2006 Dodge Charger Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Introduced in '06, Dodge Charger is a rear-drive full-size sedan. It shares platform and engines with Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300. Charger seats five comes in three trim levels: SE with 3.5-liter V6, R/T with 5.7-liter V8, and SRT8 with 6.1-liter V8. The 5.7 V8 has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. All Chargers have 5-speed automatic transmissions.

ABS and traction/antiskid control are optional on SE, standard on others. Available on all are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. R/T, and SRT8 models have firmer suspension tuning. SRT8s add Brembo-brand brakes and specific trim. Split folding rear seatbacks are standard on all but SE. Available are adjustable pedals and a wireless cell phone link. Available for R/T is the Road/Track Performance Group that boosts engine output to 350 hp and adds special suspension tuning. A Daytona R/T Package adds throatier exhaust tuning and unique trim.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they also include the only 6-passenger cars. Large Cars offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and Toyota Avalon. At this time we have no Recommended picks.

News

Dodge revives the "Super Bee" name from its muscle-car past for a special limited-edition 2007 Charger SRT8. It's strictly for show, with mandatory "Detonator Yellow" paint set off by black patches on hood and rear deck and Super Bee logos in the original late-1960s style. Yellow stitching is used on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. Also new for '07 is a '60s-inspired "TorRed" color choice for the available Daytona R/T package. That's all we know about the '07 Charger/Magnum line right now, but keep checking back with us for further updates.

Meantime, a model-year 2009 introduction is still being whispered for a new Charger-based Challenger "ponycar" to counter Ford's hot-selling Mustang and a rumored Chevrolet Camaro revival. Design and engineering are yet to be finalized, but count on Hemi V8 power and styling a la the recent, wildly received Challenger concept.

2006 Dodge Charger Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride/handling	Fuel economy (R/T)

Passenger and cargo room	Rear visibility

Acceleration (RT)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
4	7	9	5.6

The 3.5 V6 is OK in town, but has only adequate passing punch. Dodge claims 9.3 sec 0-60 mph. Test R/T did 5.8 sec 0-60, showed ready muscle from any speed. Extra 10 hp of Daytona R/T Package undetectable. Multi-Displacement System switches between 4 and 8 cylinders without interrupting power flow, but some testers say it causes a slight driveline shudder. Dodge says SRT8 models do 0-60 mph in around 5.0 sec, which seemed credible. SRT8s aren't rated for towing, but other V8s are good for up to 3800 lb.

Fuel Economy

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
5	4	3	4.5

Test Charger SE averaged 21.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Charger R/T averaged 14.6 mpg in mostly city driving. Dodge recommends 89-octane fuel for 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, 91 octane for 6.1-liter V8.

Ride Quality

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
7	6	6	6.7

Little difference between Charger and more-luxurious Chrysler 300. Ride generally smooth, composed, but rippled pavement triggers annoying jiggling, especially in V8 models with their firmer suspensions. SRT8s have firmest ride, may be too stiff for some buyers. All versions tested suffered unwanted float over highway-speed dips and swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
6	7	8	5.9

Again, little difference between Charger and Chrysler 300 models. Linear steering with good road feel. Stable at highway speeds. Not as agile as most like-sized European sedans in quick direction changes, but good balance and grip in turns. SRT8s have sharpest handling, abundant grip. Confident stopping power, but some testers complain of long pedal travel. Test rear-drive V8 models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip.

Quietness

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
6	6	5	6.8

Noticeable roar from V6s during acceleration. V8s make throaty full-throttle growl, but are quiet enough in gentle cruising. Wind rush evident at highway speeds. Note: Charger's Daytona R/T Package includes aggressive-sounding performance exhaust tuning that some testers found tiresome on long trips.

Controls

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
7	6	7	6.5

Instruments large and easy to read, but steering-wheel rim cuts into view of turn-signal arrows and gauges for fuel and temperature. Most controls within easy reach, though some are too low to easily adjust while driving. Navigation system simpler than most to operate. Interior materials a slight grade below those of 300, but feel solid enough with nice array of padded panels--entirely appropriate for the price level.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
7	7	8	7.8

Spacious. Ample head and leg room. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8, Daytona, and R/T with Road/Track Performance package address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral support, outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars block some drivers' view to front corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	7.1

Easy entry/exit. Great room for two. Plenty of leg and toe space, even with front seats pushed well back. Head clearance just OK for six-footers. Enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but middle rider must straddle bulky driveline hump.

