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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  First "Adult" Purchase Was a Good One! - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By Jordan R. - June 20 - 7:06 pm

  Ive been leasing my Dodge Charger AWD Rallye for about a year and a half now. I intend to buy it out at the end of the lease. Because of the short length of time there wont be much said about its reliability, but so far Ive had almost no problems. In short, this car is amazing. It looks incredible, both during the day and at night. Ive noticed it turn heads several times and I dont even have any special additions to the exterior. My interior looks just as good and its almost secretly a luxury car with a fantastic UConnect system, great climate control, and awesome dashboard styling. Its a blast to drive too. I wish the "from-zero" acceleration was a little better, but the rolling start or highway acceleration (i.e. 60-80mph) is insane, especially in Sport Mode. You can feel the back end of the car drop and the ride is almost dangerously smooth. Ive reached 103mph and was shocked by how well it handled the speed. The automatic shifting within the first 5 mins of when you get in the car is pretty bad -- probably my biggest complaint. BUT the AWD feature is fantastic in the snow. During a 6-12 inch blizzard in CO last year, the Charger handled gracefully and safely; I was even passing Subarus on the side of the road! I put a lot of research into this purchase (6+ months) and the Charger won out over many other cars and thus far, I havent regretted it AT ALL. Highly recommended.

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  2016 Charger RT - Nice Ride - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By EWC - June 6 - 7:42 am

  Folks: I have a 77 mile round-trip commute in heavy traffic each day. Its not fun. My 2016 Charger has been just great for the first ~10K miles. If I take it easy, I also get 32 MPG on the open highway. The vehicle is well built, quick, secure and solid. I also feel safe in it. Importantly, it also has the necessary grunt and agility to get you out of a jamb (e.g., when an aggressive 18 wheeler or a jacked up F-250 is bearing down on you on Houstons I-45) when needed. Its also a handsome beast and looks good parked among the Mercedes and BMWs that the bulk of my colleagues drive (it also makes a bit of a statement that you are not following the herd). I have a few classic cars (e.g., C-2 Corvette and vintage GM muscle cars) so owning a "daily driver" with a little bit of style is important. The 2016 Charger has it all. The only problem is that 2 of my High School boys always want to drive it (even over the old Vette, a nice King Ranch F-150 and my wifes BMW convertible). Go figure. Nice job Dodge. Keep building neat cars and Ill keep buiying a new one every couple of years.

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  R/T charger - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By mark long - May 1 - 3:20 pm

  My wife hates the Magnum, "no wagon no matter what it has in it". Ive liked since it came out but respected her opinion on wagons. Needless to say the Charger is no wagon. I traded in a Mercedes C240, and we bought it on first sight. The Charger is more fun than any 4door car has a right to be. With the 5.7Hemi it runs in the 1/4mile with my 68327 4speed Vette. Granted the Vette doesnt have ESP tech, but it is 1,500lbs lighter. I dont believe it has a bad angle exterior wise, and there really is nothing that looks like it on the road. I dont care what muscle car purest think about a 4door Charger. I have my toys. This is a pure driving enthusiast dream come true, only in a practical sense.

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  All Dodge! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Dodge Man - April 14 - 4:26 am

  I love this car! I have had 2 Durangos and still own a 92 Dodge truck, but this one is by far the best looking and most fun to drive. It has an amazing ride, is very quiet, has a great sound system, and what a honey to look at!

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  Buy one - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Charger R/T - April 9 - 5:40 am

  Ive had my Charger R/T for a few months now and I love it. I have the performance package, a must, and dressed it up with stripes similar to the Daytona on the back fenders and R/T emblems under the hemi sign on the front fenders, as well as a body coloured spoiler. This car turns heads everywhere in this town which is full of BMWs Mercedes, etc. It goes like heck and is really fun to drive.

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  This one is going....going....ITS GONE! - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By MoparMan - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Charger R/T for about 1 month (800 miles). Let me start by saying that Im married with a toddler son and one on the way. This car has a better front and side impact rating than my wifes Volvo (and a lot more interior room). The styling is awesome. People (old and young, men and women) cant help but stare and point. It rides like a luxury car..but runs like a muscle car. The standard R/T Boston Acoustics stereo is great. I hate to sound like a commercial, but if you can find a better car (anywhere near this price range) BUY IT! The reality is that if you want to compete with the R/T or 300c, youll have to drop at least another 20 grand on a BMW or Mercedes. Home Run!

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  Charger - 1 month - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By lestat-de-leon - March 4 - 1:06 pm

  After two and a half weeks of driving pleasure, I have to say that this is the most fun car I have owned in my life. If you have kids (I have 3 under the age of 8) and need a family sedan, but dont want to hate driving it...this is your vehicle. Most people either love or hate the styling of this vehicle, but it is a huge winner to me, as you cannot mistake it for other vehicles on the road. The interior is a bit bland, but that fits with the "muscle car" feel that they were going for. Car handles and breaks like a 3,000 lb car, not a 4000 lb one, and exceleration is wonderful.

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  Great car - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By budoinst - February 24 - 6:06 am

  I have owned many types of vehicles, including another great one, a 2003 G35 coupe, before this one. This car is safe, quality built, quick and handles well. For the price that one pays, it is the best bargain on the road in my opinion. Other than an old hemi Charger, it would blow away any of the older models. Just a super bargain overall.

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  Love this muscle car! - 2016 Dodge Charger
  By Ellen Grace - February 16 - 10:41 pm

  This is the first vehicle Ive owned that I have ever loved. It snowed where we live, and because we have no garage, my wife started telling everyone she thought I was going to knit it a sweater. Fast, luxurious, gorgeous, I love it!!

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  Lovin the Charger SRT8 - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By srt8nit - January 24 - 11:56 pm

  Im just like a little kid when it comes to driving this machine. I have to give Dodge two thumbs up on this one. The performance and handling of the vehicle are just supperb and Im loving every minute of it. Ive been enjoying the performance and handling of German made vehicles for some time now and Dodge has brought me back home.