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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  2012 Charger SE - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By hmnijj - March 17 - 12:53 am

  Even though I have the base model Charger, I am still very happy with it. I cant think of anything negative about the car. It has GREAT handling for a car of that size and its 292hp motor has enough power for me. The price is also very cheap compared to other cars that dont even measure up to the Charger. I love how the base model comes with all the features it does. The 4.2" touch screen is great and it also has a lot of controls on the steering wheel. I also like the computer it has it gives you a lot of information about the vehicle. All in all I love the car.

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  2012 Charger RT Road and Track - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By luther1517 - March 16 - 5:42 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 1st quarter of 2012. The V-8 was my original choice but decided to go for V-6 for better value and gas mileage. The V-6 was awesome it had plenty of acceleration and with K&N filter mpg were 37plus and mid 20s. However, I was forced to change it due to raw power feel of V-8 and was just bored with 8 speed transmission with no shifting options. Make shure you buy what you want! You will be forced to take a hit due to depreciation of vehicle return or stay with car choice. I just kept having that regret. The Hemi is a monster. Awesome acceleration and mpg on highway are low 30s with 50 to 70 mph and on stop and go is killer at 12. Car is a head turner!

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  2012 SXT BLACKTOP PKG - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By blacktop1 - March 9 - 1:18 am

  Let me tell you first off that the look of this car really got me. I love the aggressive look of the car. The blacktop package adds 20" black rims, a blacked out front grill, an upgraded sound system (alpine speakers on mines), paddle shifters and a sport tuned suspension. This makes the car really stand out from the rest of the chargers on the road w/o having to do anything but spend the extra $1495. The interior is just beautiful. Large comfortable leather seats and all the bells and whistles you can think of and more. I mean really...cooled/heated cup holders??? The uconnect screen with navi and backup cam are almost too distracting

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  Best Car Ever - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By 2012blkcharger - March 9 - 12:33 am

  Picked up my black 2012 black dodge charge RT a couple weeks ago, and let me just tell you how much I have enjoyed this car. This car offically made the tenth car that Ive owned at age 28. Ive owned Acrua, toyota, ford , chevy,nissian, buick,and the list goes on and on. None of the other brands can provide both a large interior space, smooth ride, and a powerful v8 like the charger rt. I must admit i was very skeptical about dodge at first until i drove this car and then i was sold. No rattles, no wind noise, soaks up large pot holes, and strong acceleration, good warranty. What more would anyone need? I would highly recommend anyone to test drive the 2012 dodge charger rt.

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  Nothing else in this price range compares... - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By erad75 - February 27 - 8:51 pm

  I have about 10k on my 2012 Charger R/T Max. I cannot say enough good things about this vehicle. To the shock of many friends, I traded a 2009 Audi A4 Quattro for this vehicle. The build quality, ride quality, and owner experience are beyond what I expected. 2 years ago I would have never considered a Dodge above a German brand. Surprisingly, the highway mileage is quite good. I recently got 30 MPG on a road trip to NY. In the city Im looking at 19-21MPG. If youre in the market for a reliable, well-handling, large sedan, this car certainly deserves solid consideration and is the "last of the Mohicans" in terms of large, rear-drive, American sedans (short of the Chrysler 300).

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  Different in a good way - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By bigsky_klx - February 27 - 11:57 am

  I wanted something stylish and good on gas to replace my Tahoe. Couldnt be happier with my decision. The car stands out from anything around it, love the bold looks. It does not look like everything else on the road. V6 is the best of both worlds, good mileage and good power. Putting gas in the Hemi would get old quick. The interior is fantastic, nice and comfy, with a lot of standard options. Does not feel like you are in a base model car. Visibility is great and there is tons of room, does not feel cramped. First Dodge I have ever owned and so far I am impressed.

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  Sporty and somewhat practical - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By a587789 - February 26 - 5:35 pm

  I previously owned a bmw 325i that I hated. So my expectations on this car were low. I took a 2k mile road trip in it and it worked better than the dealership promised. I absolutely love it. Great ride. Great gas mileage. Great acceleration and breaking. Plenty of room for everything. The only downside from it was that the Bluetooth and passive entry did not work. The passive entry was fixed by the dealer for free and the bluetooth unit is on back order. The dealer tells me that no one in the southeast has one available. I am tempted to visit the BMW manufacturing plant and do burnouts in the parking lot. Long Live Detroit!

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  Great Balance between muscle and every day driver. - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By xevilxdanx - February 23 - 4:19 pm

  I have put 9,000 miles on my car. I purchased the max package, which has a lot of great features from the sound system to the blind spot monitor. I only wish they installed vented seats for the summer time. The car has plenty of power for its size especially up hill. The AWD is great in the snow and shuts off above 40 degrees and only turns on when it is raining, manual mode is on, or the Traction Control is turned off. If you put the car on cruse control the car will get 25 miles to the gallon on the highway. The touch screen is extremely useful. It allows you to navigate your I-pod control the climate controls, see the 5 day forecast, and watch DVDs when parked.

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  Great Car - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By mattp4par - February 10 - 3:38 pm

  I buy a new car every 4-5 years to use for a company car and I will have to say this car makes working fun again. Get the Hemi....it is worth the few mpgs you lose over the V6. My R/T has all the options and I cant say enough for the ease of use of everything. I get thumbs up from cars driving by and compliments at gas stations. Go drive one nothing else in its class compares.

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  Charger...More like Junker - 2011 Dodge Charger
  By apachecanon - February 6 - 8:31 pm

  I bought a new Dodge Charger and could not wait to have this home. I love the style, body and gas mileage was reported to be great. Once I got the keys, the door sensor would not unlock the doors, then the key would not be recognized. I bought it back the following week and got the sensors changed out, keys reprogrammed and the nightmare started. Car would die while driving, was told by dodge,"its not life theatening" sure f then would not recognize key, display said Key Not Detected. I have taken the car in 3 times now and still no real solution. The Concole freezes up and can not change the AC/Heater Setting, control the volume or radio options. I wasted 27k on junk!!!Dodge does not care