Cargo Room

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
5	5	5	5.8

Charger trunk usefully sized and shaped, but opening among smallest in class. Versatility enhanced by standard split folding 60/40 rear seatbacks in Magnums and V8 Chargers, but they don't lay completely flat.

Value within Class

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
7	9	7	7.1

The 3.5 V6 offers acceptable performance, and the R/T and SRT8 are muscle cars. Charger trades wagon functionality for more rakish sedan styling and doesn't offer AWD, but shares most of Magnum's other Best Buy virtues.

Total Score

Charger SE	Charger RT w/nav. sys.	Charger SRT8	Class Average
61	64	65	63.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		63
High Score		70

2006 Dodge Charger Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/08/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SE 4-door sedan	$22,570	$20,983	$675

R/T 4-door sedan	$29,720	$27,418	$675

SRT8 4-door sedan	$35,320	$32,893	$675

Price note: SRT8 adds $2100 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote entry system, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 215/65R17 tires, wheel covers.

R/T adds to SE:

Powertrain

5.7-liter 340-horsepower V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, power driver seat, split folding rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, Boston Acoustics sound system, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires, polished alloy wheels.

SRT8 adds to R/T:

Powertrain

6.1-liter V8 engine.

Safety

Uprated brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather/suede upholstery, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, steering-wheel radio controls, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

High-performance suspension, 245/45ZR20 front tires, 255/45ZR20 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Daytona R/T Pkg.
R/T	$2,675	$2,461
5.7-liter 350-horsepower V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate controls, unique exterior and interior trim, performance steering and suspension, load-leveling suspension, 235/55R18 tires, unique alloy wheels.

Road/Track Performance Group
R/T	$1,695	$1,557
5.7-liter 350-horsepower V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, performance steering and suspension, load-leveling suspension, unique alloy wheels.

SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G
SE	$3,150	$2,898
Split folding rear seat w/center armrest and cupholders, 8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated mirrors, Boston Acoustics sound system, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo net, fog lights, alloy wheels.

SRT Option Group I
SRT8	$675	$621
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated front seats, automatic up/down front windows, automatic headlights.

SRT Option Group II
SRT8	$1,245	$1,145
SRT8 w/Option Group III	$845	$777
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system including subwoofer, alarm.

SRT Option Group III
SRT8	$2,550	$2,346
Navigation system, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio w/one-year service, hands-free cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Protection Group
SE, R/T	$590	$543
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, interior air filter, all-season self-sealing tires.

Comfort Seating Group
SE	$1,395	$1,283
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

Convenience Group I
SE	$505	$465
Power-adjustable pedals, 8-way power driver seat. NA w/SXT Quick Order Pkg.

Convenience Group II
R/T	$1,130	$1,040
Automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, power passenger seat, automatic headlights.

Electronics Convenience Group
R/T	$630	$580
Steering-wheel radio controls, universal garage-door opener, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, vehicle information center, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Sound Group II
R/T	$535	$492
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
SRT8	$390	$359
Includes front airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
R/T	$1,895	$1,743
R/T w/Sound Group II	$1,495	$1,375
Includes AM/FM 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Power sunroof
R/T, SE, SRT8	$950	$874
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

Leather upholstery
SE	$640	$590
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

Power-adjustable pedals
SE	$125	$115
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

DVD entertainment system
SE, R/T	$1,150	$1,058
Requires AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer or navigation system. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SE, R/T	$400	$368
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

Satellite radio
SE, R/T	$195	$179
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. Includes one-year service.

UConnect
SE, R/T	$360	$331
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror. Requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

Smokers Group
R/T, SE	$30	$28
Lighter, ash tray.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Cold Weather Group
R/T, SE	$40	$37
Engine-block heater. NA SRT8.

Special paint
R/T, SE, SRT8	$225	$207


225/60R18 tires
SE	$325	$299
Requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.

