General Introduction

Originally an icon of the muscle car era, the Dodge Charger has recently been reborn as an affordable performance car - and it's one of the better ones available in this expanding market niche.

Based on statistics, old and new Charger share a few similarities, like the divided rectangular face, long hood, and well arced roofline. A new front end looks less like traditional aircraft and far more intimidating. The heart-stopping forward rake with powerfully built crosshair grille radiates heftiness and intimidation. And behind that four-headlamp face it does have a Hemi.
Engine
As of today’s DaimlerChrysler Multiple Displacement System (MDS) equipped V-8 engines flawlessly alternate between four and eight cylinders to improve real world fuel economy by a claimed 20%. Dodge is selling Hemi-equipped vehicles as fast as engines can be produced. Of five Charger models, three utilize that MDS-equipped V-8 Hemi, and two use a 250 hp. 3.5-liter V-6. Like the old Charger, you can get all the prestige and lower insurance premiums by sacrificing a little horsepower.

Model
The Dodge Charger is a gorgeous vehicle, sure to be a focus for buyers target on American Muscle at a relatively affordable price, starting at $22, 995. All the models use advanced independent suspension architecture that was introduced on Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. It is well tested and inspired by Mercedes-like thinking. Basically, the chassis is solid, full-bodied and precise. With rack and pinion, steering it delivers a connection to the road that you really should experience. Stillness of this full-sized car is admirable; at speed the loudest sounds are muffled tire noise and the ventilation system.
Interiors
Additional prominent standard features are Electronic Stability Program with brake assist and all-speed traction control. Comfort features include exterior temperature display, ABS, power locks and mirrors, and speed control. While the exterior view is dominated by huge A-pillars, their placement does not block too much of your view, thanks to a highly sloped windscreen.
The rear end is clean and uncluttered with round tail lamps covered by body-hugging covers. Charger’s trunk lid spoiler is minimal and the large bumper smoothly wraps both upward to the trunk lid and around to the body side. At the side, a chiseled line surrounds the rear tire emphasizing its rear wheel drive goodness. A connected line radiates forward to sweep over the nose. Those lines are typical and create a very stylish vehicle. But it is the hood and nose that define the Dodge Charger. Instead of sloping rearward in typical aerodynamic design, Charger’s face is angled forward as if straining to finish first. The slope is neither abrupt nor overdone, creating a visual tension that is downright thrilling.
The Dodhe Charge exhibits abundance of power and very appetizing road manners. The steering is ultra-precise; the five-speed AutoStick automatic transmission (there are no manual transmissions offered) downshifts promptly and does not require crushing the floorboard to downshift. The downfall, if any, is steering effort that is too light.
In an effort to answer criticism that on extremely crowded roads too much muscle is required to keep the vehicle going straight, steering effort has been reduced to the point where a good sneeze, a glance at the radio or rear seat passenger could result in significant lane deviation.
Interiors
Interiors are well designed, with single piece dashboard and minimal front pieces; less pieces means fewer buzz, squeaks and rattles. The instrument panel and instruments are wonderful; huge white-faced gauges beg to be read. The center stack radios go from basic four-speaker AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input jack, to a full DVD navigation system with CD/MP3 six Boston Acoustics speakers and sub-woofer powered by a 322-watt digital amplifier. Ventilation and A/C controls are large and round for ease of use, but icons and arrows on the airflow control are tiny and difficult to read.
Some concerns, however, is that the interior is entirely engineered plastic, no matter the price level. There are no perforated leather door panels, fabric inserts, or bright trim. The best you can hope for is upgraded seats with perforated suede leather inserts on the Daytona R/T. That’s just not acceptable in the $25,000+ price range. In comparison a fully equipped Charger R/T Daytona is priced at $32,495, close to a BMW 3 Series and other entry luxury cars. They, of course, do not have a 345 thumping horsepower V-8 with twin exhausts and characteristic rumble.
On the highway or track, brakes were fade-free and it was easy to apply precise stopping power. Despite repeated laps by racer-wannabe journalists with more courage than skill, there were no incidents of brake fade. Chassis flex or bend was simply nonexistent, and the transmission could be left in Drive or manually shifted at your desire. Leaving the tyranny in Drive is more like brisk—really really brisk—daily driving.
Models
Through their five models, plus an outrageous SRT8 6.1-liter 425 horsepower version yet to come, Charger’s lineup fits most households and budgets. It seats five in comfort. Driving and handling, other than light steering, is up to the quality of European imports. Style-wise, it’s hard to identify a better looking car. Interiors, while handsome, are light on luxury, heavy on functional design. Under the hood you couldn’t wish for more: two V-6s—SE and SXT—three V-8s and every one’s “Got a Hemi.”