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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Modern Muscle Car - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Ted Hamlin - October 9 - 3:40 amThis car has the illusion of a late 60s muscle car. The power, performance and feel are a whole lot better. Not only is this car the most fun I have ever driven, it is a real eye catcher. Try stepping out of the Charger RT in any parking lot without having someone ask you how you like it or make some kind of comment about it.
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A GREAT CAR - 2006 Dodge Charger
By 2000RT1 - October 4 - 7:56 amThe 2006 Dodge Charger R/T is a powerfull car with a muscular look. It looks a lot better in person than in photographs. It has an adequate trunk and sits 4 adults very comfortably. A smooth ride and more than enough power for anyone.
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Car review - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Traci Unger - September 15 - 5:03 pmIt is a nice car. The only thing I do not like is the carpet. I think they could have went with a little more plush carpet. It is very thin.
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Snow! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Chris - September 14 - 9:20 pmIt was time to pick a new company vehicle and the Charger was on the list for the first time (other choices ford 500, Pontiac Grand Prix (previous car was Grand Prix)). I live in Buffalo, NY and drive in the snow a lot so I was hesitant about the rear wheel drive. Despite my hesitation I picked the Charger because it was so awesome looking. Thought I had bought form over function until I drove in our first snow fall, this car handles better than any front-wheel drive vehicle I have ever owned.
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The Muscle car for Women - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Kim Sampson - August 24 - 12:36 amHello, I am a 47yr old woman who has gone totally overboard with this car. I have never been a car head and I have to say I am now. I love my Charger. It is totally the womans muscle car. I have the R/T Hemi, added a few of my own things. Added a little bling with some 22in chrome platinum wheels titled "sweetness" of which they are. Every day when I get in my car and turn up the tunes and hit the road. It just starts my day out great. I know this sounds way over the top for a woman my age, but you never know untill you feel the power of a Hemi and with the added Bling its even more beutiful. I love this car.
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I love this car! - 2006 Dodge Charger
By melann - August 21 - 4:30 pmI have wanted this car ever since they came out. My very first car was a 1984 Dodge Charger, a far cry from this bad baby, but you know, I am sentimental. This is one of the most awsome cars because you can have power and still have a family car. It handles so well. The smoothness of driving is a pleasureable experience. I originally wanted the SXT model for the extra gas mileage, but my husband said I would be made fun of to have a car like that with the 6 cylinder motor. I think he just wanted that HEMI. Well, I am glad I listened to him. I love the HEMI. I love this car!
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Dodge Charger SRT8 - 2006 Dodge Charger
By Maricela Gutierrez - July 6 - 12:50 amThis is the funnest car I have ever driven. The interior and exterior design of this vehicle is excellent. I am very happy with our decision to purchase a Charger SRT8! I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone! Keep up the great work!
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RT Fan - 2015 Dodge Charger
By Tyna Batten - July 3 - 8:52 pmIm not a car person and intended for my next vehicle to be a truck. Ive never been a Dodge fan. After test driving I loved it! The U Connect is awesome. The only improvement would be better gas mileage. 16.7 in town, 25.6 on the road.
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OKIE CHARGER - 2006 Dodge Charger
By RobertKeeley - June 21 - 4:10 amThis is a wonderful car, very proud to own and drive. Always exciting and never labored feeling. Very quick and fast, yet so polite you wished it pushed you back in the seat more (I NEED an SRT8). Only one problem, a strut or other suspension nut was loose after a few days of driving and made a horrible rattle. The tightened and all has been well, but a little grey cloud. I can easily get 20.4 mpg which I think is good for this 8 cyl. Gets attention. Have barely begun to explore the large owners manual to setup things more to my taste. Sound system is loud and still CLEAN. Transmission is great. After Chevy, Ford, Honda, Im still amazed I trully enjoy this car as much as I do.
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A real looker - 2006 Dodge Charger
By cooperj - May 10 - 10:03 pmI purchased the Daytona model in orange. It certainly is a beautiful car. Comfort, performance, and styling are all strong assets of the r/t line. Gas mileage has been what is expected by way of vehicle sticker @ 18-19mpg.
