Review
Introduction
Dodge resurrected its famous Charger name in 2006 by placing it on a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan that is essentially a rebodied Chrysler 300. But whereas the Chrysler 300 wears Bentley-like sheetmetal and appeals to luxury seekers, the Charger goes after the performance enthusiast with its unique, aggressive look and sporty suspension tuning. Available in four trim levels (SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT8), each successive level brings more power and performance.
The base SE comes with a 178-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic, a combination that has to work hard in the full-size Charger. A step up to the SE Plus or SXT trim level brings a 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 horsepower that’s more than up to the task of hauling the Charger around. Our enthusiast predilections mean that we gravitate toward the V-8–powered 340- or 350-hp R/T and 425-hp SRT8 versions, but the SXT offers much of the driving experience of the R/T save for truly neck-snapping acceleration. For those in the Snowbelt, all-wheel drive is optional on SXT ($2350) and R/T ($2100) versions.
Verdict
All Chargers offer a refined driving experience. The primary differences among the models are power, price, and suspension firmness. From lukewarm (base) to lake-of-fire heat (SRT8), the Charger offers a temperature for every level of enthusiasm.
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What’s New for 2008
Dodge has upgraded the Charger interior with richer and softer interior plastics, a more-expensive-looking center console, and bluish LED lighting. Each trim level gets new wheel designs as well as two new colors, new shades of gray and beige. Xenon headlights are now optional as is a rear-seat entertainment system with DVD and satellite-television capabilities.
