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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  I Love This Car!! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Knightmare 65 - April 27 - 7:26 pm

  Even though my Charger has the 3.5 liter, it still kicks major butt. I bet it can mop up a lot of cars that have V-8s. I fell in love with this car when I first saw it with my eyes. The new Charger is an eye pleaser and looks very intimidating.I have gotten many compliments on its looks. My neighbor keeps giving me the thumbs up everytime he sees me driving it. The Charger is the best driving vehicle I have ever driven. I try to find excuses to go out somewhere just so I can drive it. I have never been that way with any other car. Everything rocks with this car, even the stereo. The 2006 Dodge Charger is an awesome car. I cant get enough of it.

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  Scat Pack = NASCAR For The Street For 40k - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By G. Simon - April 24 - 4:18 pm

  All I can say is WOW! I researched this car forever! Finally got one I had my eye on as they closed out 2016 inventory. Driving this thing can be insane but also subdued for daily driving but always ready to ROAR into action. Mine is black and due to its appearance most people think Im a cop and move out of the way, its awesome, no speeding tickets yet with 6000 miles on it after 3 months (I cant help but drive this thing, its Charger after all, not a Bentley). Cruising in this 4,400 lb monster at 90 mph is very easy to do on a smooth freeway, feels the same as most cars at 55mph. It begs to go fast! Pros: mad acceleration and absolutely amazing soundtrack to go with it (neighbors who like quiet may not be your biggest fan after you purchase this car), people will stare at you in this car (maybe they think its a Hellcat), good tech inside, base Alpine sound system is decent, 20 inch wheels are sick, drive feel is simply great. Cons: gas mileage is bad (go figure with 392 Hemi and 485 horses - I get average 19 mpg), premium fuel required, super premium synthetic oil recommended (prob $125-150 at most shops every 6,000 miles with tire rotation needed also), visibility is not great (just look twice). This car is simply amazing, after reading this post go and get you one!!!!!

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  All Charged Up! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Seabird - April 12 - 4:26 am

  This car attracts a lot of attention. Performance is excellent; however, it would be better if the car lost a few hundred pounds. Exciting to drive!

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  Keeps hubby & wife happy! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By graphic_cre8or - April 4 - 1:33 am

  I love it. My husband suggested it and he "talked" me into it (or so he thinks). So much room and great features. The two car seats fit great in the back and my son loves to watch his movies. Performance seats are a must - very comfortable ride. GPS navigation has already come in handy. It is great for a 4 door and it really turnes heads. It is a family car that my husband will drive as opposed to my SUV import and I love to drive daily.

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  Rock on Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Red Thunder - January 23 - 11:30 pm

  I purchased a Charger SRT8 and paid a mark up because I wanted it and I wanted it now!!! It has amazing power. I particularly liked the SRT8 because of the amount of interior space. It is nice to have a car with great looks, speed and comfort for 4-5 adults. Lot of people are speechless when they see the car and even more when they look under the hood at the 6.1 liter bundle of joy. I got all the SRT packages and they are worth it. The navigation system is easy to use as are all of the onbourd computer systems. All in all, worth every penny. So happy I have mine.

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  You test drive it, you buying it! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By J.J - January 6 - 4:50 am

  Well, its this simple..if you test drive, YOU BUY.....I knew I was buying the vehicle the moment I test drove it.....The HEMI v8 RT definitely got some power to it. Its only a matter of time before I get a ticket because this car gets up and before you know it, youre doing 55 in a 35 zone. The Mustang is a cool car but it doesnt have the room inside the Charger has. When I got inside the car, I had no ideal it had that much room both for the driver and the passenger Its very comfortable. It also turns corners well and on a dime. When I buy a car, I want the best for my money. So I look for exterior as well as interior. The RT has BOTH!!

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By oheeare - November 24 - 8:20 pm

  Lots of bang for the buck and just plain headturning good looks. If this has the dependability of the Chrysler 300C, this is a full 10. My only complaint is that is lacks a bit of feel due to the ESP driving system. The Hemi 5.7 actually gets pretty decent mileage for the liter displacement due to the shutoff of 4 of the 8 cylinders during low output situations, but you can definitely smoke the tires easily with this powerplant.

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  Bling Bling - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By btp - November 22 - 1:16 pm

  What can I say? I went to buy a Pacifica an came home with a Charger and thankGod I made that choice. The exterior design is like no other and the ride feels like a 50 grand plus car. People keep asking about it. I know for sure I am going to keep this one for a long time

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  Big Blue - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Shawn Tolin - November 20 - 2:49 pm

  Love everything about this car!!!

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - November 5 - 8:36 pm

  Its been a long two months getting all the problems worked out but I am now enjoying the car very much. I get lots of compliments and looks. The V6 really has more then enough power unless you really want to burn rubber. The V6 will get up and go with no problem.