2008 Dodge Charger: Road Test
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2008 Dodge Charger ▼
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- MSRP: $21,820 -$36,625
- Invoice: $20,388 -$34,148
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Our road test for the 2008 Dodge Charger includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Dodge Charger from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Dodge Charger, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Dodge Charger help you decide if a 2008 Dodge Charger is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 9 | 6.4 |
The 3.5 V6 is fine in town and has good passing punch. Dodge says it does 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds with rear-drive. No opportunity yet to test a Charger with AWD, but similar AWD Dodge Magnums with the 3.5 V6 feel little different from rear-drive versions. R/T has ready power from any speed; a similar test Magnum R/T did 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. The extra 10 hp of the R/T Performance Group is pretty much undetectable. Multi-Displacement System switches between four and eight cylinder operation without interrupting power flow, but some testers say it causes a slight driveline shudder. SRT8 models are bona fide muscle cars, reaching 60 mph from a stop in just 5.0 seconds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.2 |
No opportunity to measure with the 2.7 V6 or AWD. In Consumer Guide testing, rear-drive 3.5 V6 models averaged 17.9-21.6 mpg; extended-use-test Charger SXT 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 gas for 2.7 V6, 89 for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, and 91 octane for the SRT8.
RIDE QUALITY
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.6 |
Generally smooth and 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
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
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, imprecise 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 fresh snow, despite traction control and all-season tires. AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.
QUIETNESS
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.8 |
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
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Instruments are large and easy to read, but the steering-wheel rim cuts into view of turn-signal arrows and gauges for fuel and temperature. Most controls are within easy reach, though some are too low to easily adjust while driving. The navigation system is fairly easy to operate, though some functions could require fewer button presses.
DETAILS
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Interior materials are a slight grade below those of Chrysler 300, but are appropriate for these prices, with solid feel and a nice array of padded surfaces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.9 |
Spacious. Ample headroom and legroom. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8 and Charger R/T with Road/Track Performance Group address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral support and outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars obscure view to front corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Easy entry and exit. Great room for two. Legroom and foot space are plentiful, even with the front seats lowered and pushed well back. Head clearance is tight for six-footers. Enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but middle rider must straddle bulky driveline hump.
CARGO ROOM
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Charger's trunk is usefully sized and shaped, but a relatively small opening complicates loading bulky objects. The standard split folding 60/40 rear seatbacks enhance versatility, though they don't lay completely flat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 6 | 7.2 |
Passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a Consumer Guide Best Buy. The 2.7-liter V6 can't move this big car with much verve, but the 3.5-liter V6 provides more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T versions' Hemi V8. SRT8 models are true modern muscle cars.
Total Score
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 68 | 66 | 69 |
Total Score: 68
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