Dodge Charger Review

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 has recently been reborn as an affordable performance sedan -- and it's one of the better ones available in this market niche.

The Dodge Charger debuted in the mid 1960s as a response to America's growing interest in average cars with above-average performance. This two-door coupe boasted aggressive fastback styling and big V8 power, including Chrysler's famed 426 Hemi. As with similar vehicles of this time period, however, the Charger's glory quickly faded after 1970 due to rising insurance and gas prices, higher emissions standards and changing consumer tastes.

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 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 Dodge Charger has been heavily updated for 2011. It's based on the same Mercedes-derived platform used for the Chrysler 300. As such, the Charger has four doors and is a bit larger than the average midsize 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 two basic trim levels: SE and R/T. The SE is only offered with rear-wheel drive, while the R/T can be rear-drive or all-wheel drive. Standard SE features include a 3.5-liter 292-horsepower V6 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a power driver seat, full power accessories, keyless ignition/entry and a six-speaker sound system with an iPod interface and a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface.

The R/T model ups the ante with a 370-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine, a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on AWD models), xenon headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Bluetooth and a premium Alpine sound system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, voice control and satellite radio. Major options include a performance package, leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system.

The current Charger scores points not only for the plentiful power output of the big V8 engine, but the ample grunt 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
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. For 2007, a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine became standard on the SE, while the 3.5 became optional. Considering its anemic output, we strongly recommend avoiding the small V6.

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 '08 and an increase to 368 hp for the R/T for '09.

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.

For more on Past Dodge Charger models, view our Dodge Charger History page