2007 Dodge Charger: Road Test
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2007 Dodge Charger ▼
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- MSRP: $22,100 -$35,920
- Invoice: $20,560 -$33,433
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Our road test for the 2007 Dodge Charger includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Dodge Charger from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Dodge Charger, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Dodge Charger help you decide if a 2007 Dodge Charger is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 9 | 6.1 |
The 3.5 V6 is fine in town, and has good passing punch. Dodge says 9.3 sec 0-60 mph with rear-drive. No opportunity yet to test Charger with AWD, but similar test AWD Dodge Magnums with 3.5 V6 feel little different from rear-drive versions. R/T has ready power from any speed; similar test Magnum R/T did 5.8 sec 0-60. Extra 10 hp of R/T Performance Group undetectable. Multi-Displacement System switches between four and eight cylinders without interrupting power flow, but some testers say it causes a slight driveline shudder. SRT8 models are bona fide muscle cars at about 5.0 sec 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 |
No opportunity to measure with 2.7 V6 or AWD. Test rear-drive 3.5 V6 models averaged 17.9-21.6 mpg; extended-use-test Charger SE with SXT package averaged 19.4 mpg over 6147 miles.
Test R/T averaged 14.6 mpg in mostly city driving, 18.4 with more highway work. SRT8 averaged 14.3 mpg in mostly city driving, 16.9 in mostly highway driving. Dodge recommends 87-octane fuel for 190-hp V6, 89 for the 250-hp V6 and 340-hp V8, 91 octane for the 425-hp V8.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.8 |
Generally smooth, composed, but rippled pavement can trigger annoying jiggling, especially in V8 models with their firmer suspensions. SRT8s and Road/Track Performance Group versions are even stiffer, but never punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 5.9 |
Linear steering with good road feel. Stable at highway speeds. These big cars aren't nimble in quick direction changes, but they have fine balance and grip in turns, SRT8s in particular. All have confident stopping control, but some testers complain of long pedal travel. Test rear-drive V8 models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip. Similar test rear-drive Magnum R/T was difficult to maneuver in 6 inches of fresh snow, despite traction control and all-season tires. AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.
QUIETNESS
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.9 |
Noticeable roar from V6 during acceleration. V8s make throaty full-throttle growl--SRT8s sound like race cars--but are quiet enough in gentle cruising. R/Ts and SRT8s have more tire roar than other Chargers. 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
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.5 |
Instruments large, 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 Chrysler 300, but are appropriate for these prices, with solid feel and nice array of padded surfaces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.9 |
Spacious. Ample head and leg room. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8, Charger Daytona, and Charger R/T with Road/Track Performance Group address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral support, outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars obscure view to front corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Easy entry/exit. Great room for two. Plenty of leg and toe space, even with front seats pushed well back. Head clearance tight for six-footers. Enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but middle rider must straddle bulky driveline hump.
CARGO ROOM
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Charger trunk usefully sized and shaped, but relatively small opening complicates loading bulky objects. Standard split folding 60/40 rear seatbacks enhance versatility, though they don't lay completely flat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 6 | 7.2 |
Passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a Best Buy value. The 2.7 V6 can't move this big car with much verve, but the 3.5 V6 provides more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T versions' Hemi V8. SRT8 models are muscle cars.
Total Score
| SE w/SXT pkg. | R/T w/nav. sys. | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 63 | 62 | 64.3 |
Total Score: 63
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