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:

• 

  Light it up - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Harry - July 10 - 11:53 am

  I havent had this much fun since my 64 GTO. This car has plenty of power, good handling characteristics and aint that hard on the eyes. Get in the throttle and youll see the muscle car heritage. Plus, its pretty comfortable. A little stiff, but thats what youre gonna need when you drive this brute through her paces. I think Dodge hit a home run with this car. Youre going to need a new tire "cookie jar" because when you talk to this one, she answers!

• 

  Instant Grin - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By rick77man2002 - July 8 - 3:33 pm

  I get a huge grin on my face every time I give it the gas. The only down side to owning this car was right after we got it, the price of gas went up about a dollar a gallon. No complaints here though. I didnt buy it for its mileage. Ive never had a car with this much room. I have long legs, but even I could sit behind the drivers seat with room to spare.

• 

  3rd Best Decision I Have Made - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Kelly M. - July 1 - 5:39 am

  I am 39 years old. I asked my wife to marry me. We had out daughter. Now I own a Hellcat. So many things to say. The outside to most people looks like a suburban grocery-getter, until you slam the pedal and scare the living crap out of anyone in the 2 block radius (including my wife in the passenger seat.) This car puts a huge smile on my face everytime I accelerate. Feeling down, stressed out? Drive a Hellcat and you will be giggling like a school girl. Seriously. The inside is clean, the information system works great, and it doesnt look like a stupid European car with an iPad taped to the top of the dash. Plan on buying new tires after about 1000miles. This car will make a smoke cloud so big the fire dept. will probably get called. In conclusion, put your phone down, stop looking at other cars, SUVs, mom/dad-mobiles and go buy a Hellcat. It will change your life.

• 

  My rt - 2017 Dodge Charger
  By Luis - June 21 - 9:08 pm

  Pure fun to drive need to drive more

• 

  Red Charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By LowLou - June 12 - 5:53 am

  I use this in my job as a road car and very happy to report that after the first month it is a better ride than the 300M I was driving. The body design is very aggressive with everyone commenting on how good it looks. The Inferno Red is a great color. The seats sit very comfortably even after many hours on the road. I have the leather seats with the heated seats that really helps the lower back. The dash is very clean and functional. The interior is a two tone leather that is very nice looking. The car handles very well in all kinds of traffic. The trunk is large enough to carry luggage and my golf bag. Change the cruise control location and add compass in mirror. Great Car.

• 

  Takes Me Back ! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Ted - June 8 - 11:03 am

  Was in the market for a 300 but the styling of the Charger won me over. It definitely has that feeling of driving my old 73 LeMans but with much improved handling, and of course much better fuel economy. I have never had so many starngers come and talk to me and ask me questions about my car. Seems that everyone is as impressed by its looks as I am. Still wished I could have afforded the Hemi though! At speed, the wind raises the rear bumper which in turn rubs on the trunk lid wearing a line in the paint. Have been told that Chrysler will have a fix for this August 1, 2006.

• 

  2015 Dodge Charger, great looking from the shop - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By Bryan T - June 3 - 9:40 pm

  Realize that maintenance costs are astronomical. Bought the car with 20k miles on it. Since that day, I have had to replace a transmission, grind the rotors twice, replace one set of rotors, and replace brake pads. Realize that the car has just hit 47k miles. The repairs on this car have been ridiculous and unaffordable. I have paid almost half of my car payment each month towards repairs. The vehicle has issues braking at high speeds and WILL warp the rotors.

• 

  Awesome! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Misaims - May 21 - 12:50 am

  This car rocks! I started drooling over the commercials and test drove about 3 different cars before buying. It was the best deciscion Ive made all year. The car handles and drives so smoothly. The stereo is fantastic - the speakers are so crisp. This car is comfortable, sleek and so fun to drive - I actually look forward to my commute. And it turns heads - I get stopped all the time. I would have no qualms about telling anyone to buy one.

• 

  R/T Road & Track - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By BLACK/HEMI - May 4 - 12:13 am

  Love the car. Great looks and performance. Fun to drive. The road and track package is a must. Great seats, love the air ride suspension, makes the car handle great and the ride smooth. The 350HP and 22MPH is very nice. The stereo sound system is awesome.

• 

  My panda "D" - 2017 Dodge Charger
  By Angel Anguiano - April 27 - 6:03 am

  All shoppers out there, look for the best value for your dollar, dont allow unnecessary upgrades, extended warranties, you can get these items later on your own. Take time to decide what you want.