The ride is smooth and the drive is flawless. A definite head turner!

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  Not just for men - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By chargeher - April 30 - 9:20 pm

  I thought I would never get rid of my minivan that I loved since I have 2 boys both over 63 and play sports but could not turn away from the Charger. Boy were they glad! Nothing has made everyone from Dad to the youngest son happier than to have a cool car to have mom drive you around in, and nothing has made me happier than to have a car I can count on. Somehow when I drive it I can get 20-21 mpg but when Dad decides to drive it goes to 14 mpg. No problem, we both enjoy it, just for different reasons. I have added 22" wheels and a pinstripe to accent the rear wheel well. Just a little to make it different. We can all take a ride it this bad boy together and no one minds at all.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Arkay - April 15 - 5:03 pm

  Whenever someone asks how I like my Charger, the first thing I always tell em is that its fun to drive. The Hemi is cool. The combination of the accelaration, the handling, and the smooth, quick braking makes it easy to pull out into traffic, and then maneuver around it. The exterior look turns heads and gets lots of positive comments. The interior, with the Road & Track package is really comfortable and quiet. Everyone who has ridden in it compliments it. There is plenty of room in the back seat. The trunk is spacious, too. Good sound system. I try to find reasons to drive it ("Honey, Ill go pick up the kids."). No regrets.

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  Beauty and a Beast - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By E. Weatherbee - March 26 - 11:53 pm

  This car is awesome. It is definitely a car that gets attention. The power and growl of the the engine restores the Charger back to its muscle car fame. The ride is smooth, yet stiff enough to handle agressive driving and cornering. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. When you get on the gas the engine springs to life and the growl of the engine and exhaust let you know the Hemi is under the hood. The interior is well appointed with comfortable seats that will adjust to almost any size person. The adjustable seats, telescoping / tilting steering wheel and power adjustable pedals offer infinate adjustability. Dodge hit a home run with this driving machine.

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  BAD ROCKET ARMS on CHARGER - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Gavril - March 20 - 12:08 am

  Just got a 2006 Dodge Charger and now engine is sound like a traine because the BAD ROCKET ARMS on valve never seen this befor just be aware

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  Great Modern Day Muscle Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dennis McClurg - March 1 - 12:20 am

  I have been waiting for a car like this to be built for years. Its a blast to drive. I put on the Dodge cold air induction package and it made a nice addition to the performance. It also sounds great when you nail it. I grew up in the 60s with all the muscle cars and had several of my own. This car makes me smile a lot when I drive it. Good Job Dodge

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  Think you love the Charger? Buy one! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Jasonic - February 22 - 1:13 pm

  I was formerly a Mustang fan, but from my first test drive I fell in love. Though the gas mileage on the Hemi is obviously going to be a little low, the cost per drive is made up by the thrill that is getting behind the wheel. I look forward to my 35 mile ride to and from work everyday. I love how it looks and how it feels to drive it. Solid, powerful, uplifting. I swear, you feel connected to this car. Like your part of it. I know it sounds dramatic but its an experience that makes you smile. The seats are comfortable and everything is within reach. Plus. the acceleration is electifying and it sounds like a pack of rhinos when its blowing by you on the highway.

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  Dont buy this car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Bruno - February 9 - 6:30 pm

  Please do not buy a Dodge Charger, especially in red, because I want to continue to have the only one in my area. It is a real looker! So please wait at least 5 years. Yes! this car is "Super Fine"! in every way. I had a chance to purchase a car from A to Z and the Charger won hands down. It is a mans car with good styling with an attitude! I have owned it for 6 months and love everything about it.