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:
Showing 631 through 640 of 743.00-
Love my Charger - 2016 Dodge Charger
By LoveHP - July 20 - 4:59 amIts not my midlife crisis car, it my midlife living car. Ive had it for over a year and still get compliments.
-
Great All Around Car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Tomahawk - July 15 - 1:13 amI love this car! It happens to be my first new car Ive purchased. I love the performance and smooth ride. I drives like a muscle car and rides like a luxury car at the same time. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an all around great car. Got to love the HEMI!
-
SRT8 is one badboy! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Pippy01 - July 12 - 2:06 amMost cars are referred to as "she". This car is just too tough to be a "she". I have owned several sports cars in my life, a Corvette, Camaro, two Mustangs, and a Crossfire. I never thought I would like this car so much! My husband is in the car biz, so when he brought this one home for me to test out, I was not impressed by the looks too much (the whole four door thing kinda wasnt my style). I drove it for a few days anyway. Wow, was I ever shocked. This car is by far the most fun car I have ever driven. It looks tough, sounds tough, and it is tough! I cant even go to the grocery store without some punk trying to race. Even more fun when someone doesnt know the power and cuts me off.
-
Mamas Hot Rod - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Jennifer Williams - June 18 - 6:26 amI have been eyeing this car since its debut last year and fell in love on my first test drive. I test drove over 20 different cars and kept coming back to the Charger. I travel extensively and drive several differnt rental vehicles- I am always excited to get back into my car at the airport and get to drive it. Nothing on the road compares to this expereince. The power, the looks and the room to put my three children in the backseat. Two big "boys" each over 6 tall and a carseat fit just fine. I have the Road and Track R/T that has the 10 extra horse power, dual power buckets and upgrade exhaust system that the Daytona R/T features.
-
Awesome! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Clifton Smith - June 15 - 1:06 pmI love my Charger SRT-8. It has the attention-grabbing styling and performance I love in a car. The power from the 6.1l Hemi is amazing. Its a roomy sedan with a smooth ride yet it can turn into a mean street machine in an instant. The best car I have ever owned so far!
-
Charger R/T - 2006 Dodge Charger
By FKS - June 12 - 9:56 pmPurchased the Charger R/T about a month ago and drove it now for 1000 miles. I traded for a Ram 1500 Quad. SLT with all the options and 5.7l Hemi. After driving for longer periods I realized how comfortable the Charger was. The handling on mountain roads is exellent. This is a very quiet riding vehicle with outstanding exelleration. It takes a little practice to understand the stereo and GPS system. This vehicle is equipped with the electronics convenience group, the covenience Group II, Sound Group II, sunroof and full map display GPS Nav Radio.The Charger was a little pricey but more comfortable then the 300 Chrysler.
-
Top Dog R.T. - 2006 Dodge Charger
By RT. ONE COOL RIDE - June 7 - 12:53 pmWell folks Ive got to tell you my experience with my car as been very nice. The car power is great. The hemi gets down when I need it to and and floats when I need it to conserve on fuel. So far my wife and I love owning the car. I brought it for me but I cant seem to get my wife from behind the wheel. She loves it so I guess Dad gets to drive it the weekends. So far I have had no issues with maintenance. My wife says shes been getting a looks of looks as she drives the car. Its adorable.
-
Is this really a Dodge??? - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Troy G. - May 8 - 3:26 pmI really like the car as a whole, especially the performance.It draws attention everywhere it goes. It is very fast and handles well for such a large car (German influence). The performance is equal to the looks.
-
Jazz Blue - 2016 Dodge Charger
By Will - May 8 - 11:56 amLove my Charger! 5000 miles and averaging 28mpg combined since I usually avoid traffic. Dodge did this one right, all though I prefer the 2014 exterior better the 2016 model is very aggressive and sporty looking. I have had nothing but good with this car so far.
-
Hemi can go - 2006 Dodge Charger
By specialk19631 - March 28 - 11:00 amGreat handling car. Smooth comfortable ride. Lots of rear seat room. Hemi has lots of get up and go. Acts like a sports car.
