2008 Dodge Charger Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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America's muscle sedan brings something for almost everybody.
Is any sedan more brash, menacing, or silly than a Dodge Charger? There's something refreshing about designing an average family sedan to be obnoxiously aggressive and not care so much about the many people who won't think of buying one. But that's Dodge—and its doing well by it. The wide crossed grille and dark-tinted headlights appear to be snorting and squinting. The tall body panels and slim glass create a chopped roof effect like those of 1930s hot rods. When dressed in bright colors, 20-inch rims, spoilers, and silly decals, the Charger isn't just a poseur—it's a doer, and it'll do loud, fast, and dumb things all day. Can't say that about a Camry or a Fusion.
The interior is a bare-bones warehouse that's been upgraded with (some) softer materials for 2008. Hard cheap plastics still prevail, and it's an ugly space by any measure. But being seen in a Charger is what counts, because nothing else on the road looks like it. The police love the intimidating looks so much they're buying them straight from Dodge as factory cruisers.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the 1990s, the Charger and its clones (the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300) are an American-German mashup from the short-lived DaimlerChrysler era. That means good solid bones from expensive luxury cars, including the suspension components and certain transmissions. Disregard the base Charger SE and its 2.7-liter V6, which has only 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque to move a heavy car. The 3.5-liter V6 and the 4-speed automatic are the better pair on the SE Plus and SXT, with 250 hp and 250 lb-ft. That would be enough for most people, but the better Charger models aren't for most people.
Those are the R/T and Daytona R/T, which pack a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 340 hp (350 on the Daytona), 390 lb-ft of torque, and a 5-speed automatic. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on the V8 R/T and V6 SXT; all other trims are rear-wheel drive (RWD). To reach peak Charger, you must buy the SRT8 and brace for a 6.1-liter V8 with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft. The SRT8 also comes with Brembo brakes, 20-inch summer tires, and a stiffer suspension. Yes, it's loud. The ride on any Charger falls on the stiff side, and their weight and imprecise steering make them feel like the 1960s muscle cars they really are.
Fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for the 2.7-liter V6. The 3.5-liter V6 with either transmission is 17/24/20 (with AWD, it's 15/22/18). The R/T AWD returns the same mileage (with the RWD V8 being 15/23/18). On EPA tests, that's because the V8 can shut off half its cylinders under light loads. Don't believe that kind of fuel efficiency will ever happen in real life with an engine that huge. The biggest 6.1-liter will drain the tank at a rate of 13/18/15.
The base Charger has air conditioning, a four-speaker CD stereo, cloth seats, 17-inch steel wheels, power windows/mirrors/locks, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. Good, but avoid it unless there are options that include 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a power driver's seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SE Plus has the better engine, plus alloy wheels and disc brakes. Things get cushier with the SXT, which is one of the few cars on sale with power-adjustable pedals. It also comes with an upgraded stereo and heated mirrors. More SXT options include 18-inch wheels, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate, Boston Acoustics stereo, auto headlights, navigation, moonroof, and an onboard hard drive for storing music called MyGIG. New for 2008 is a rear entertainment package that lets people crammed in back play a movie, should they have to sit there for 2 hours.
The R/T can be equipped with a trip computer, remote start, illuminated cupholders, and microsuede seat inserts. The SRT8 is available with a subwoofer and surround sound.
User reviews for 2008 Dodge Charger
Write a review2008 Dodge Charger Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: vinyl · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 800 CCA · Oil cooler: heavy duty
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior Mirrors: spotter mirror · Exterior mirrors: folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl rear seats
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Stability control: electronic
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.64
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Type: touring · Width: 225
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 368 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: illuminated · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.82
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Wheels
Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 368 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · Premium Brand Speakers: Kicker · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 276 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.06
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
