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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  Awesome - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kim - September 18 - 3:20 am

  Ive only had my car for 5 days but it is just an incredible feeling to get behind the wheel of this car. So comfortable, solidly built, you feel safe, secure and at the same time stylish. I love everything about it!

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  Performance with style - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Phil - September 15 - 7:30 am

  I have had this car for a week now and each day Im more impressed. The exhaust is just noticable at idle and just loud enough when you step on it to make you smile. This car performs as a modern day muscle car should...Fast and smooth. I was looking at the RT and Daytona and am thrilled I waited for the SRT-8. The BEST performance value on the market!

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  5 seconds of fun, then coast - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By B Brunkhurst - September 6 - 12:10 pm

  ... because after you hit 60 mph shell roll to the county line! Thinking about Mopars lastest Hemi sedan? How about 0-60 in 5.7 seconds? How about 19.5 mpg back and forth to work? How about head-snappin good looks? How about a comfortable ride thats not afraid of the twisties? How about a heated leather seat thats more comfy than a Laz-y-boy? Traction control? Electronic Stablity Control? 4-wheel independent suspension? Polished 18" wheels with 60 series rubber? Music Hall quality sound with Sirius and 6 disc in-dash changer? For under $30,000K? A new 2004 Pacifica for my wife convinced me that DaimlerChrysler is the future of Detroit iron. If your looking for a new ride; go Charger R/T!

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  Love love love my new car - 2009 Dodge Charger
  By melissa mcintosh - September 5 - 3:57 am

  This is a very sexy car! After owning a 97 Lexus and upgrading to this charger Im in love. The ride is smooth, the control is amazing. The interior is nice, Im super happy.

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  Unbelievable - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Terry - August 28 - 3:06 am

  I got my Dodge Daytona Charger in the Top Banana Color. Ive never owned a Dodge before and was quite surprised by the quality. Heads turn when I drive down the street. The Hemi is awesome. Bucket seats are very nice and hold you in place around turns. The car has lots of room and a firm ride. Ive owned a Corvette before but this car puts it to shame.

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  Dodge Charger R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Sandra G Corbett - August 22 - 4:30 pm

  I was actually shopping for a Cadillac; test drove Cadillac, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, then saw the Dodge Charger. Drives like a dream; when they say "performance" they really mean PERFORMANCE!!! Tight, responsive handling; glide of a ride; lots of rear seat head room; on-demand power with a very light foot. Fabulous visual impression with striking impact. AWESOME!!! My son is even impressed with the Hemi!The problem is getting the opportunity to drive myself, as my husband & son are competing for the priviledge of chaufering me :-}

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  Great value; still things to be desired - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By tam20815 - August 18 - 10:06 pm

  The 5.7 liter, hemi V8, 2006 Dodge Charger is well worth the asking price. Hands down, it is a great value. There is certainly no lack for power here, as the 340 horsepower hemi definetly packs a punch. In addition, the sleek and stylish design make this sedan the sexiest on the market. That being said, there is still more to be desired from the new Charger. For one, the steering is very responsive and overly light and sensitive. In addition, there is very little visibility in the new Charger. Overall, this car is great for the asking price, as the positive features out weight the negative by far. I love this new vehicle and have no regrets.

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  Sold - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Vance - August 10 - 4:33 pm

  Im not used to catching peoples eyes just driving down the road. The aggressive looks of this car still get me to double take after I park it. Everything about the Charger adds up to a fun, impressive, luxurious ride where the only downside is your friends always want you to drive when you go anywhere! Seriously, I cant see myself buying a different car after this. The Beemers and Benzes my friends drive dont measure up to the affordability, style, and mean power they find in my Charger. I dont mind driving them.

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  Not a long term car - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By Alfie Williams - August 1 - 12:54 pm

  It was a great car that I fell in love with for the first two years. After that I realized that the car had already lost almost 50% of it value. This car also has 10 recalls on it. After I reached 90,000 miles is when all hell broke loose on the repairs. The had to replace the head gaskets, oil cooler pump and had already been through 8 recalls. The latest recall has shut my car down due to the alternator problem. Now they want me to pay for the repairs and submit to get reimbursement for a recall on the alternator. I have never ever heard of paying for a repair when there is a recall on the part. The car completely shut down on me without warning while I was on the road. If I was on the highway I would have had a accident because the ar lost all power out of nowhere. If you want a used car I suggest you do not buy a 2011 Doge Charger or any of there cars. They have the worst service and poor customer service.

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  Beastly family car even on a budget! - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Paul - July 23 - 5:31 pm

  First off, Im a 25 year living in Michigan. We get snow and rain most of the year so I chose the AWD. Although this model is only a V6, it is quite powerful. The AWD Charger is actually a RWD vehicle that goes into AWD when the vehicle slips or when the temp falls below a certain degree. At the slightest push of the pedal, the vehicle gets up and goes! This makes it very fun to take off on green lights. Ive personally tested the vehicle to reach speeds of 125 before struggling to continue. I did this on a closed course and do not recommend doing this on any open roads as the vehicle does shake at these speeds. The vehicle interior is very basic for a sporty car but to be honest it fills all your needs. Plenty of room, many compartments, great location for USB/Aux, audio and temp controls readily accessible. I had no complains driving this vehicle other than the all season tires that came from the factory.