2006 Dodge Charger Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Dodge Charger 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	120.0

Overall Length, in.	200.1

Overall Width, in.	74.5

Overall Height, in.	58.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3820

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.8

Rear Head Room, in.	36.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	40.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6	ohv V8	ohv V8	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /215	5.7 /345	5.7 /345	6.1 /370

Horsepower @ rpm.	250 @ 6400	340 @ 5000	350 @ 5000	425 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	250 @ 3800	390 @ 4000	390 @ 4000	420 @ 4800

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	19/27	17/25	17/25	14/20

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Dodge Charger 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	3/36,000	$100 deductible per visit.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Dodge Charger
Trim Level: SE
Arrival Date: 09/19/2005
Engine: sohc V6
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $25,329
Price as Tested: $28,535
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 7572
Mileage at End of Test: 8579
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 48.623 gals.

Major Options: AM/FM Cassette/CD 6-Disc MP3, Leather Trimmed Heated Power Seats, 18-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels/Tires, Power Adjustable Pedals

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.71 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek Charger is a great all-around large car. In SXT form, the ride, power, and refinement are all what anyone would ever expect in a family sedan. Too bad the steering is so rubbery and the fuel economy is just so, so. Still, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Charger to anyone shopping for a full-size car. But, I'd be sure to recommend the larger and more-efficient Ford Five Hundred as well.

Rick Cotta A Charger with the V6 might seem contradictory to the car's image, but it makes for a fine all-around package with more-than-adequate performance. It also saves significantly over the V8, both in initial price and fuel costs.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Dodge Charger STX Long-Term
Trim Level: SE
Arrival Date: 08/10/2006
Engine: sohc V6
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $22,570
Price as Tested: $27,705
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 125
Mileage at End of Test: 6272
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 287.239 gals.

Major Options: Split Folding Rear Seat w/Center Armrest and Cup Holders, 8-Way Power Driver Seat, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob, Heated Mirrors, Boston Accoustic Sound System, Illuminated Visor Mirrors, Cargo Net, Fog Lights, Alloy Wheels, Protection Group (supplemental side curtain front and rear air bags, air filtering) AM/FM Radio w/Cassette, CD 6-Disc Changer and MP3, SIRIUS Satellite Digital Radio (one year provided by SIRIUS), Power Adjustable Pedals

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.37 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Oddly, it's this car's sheetmetal I'm most ambivalent about: Overstyled for my taste. Otherwise, the Charger SE in SXT trim is the best American sedan on the road. Its steering demands too much attention at 75 mph, but price, powertrain, ride, handling, and accommodations are in rare and wonderful harmony here.

Ed Piotrowski Charger combines the feel of a traditional big, American car with the sporty handling of a European sedan, all while being nearly as refined as the top Japanese competitors. Unless you're desperate for power, skip the thirsty Hemi V8 in favor of the V6 SXT. Those models also are priced more in-line with midsize sedan rivals, and frequent discounts make this sedan an even more compelling value.

John Biel With the SXT package, side-curtain air bags, an audio system upgrade, and adjustable pedals added, the sticker price of this roomy V6 Charger came to $27,705 delivered. That strikes this tester as a good price for a well-equipped family sedan. The only small drawback is the recommendation for 89-octane fuel, which will drive up operating costs a little bit.

Tom Appel Accord too small? Camry too bland? I got a car for you right here. For little more than V6-powered midsize sedans, Charger offers agressive styling, astute handling, and vast interior accomodations. This V6 works fine for me as well. A modestly equipped Charger is an answer to the question a lot of shoppers have been asking. Make mine black.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Dodge Charger
Trim Level: R/T
Arrival Date: 09/06/2005
Engine: ohv V8
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $29,320
Price as Tested: $32,170
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 7190
Mileage at End of Test: 7661
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 22.991 gals.

Major Options: AM/FM/Cass/6-disc CD, Sirius Satellite Radio, Power Sunroof

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 13.7 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell It's tougher to fully enjoy a thirsty performance car when gas is over 3 bucks a gallon, but the Charger R/T delivers impressive style and "go" for the money.

Jamie Putnam The Charger offers a lot of power with ample passenger room/comfort. This is a good value for someone who doesn't want to sacrifice performance for a spacious and functional sedan.

< 2006 Dodge Charger Photos

Also in the 2006 Dodge Charger Review:

Dodge Charger

Dodge Charger Road Test

Dodge Charger Prices & Equipment

Dodge Charger Specs & Safety

Dodge Charger Photos

Dodge Charger Full Review

All Dodge Chargers

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