2008 Dodge Charger Review

Specifications

Despite the fuss stirred up regarding a four-door Charger, it is difficult to argue with its success. Along with Chrysler’s 300 it was instrumental in reintroducing the North Americans to large, non-premium rear wheel drive sedans. Affordable, styled with attitude to spare, and available with plenty of power, the Charger has much more to offer than its predecessor, the Intrepid. Without the success of the Charger, Pontiac probably wouldn’t have brought the G8 to market, and Ford wouldn’t be seriously contemplating importing its rear wheel drive, Australian-built Falcon.

And to those naysayers who expressed disappointment in the Charger having too many doors, I must ask, “So what?” Okay, so the original Charger holds a hallowed position as one of the greatest muscle cars of all time, not to mention the vehicle that the good ‘ol Duke Boys used to out-fox Rosco P. Coltrane, but today’s Charger isn’t really the affront to the classic version as enthusiasts have made it out to be. Have they forgotten about the Omni-based, 1.7-liter Peugeot-powered subcompact Charger “hatchback” of the early ‘80s? I think today’s Hemi-powered, rear wheel drive LX-based car is much more in line with the original car; it isn’t just a good successor, it’s one that fits in well with the Dodge brand and image.


With its shark-nosed front end and angled headlamps, the Charger is an angry looking automobile, particularly when painted in black. From certain angles you can really see the influence of the muscle car era in its body, like the Coke bottle fenders and the sloped roofline. Compared to some of its rivals - the Impala, the Buick Lucerne, the Avalon – it’s vastly more sporty and attractive, a large car that appeals to more than just retirees and fleet managers of rental car companies. Bland isn’t a part of its vocabulary, especially not on a Charger with flat-black stripes, ‘60s themed paint jobs, a large rear spoiler and chromed tail pipes.

As the Charger is more or less the sedan version of the Magnum station wagon, which was first to arrive on the scene, it’s no surprise that they share the same interior. Though well made, the design has been criticized for being rather dull to look at. Now that a new dashboard and door panels have been added, things are better. The center stack has a more prominent look to it; previously it was housed under the long swooping hood that covered the instrument bin. The console itself has been redesigned slightly, featuring Chrysler’s new corporate radio head unit, or in the case of this tester, the MyGig entertainment system. Moving to the door trims, they’re nicer than they were before, accented by glossy silver inserts that match the spokes of the steering wheel. These little touches may not seem significant in the grand scheme of things, but they help to improve the ambiance of the interior making it feel more upscale. Further changes include the addition of a new, wider automatic transmission bezel, illuminated cupholders and the new Mercedes-style key fob.

So, it’s got the looks and a better interior, but the quality that truly sets the Charger apart from its domestic and domestic-inspired import rivals is how it takes to the road. The LX platform isn’t new anymore, but the Charger still feels fresh and tight. With the test car’s Road and Track package, the Charger R/T gains “performance tuned” suspension settings, including higher rated springs and dampers, and while they work very well at keeping the big sedan in its lane through fast, tight corners, they don’t compromise comfort. I also found the R/T’s steering to be a bit heavier and more precise than on other LX-chassis cars thanks to the 9-Land steering system, which features more grooves in the rack than the standard SXT or SE level Chargers. Considering its size, bulk and its 120-inch long wheelbase, the Charger feels capable at attacking all roads, and not just long, straight ones.

The Road and Track package, which is included as standard equipment on R/T Daytonas, also means more power than the standard R/T. Instead of 340 hp it produces 350 hp at an engine speed 200 rpm higher than normal. A new intake system and freer flowing, throatier sounding exhaust system is responsible for this. Another Road and Track package feature worth noting is a set of SRT-style suede and leather seats with chunky bolsters. For those who aren’t afraid of eye-popping colors, the R/T Daytona will once again be offered. This year’s model, for those curious, is painted Hemi Orange just like the new Challenger SRT8. Due to decreased market demand, only 1,650 will be made for the US market (they’re built in Canada, remember). Both 5.7-liter V8s feature MDS cylinder deactivation, allowing it them to run on four cylinders. Because of this feature, fuel economy is acceptable, particularly on the highway.

Besides the 5.7-liter V8 there are two additional engine choices, starting with a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 that makes 190 horsepower, or alternatively a 250-hp 3.5-liter SOHC V6 available on the SE Plus and SXT. And while not all Chargers are as nicely dressed as this R/T, they’re generally well equipped with power windows, keyless entry, ABS brakes, ESP stability control and front airbags. If your heart’s set on real ‘60s muscle performance, there’s always the SRT8 with its 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8.

In the US there’s also a DUB edition, named after the urban lifestyle magazine and independent tuner that pairs the three and a half liter V6 with 20-inch chrome wheels, leather seats embroidered with the DUB logo, and the 522-watt, 13-speaker Kicker sound system from the SRT8, rather than the usual 276-watt Boston Acoustics system. It may not have a “Shaker” style hood, but with that kind of amplification it’ll have a “Shaker Trunk Lid”.

As a full-size sedan with performance attributes, the Charger R/T stands in a class of one. Unlike the Chrysler 300, which tends to contend more with the entry-level premium crowd, the only vehicle that directly competes with the Charger is Pontiac’s new G8 GT. That, or the much less impressive and more expensive Impala SS that also suffers from “wrong wheel drive”. And in terms of value for the dollar, the Charger is extremely impressive, if only because you get so much metal for so little money. If you’re willing to splurge for the V8, the Charger makes a real case for itself, especially with the Road and Track package. It’s a car that’ll easily manage four big adults in comfort and their luggage, while providing the driver with the thrills of a muscle car.

Like I said before, do those extra doors really matter?