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2006-2007 Dodge Charger Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Dodge Magnum and Charger. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Dodge Magnum and Charger.
2006-2007 Dodge Charger Review
Dodge revived a name from the past for a sedan companion to its Magnum wagon, which had debuted as a 2005 model. At the same time, for 2006, the company added high-performance versions of both cars. Both models shared their underskin design with the Chrysler 300 sedan, but Charger was available only with rear-wheel drive versus Magnum's choice of rear-drive or all-wheel drive. Like the Magnum, the Charger seated five and could have either V6 or V8 power. Chargers came in three models: SE with a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6; R/T with Chrysler's 340-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8; and high-performance SRT8, with a 425-hp 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V8. The 5.7 V8 had Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivated four cylinders under light throttle conditions to save fuel. All Chargers had an automatic transmission: a four-speed with the V6 and a five-speed on other versions. Magnums also were available with a 2.7-liter V6, but that engine did not go into Chargers. Antilocking four-wheel disc brakes were standard, along with antiskid/traction control. Available but not standard on all were front side airbags and front/rear head-protecting curtain side airbags. SE models had 17-inch wheels; 18-inchers were optional on the SE and standard on every other model except the SRT8s, which rode on 20-inch rubber. Charger R/T and SRT8 models added firmer suspension tuning. SRT8s also had Brembo-brand brakes, plus special seats and trim. Split folding rear seatbacks were standard on all except Charger SEs. Leather upholstery was standard on R/T and SRT8 models, optional on SE. Available were adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and Chrysler's UConnect hands-free wireless cell phone link. Available for Charger R/T was the Road/Track Performance Group with special suspension tuning and a 350-hp version of the 5.7 V8. A Daytona R/T Package, with the same engine, added throatier exhaust tuning and unique trim. Dodge's Charger competed against the Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred, and Ford Freestyle.
Year to Year Changes
2007 Dodge Magnum and Charger: All-wheel-drive models joined the Charger lineup for 2007, in SXT and R/T trim. Dodge now offered a 2.7-liter V6 engine with four-speed automatic, in the Charger SE sedan. Meanwhile, the 3.5-liter V6 switched from a four-speed automatic to a five-speed transmission. ABS and traction/antiskid control were optional for the SE, standard on others. Curtain airbags were available for all models. AWD SXT, R/T, and SRT8 models had firmer suspension tuning.
2006-2007 Dodge Charger Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride Trunk opening
Steering/handling Fuel economy (R/T, SRT8)
Control layout/materials Ride (SRT8, Road/Tract Performance Group)
Front-seat passenger room and comfort
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Value for the Money
Dodge's 2.7-liter V6 cannot move a car of this size with enough verve, but the 3.5 V6 is an acceptable performer, providing more than adequate power. Ditto the R/T's Hemi V8, while the SRT8 is a true "muscle car." Passenger space, available AWD, and solid construction inside and out make nearly any Charger an outstanding value. Charger trades the Magnum's wagon functionality and rear-seat space for a sedan body and rakish roofline, but the two share basic Best Buy virtues.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Dodge Charger SE w/SXT package Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 7
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 10
Total: 65
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
2006-2007 Dodge Charger Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Check-engine light: Rocking the car to get it free from snow, without touching the brake between shifts, triggers the check engine light. Also, the engine may not crank for a few seconds when the key is turned to the start position. For both conditions, there is a flash (reprogram) available for the powertrain control module. (2005-06)
Electrical problem: If the radio is fine with the engine off, but quits after cranking, the radio software must be flashed (reprogrammed). (2006)
None: A broken or scratched rear defroster grid line (or aftermarket tint) results in poor radio reception. (2005-07)
Water leak: Water on the front floor may be due to a leak in the cowl that was not properly sealed at the factory. (2006-07)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $550
Alternator $340
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,195
Brakes $710
Exhaust System $345
Radiator $610
Shocks and/or Struts $3,670
Timing Chain or Belt $675
NHTSA Recall History
2006 w/2.7-liter engine and MK25E braking system: May be inadequate clearance between rear brake tubes and EGR tube; contact over extended period could cause brake tubes to wear through, resulting in fluid leakage.
2006 w/42RLE automatic transmission: Cup plug that retains park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed, which could prevent vehicle from going into "Park" position.
2007 Charger w/automatic: Software in powertrain control module could cause momentary lock-up of drive wheels if traveling over 40 mph, if operator shifted from Drive to Neutral and back to Drive. If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur. Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge.
2007: ABS control module software may cause rear brakes to lock-up during certain braking conditions.
2007: The antilock brake system control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit.
2006-2007 Dodge Charger Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
2006
Charger R/T $22,500-24,500 $20,700-22,500 $14,600-15,900
Charger SE $16,000-17,500 $14,600-15,900 $10,200-11,200
Charger SRT-8 $31,000-33,000 $28,800-30,700 $21,700-23,100
Charger SXT $17,500-19,000 $16,100-17,500 $11,200-12,200
2007
Charger $18,000-19,500 $16,600-17,900 $11,500-12,500
Charger R/T $25,000-27,000 $23,300-25,100 $16,500-17,800
Charger SRT-8 $33,500-36,000 $31,200-33,500 $23,800-25,600
Charger SXT $19,800-21,500 $18,200-19,800 $12,900-14,000
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
2006-2007 Dodge Charger Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 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.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Chargers came in three flavors: SE with a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6; R/T with a 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8; and high-performance SRT8, carrying a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8. The Hemi V8 incorporated Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivated four cylinders under light throttle conditions to save fuel. The Road/Track Performance Group gave the R/T 350 horsepower, as did the Daytona option. All Chargers had automatic transmissions: four-speed with the V6, or five-speed with V8 power. The 3.5-liter V6 switched to a five-speed for 2007. A 2.7-liter V6, offered all along in Dodge's Magnum wagon, became available later in the Charger SE. All 2006 Chargers were rear-drive, but all-wheel drive became available for 2007.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 2.7 / 167 190 190 4-speed automatic: 21/28 4-speed automatic: --
ohc V6 3.5 / 215 250 250 4-speed automatic: 19/27
5-speed automatic: 19/27
4-speed automatic: 21.6
5-speed automatic: --
ohv V8 5.7 / 345 340-350 390 5-speed automatic: 17/25 5-speed automatic: --
ohv V8 6.1 / 370 425 420 5-speed automatic: 14/20 5-speed automatic: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 2006 Charger
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, 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%.
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
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