The Dodge Charger is much like the Chrysler 300. Both models are full size sedans that take advantage of rear wheel drive. There is very few rear wheel drive vehicles left in full size passenger market, but the Charger holds on to its RWD status for at least one more year. The Dodge Charger comes with some very bold style and has a very menacing presence when it hits the road. This four door family car offers some serious power and still maintains a 26MPG rating on the highway. You will be able to feel the rumble from the huge Hemi V-8 when you give this powerful car some gas. The standard V-6 engine does offer some reasonable speed and performance but it is nothing like the Hemi.
The Charger offers a 4 speed automatic transmission or an Auto-Stick option for those who are ready for some power shifting. The Charger has a lot going for it, but starting at $24,000 it is not a cheap toy. This model costs just about the same as the Chevy Camaro which offers a much stronger engine.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan
Engines: 2.7L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Models: SE, SXT, SXT AWD, R/T, R/T AWD, SRT8
What's New
With a new model due out soon, the 2010 Charger received only the following changes: all models get body-color sill cladding and side-curtain airbags plus SE models get a chromed grille with black inserts.
Exterior
The Charger is easily the most aggressively-styled sedan on the market. Most variants receive 17- or 18-inch wheels, but R/Ts with the Road/Track performance package get jumbo-size 20-inch wheels plus a large rear spoiler.
Interior
Simple but roomy, the Charger's interior is hampered by a low-resolution navigaton screen. A 276-watt, six-speaker stereo is standard on R/Ts and optional on SXTs. A DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system is available.
Performance & Handling
The base 2.7-liter V-6 is that makes a mere 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque and should be avoided. The SXT's 3.5-liter V-6 makes 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, while the R/T's V-8 makes 368 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, both can be had with all-wheel drive. SRT8's 6.1-liter V-8 makes 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet.
Safety
The addition of side-curtain airbags as a standard feature has made the Charger safer than before. All models also get dual-stage front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners. Stability control is standard on all models except the SE.
EPA Fuel Economy
SE: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
SXT: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
SXT AWD: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway
R/T: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway
R/T AWD: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
SRT8: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Aggressive exterior styling
You Won't Like
- Bland interior design
- Poor rear visibility
Sum Up
The intimidator of big sedans
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chrysler 300
- Ford Taurus
- Chevrolet Impala