Has any manufacturer ever gotten more out of a single car than Dodge has with the Charger? Although basically an aging (10-year-old) version of an even older concept (full-size, rear-wheel-drive American sedan), Dodge has updated the Charger so often that it still seems fresh. And it comes in so many different versions that every buyer will be satisfied, from the working parent looking for a comfortable daily driver to the hot rodder who wants one of the most powerful cars on the planet.
The original Dodge Charger first debuted in 1966 and was offered as a sporty, rear-wheel-drive midsize two-door for 12 years. It then reappeared as an innovative front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback coupe from 1981 to 1987. More powerful engines and sturdier suspensions were almost always options, allowing owners to order relatively sedate or high performance versions.
Dodge changed the formula a little when it reintroduced the Charger as a full size sedan in 2006. But although the rear doors and larger roomier made it a little more family friendly, the company kept the faith by offering a relatively economical base V6 engine and two more powerful optional engines, both of them a Hemi, as the TV ads said (short for hemispherical compression chambers in the heads, a power-booster Dodge exploited in the 1960s and 1970s). All-wheel-drive was also available in the V6 and less powerful V8 versions.
Dodge restyled the exterior and upgraded the interior in 2001 but kept the concept the same a full-size, rear-wheel-drive American sedan that could be ordered in mild or a variety of wild flavors, with the AWD option now restricted to V6 versions. More high-performance packages were offered, including even more powerful engines, heavy duty brakes, and a large display screen that could be programmed to show a variety of gauges to monitor every aspect of the cars performance. The most outrageous version was the Hellcat, which introduced in 2015 with a supercharged 6.2-liter engine that produced an unbelievable 707 horsepower and 650 foot pounds of torque.
Our test car is a 2016 Charge R/T Blacktop, which is basically the first V8 step up from the base V6 with a trim package that includes glossy black wheels, a relatively small black rear spoiler, and interior trim touches. If that sounds surprisingly subtle, dont worry, it came with a sparkly Plum Crazy purple paint job that attracted attention everywhere it went.
The 5.7-liter V8 is not nearly as powerful as the one in the Hellcat. It only produces 370 horsepower and 395 foot pounds of torque. But thats more enough for serious driving. Although the Charger loped along easily when given just a little gas, it shot ahead with the slightest encouragement at any speed, thanks to the ability of the standard eight-speed automatic transmission to shift into the right gear at a moments notice. And the performance was even better in the Sport mode, which increased throttle response with the touch of a button.
For a decade-old design, the Charger was remarkably quiet and stable on the road. The sound level was near luxury car standards with the windows up, and the suspension easily absorbed broken pavement while allowing only a hint of the conditions into the cabin. The steering was also remarkably precise for such a large car, encouraging aggressive driving whenever traffic eased up.
Although not as retro styled as the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro or Dodges own Challenger, the Charger still echoed the 1960s and 1970s when it was reintroduced in 2006, with a blunt front end and a sloping rear roof line. The although the nose has been redesigned in recent years to be more aerodynamic, the rest of the car is pretty much the same, making it own of the most recognizable sedans on the market. The interior has been significantly refined over the years, however, and now includes one of the best infotainment systems offered by any manufacturer. The lower trim levels include a lot of plastic surfaces, but higher end models are available with leather for a more premium feels.
With a starting price of under $28,000, the Charger is one of the better bargain available today, too. Our test model was only $36,380, which isnt much for the performance it delivers. The Charger can be ordered with a mind-boggling number of trim packages and performance options, all of which increase the price. But even the no-compromise Hellcat starts at under $68,000, which is amazing for what is essentially a four-door supercar.
2016 Dodge Charger
Base price: $27,995
Price as tested: $36,380
Type: Fullsize sedan
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (292 hp, 260 lbs-ft); 3.6-liter V6 (300 hp, 264 lbs-ft); 5.7-liter V8 (370 hp, 395 lbs-ft); 6.4-liter V8 (485 hp, 475 lbs-ft); supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (707 hp, 650 lb-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: 13/22 to 19/31
Overall length: 198.4 to 200.8 inches
Curb weight: 3,934 to 4,575 pounds
Final assembly: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
