2006 Dodge Charger

The rebirth of the Dodge Charger combines the concerns of today's car buyer (fuel economy, safety, handling) with the nostalgia for a muscle car era where speed and cool lines ruled.

The 2006 Dodge Charger has been reborn as a four-door sedan (to the disappointment of some old Charger fans), but with a powerful engine to open up on empty back roads.  Built on a Dodge Magnum platform, though a bit longer, it's basically a family sports car.  The 2006 Charger is available in five trims.  The base SE model has a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 250 hp, and plenty of standard features that are often options in other cars (power everything, traction control, adjustable seats).  The SXT is an SE with leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome grille, remote exterior mirrors, 60/40 split-fold seats, and other add-ons.  

For those not as interested in fuel economy, the R/T model's biggest draw is its 5.7-liter, Hemi V8 engine rated at 340-hp.  It has been clocked at 0-60 in six seconds and can alternate between four and eight cylinders.  It comes standard with a 5-speed AutoStick transmission that allows you to shift between automatic and manual.  Also standard are leather seats, heated mirrors and seats, 18-inch wheels, and a 19-gallon gas tank.  The R/T is also available with a Road and Track package, that is geared more for high performance steering and suspension and ups the horsepower to 350.  Finally, the Daytona R/T is basically the R/T with a sportier look, including bold color options, a honeycomb grille, rear spoiler, suede interior accents, and an R/T badge harking back to the '70s street racer.

On the outside, the Dodge Charger is more rounded and curvy than its classic grandfather, but retains the long, forward-propelling hood.  A gently sloping roof, large angled headlights, a cross-hair grille, and tinted windhsields round out the look.  Inside, the instrument panel is recessed in tunneled pockets with silver accents.

The car has been rated highly by experts and owners alike, who point out its quiet and comfortable ride (due to the high-performance suspension and traction control) precise steering, responsive brakes, and excellent power.  Complaints include a lack of steering feedback and, despite a roomy interior (40-inches of legroom), the low roof makes it tight for taller folks.  Many were disappointed by the use of plastic on the dashboard.