Vehicle Overview

Dodge brought back a famous model name from its muscle-car past for the 2006 model year with the launch of the Charger. From 1966 to the early 1970s, Charger coupes were among the most potent — and most recognized — muscle machines on the market. Chargers equipped with the legendary Hemi V-8 engine captured the imagination of countless young drivers.

Chargers come in base SE and performance-oriented R/T trim levels. An SXT package is also offered. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but SXT and R/T models are available with all-wheel drive for 2007. Power-adjustable pedals and a one-year subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio are standard on R/T models, and SXT options include a new deck lid spoiler and 18-inch chrome wheels.

Incorporating a fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System, the available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 produces 340 horsepower, which is good for 0-to-60-mph acceleration in less than 6 seconds. A Daytona R/T package that packs a Hemi V-8 with an extra 10 hp is also offered. Selecting the high-performance SRT8 sedan gets you a 425-hp V-8, Brembo brakes, a race-bred suspension and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Exterior

Dodge says the Charger combines modern coupe styling with four-door functionality. The Charger has a bold crossbar front end and a short deck. There are minimal wheel flares, and a long bodyside crease meets another crease at the rear doors.

Dodge claims the car's front-to-rear weight distribution is close to 50/50. Three levels of suspension tuning — topped by a Road/Track Performance Group — are available. Standard tires measure 17 inches in diameter, but 18- and 20-inch tires are optional.

Offered as an option on the R/T, the Road/Track Performance Group package — which includes a revised steering gear, load-leveling shock absorbers and a retuned suspension — adds 20-inch chrome wheels and chin and deck lid spoilers for 2007.

Interior

The Charger's five-occupant interior features front bucket seats and a rear bench. A 60/40-split, folding rear seat is optional. Viper-inspired tunneled gauges feature white faces and satin silver accent rings. A silver trim bezel surrounds the gearshift, and the two-tone interior features a darker upper trim color.

Standard SE equipment includes front-seat lumbar support; a manual tilt and telescoping steering column; a power trunk lid release; remote keyless/illuminated entry; cruise control; and power windows, locks and mirrors. The SXT package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, an eight-way power driver's seat, illuminated visor mirrors and a Boston Acoustics sound system. The R/T has leather upholstery. A navigation system and a backseat video entertainment system are optional.

Under the Hood

The Charger's base engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 250 hp and 250 pounds-feet of torque. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 in the R/T issues 340 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque. The V-8 can alternate between four- and eight-cylinder modes in order to boost fuel economy by as much as 20 percent. The Hemi V-8 produces 350 hp in Daytona R/T models. The Charger SRT8 holds the biggest engine, a 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8. All models have a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates an AutoStick feature for manual gear selection.

Safety

Antilock brakes and an Electronic Stability Program are standard. Side curtain airbags are optional.

Driving Impressions

It's not really in the same league as smaller sport sedans, but the Charger is a cut above traditional family sedans in terms of performance capabilities. With a Hemi V-8 and Touring suspension, the Charger R/T has a somewhat light feel, which seems a bit out of character. Response is quick and reasonably precise going around curves, but it doesn't feel entirely confident all the time.

Vigorous Hemi performance is present when passing. The ride is nearly blissful on smooth surfaces, and rougher spots are dealt with appropriately. Except for a throaty exhaust sound when the gas pedal hits the floor, the Charger R/T is quiet.

The seats are comfortable. Aside from the trip odometer, the deep-set gauges are easy to read. Front occupants get plenty of elbowroom and legroom, and rear legroom is ample. Headroom in models equipped with a sunroof is good but not vast. Long side windows aid visibility, but the low roof and steep windshield can make it difficult to see some overhead traffic lights. Outside visibility for rear passengers may be obstructed by the C-pillars.

A Charger R/T equipped with the tauter Road/Track Performance Group suspension was surprisingly stable, flat and eager to roar out of curves on a racecourse. With V-6 power, the Charger qualifies as satisfactory and impressively quiet, substituting a humdrum growl for the Hemi's exhaust note when floored.

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