Dodge Charger Overview
The Dodge Charger is a model with a long history that spans three very different vehicles. The first through fourth generation Charger was an American muscle car built as a coupe, the fifth-generation was a more compact sport coupe, and the sixth-generation is the sedan version we see in production today. The first-generation of the Dodge Charger began in the 1966 model year and most Charger models built through 1978, the last year of production for the fourth-generation Charger, are considered collectibles.
The fifth-generation Charger (1981-1987) is considered a quasi-collectible and is often available as a used car. These front-wheel drive coupes are more practical in everyday use than are the earlier generations and generally have good fuel economy as well. Finding one in excellent condition can be a challenge, but there are examples available to those who persist.
On the used car market, however, the current Dodge Charger sedan, which entered production for the 2006 model year, is the most common vehicle sought. Built with stylistic reminders of the early-generation Chargers, the modern sedan combines practicality with nostalgic style and power. The Charger has a good combination of interior quality and accoutrements for the price point and remains a favorite on the used car market. The big sedan achieves impressive fuel economy thanks to the powerful V6 that motivates most of the Chargers on the market and can be found in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. In most of the new-generation Charger models, crash tests have been about average for the segment.
Some of the first of the new-generation Chargers gained a reputation for premature engine failure, which usually happened just outside of warranty (at roughly 100,000 miles). On many of those 2006 models, Dodge extended the warranty. So finding a 2006 model with a non-original engine is not unusual. From 2007 forward, there are few other reported issues. Buyers should pay attention to the state of the alternator, a common fail point as mileage builds, and have it tested before purchase. The Charger is otherwise considered a relatively reliable sedan. Consumers may wish to cross-shop with the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon as alternatives with less muscular looks. For similar styling, the Chrysler 300 is also an alternative.
Test Drive Reviews
2017 Dodge Charger
We like to think that we buy a vehicle with our head, but it's the opposite. For many, a car purchase is an emotional decision where we consider what kind of image we're putting out to the world. For example, take the Dodge Charger. It may be old and trail competitors in key areas such as safety and interior appointments. But the aggressive looks and performance on offer make it a prime target for those who want to stand out.
See the full 2017 Dodge Charger Test Drive Review.
2016 Dodge Charger
With the 2016 Dodge Charger, just on account of its attitude and swagger which you just can't find anywhere else in this class, we think we maybe should have graded it on a curve. You know, like the bad boy in class who always passed because the teachers were afraid of him. What? Would you want a remedial Hellcat in your classroom? We didn't think so.
For this test we have included impressions from four separate tests in various Charger models. This is pretty much necessary given the depth and breadth of performance offerings from this full size sedan which works as everything from a razor sharp track day tool to an efficient family hauler. Although there is the most basic SE model you can pick up for as little as $27,995, we recommend kicking it up a couple grand to at least SXT trim which gives you access to more of the nice features the Charger offers.
So we have done on-road one week tests with a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT with the 3.6 liter 300 horsepower V6, the Charger R/T Road & Track with a 5.7 liter 370 horsepower Hemi V8 as well as the SRT 398 with the non-supercharged 485 horsepower 6.2 liter monster sized V8. All three of these vehicles offer up above average performance compared to most every four door sedan out there with the SRT398 capable of loafing to 100 mile per hour plus freeway speeds if you don't watch your speedometer.
And our experience with the Hellcat was limited to one gloriously terrifying day at famed Buttonwillow Racetrack with engineers from the SRT division on hand to teach us how to drive a car with that much power properly. Who are we kidding, after getting out of 3 laps in the Charger Hellcat the Viper felt kind of slow. The Hellcat simply put warps your perception of speed. We fear for our license if we ever get to test a Hellcat for a week on city streets. But here are our overall impressions of the 2016 Dodge Charger.
See the full 2016 Dodge Charger Test Drive Review.
2014 Dodge Charger
It can happen in just an instant and how you react to it can change your life forever. Every moment you spend driving in your car you run the risk of an accident happening right in front of you or as happened most oddly to us while road testing a 2014 Dodge Charger sedan with the new 3.6 liter V6 and 8-speed automatic—you can suddenly find yourself driving at 50 miles an hour with a piano sitting right in your path. Yes, we said a piano.
Apparently this piano fell off the back of a truck transporting it and somehow the driver didn't notice this heavy musical instrument falling off the back or the fact that it was now rolling on wheels towards oncoming traffic. In fact, it was rolling in our lane directly towards our brand new 2014 Dodge Charger. Thankfully, reflexes we were sure we had lost with our youth kicked in and we were able to swerve miraculously around the very large piano. But in the process our lives could have been put in danger by what was riding in the back seat—in this case our canine road tester Daisy Mae who with every car she rode in helped us learn which new models were most dog friendly.
Daisy Mae, who sadly passed away about four months after this near accident occurred, weighed a solid 80 pounds and during the mad power slide which ensued after we skidded safely past the piano she easily would have been hurled forward into the windshield had she not been wearing her safety restraint harness. She would have most likely been killed as could have the driver if she impacted the back of his head full force. But thankfully that day we had Daisy Mae safely buckled into a safety harness solidly and securely harnessed to the child seat attachment U-rings in the back.
We want to thank not only the heroic handling capabilities of the exemplary 2014 Dodge Charger which helped us avoid the accident but also that canine safety harness. You put your kids in a car seat don't you? Why not buckle in your pet? Thanks to that restraint we enjoyed another four months with our precious canine auto journalist Daisy Mae Hamel. Our latest canine reviewer, a 4 year old named Roxy that we got from Boxer Rescue LA, is buckled now wherever she goes.
See the full 2014 Dodge Charger Test Drive Review.
2013 Dodge Charger
The 2013 Dodge Charger is a five-passenger sporty full-size family sedan that is fun to drive, has three available engines, available all-wheel drive and a spacious and comfortable interior. With its aggressive looks and performance to match, this is not your average family sedan.
See the full 2013 Dodge Charger Test Drive Review.
