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2008 Dodge Charger Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
2008 Dodge Charger Review
The 2008 Dodge Charger sedan gets a mildly freshened interior this year. This large sedan shares its basic design with Chrysler's 300 sedan and the Dodge Magnum wagon. Charger is available with V6 and V8 engines and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. SE models have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6. Optional on SE and standard on SXT versions is a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. R/Ts have Chrysler's 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. High-performance SRT8s have a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi. The 5.7 V8 has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. All Chargers have an automatic transmission: a 4-speed on SEs and rear-drive SXTs, a 5-speed on all others. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. SRT8 models have specific trim and uprated brakes. Power adjustable pedals and a wireless cell phone link are available. Also optional is Chrysler MyGIG Multimedia, which has a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures and digital music files. The Road/Track Performance Group option gives R/T versions 350 hp and adds 20-inch wheels and special suspension tuning. An optional Daytona R/T package includes the Road/Track equipment, a performance exhaust, and unique trim. Among other changes are a subtly redesigned dashboard and revised interior trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large inside and out, they offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.

New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.

The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
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2008 Dodge Charger Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride/handling Fuel economy (R/T)
Passenger and cargo room Rear visibility
Acceleration (R/T)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SXT R/T SRT8 Class Average
6 7 9 6.3

The 2.7 V6 is tepid and requires lots of room for passing and merging. Dodge says 11.3 sec 0-60 mph. The 3.5 V6 is fine in town and has good passing punch. Dodge says it does 0-60 mph in 9.3 sec with rear-drive. No opportunity yet to test Charger with AWD, but similar test 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 sec. 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 sec.
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 6.7

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 7 8 5.7

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

SXT R/T SRT8 Class Average
6 6 5 6.7

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 6.4

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 6.3

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 8

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. Legoom and foot space are plentiful, even with 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 69 67 69.3
Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
58
Average Score
69
High Score
77
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2008 Dodge Charger Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 4-door sedan $21,320 $19,938 $700
SXT 4-door sedan $25,685 $23,867 $700
AWD SXT 4-door sedan $28,035 $25,982 $700
R/T 4-door sedan $30,755 $28,430 $700
AWD R/T 4-door sedan $32,855 $30,320 $700
SRT8 4-door sedan $36,355 $33,905 $700
Price note: SRT8 adds $2163 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
SE
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote entry system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/65R17 tires, wheel covers.
SXT adds to SE:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter, 8-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, satellite radio.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires.
R/T adds to SXT:
Powertrain
5.7-liter 340-horsepower V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Boston Acoustics sound system, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
SRT8 adds to R/T:
Powertrain
6.1-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated front seats, automatic headlights.
Rear spoiler, high-performance suspension, 245/45Z20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 23D
SE
$1,010
$929
Interior air filter, 8-way power driver seat, satellite radio, upgraded floormats, bodyside moldings, alloy wheels.
Quick Order Pkg. 26F
SE
$3,195
$2,939
3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, 8-way power driver seat, satellite radio, floormats, alloy wheels.
Quick Order Pkg. 26/27H
SXT
$2,375
$2,185
AWD SXT
$2,445
$2,249
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, automatic up/down windows, Boston Acoustics sound system, automatic headlights, bodyside moldings, touring suspension (2WD), 225/60R18 tires (2WD).
Quick Order Pkg. 29P
R/T
$2,100
$1,932
AWD R/T
$1,475
$1,357
Popular Equipment Group plus chrome alloy wheels.
Popular Equipment Group
R/T
$1,530
$1,408
Upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, remote engine start, trip computer, vehicle information center, universal garage door opener, cupholder and map pocket lights, alarm. NA AWD.
Road/Track Performance Quick Order Pkg. 29R
R/T
$3,940
$3,625
5.7-liter 350-horsepower V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, high speed engine controller, performance exhaust system, uprated brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, leather/suede upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim, rear spoiler, performance suspension, 245/45ZR20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA AWD
Daytona Quick Order Pkg. 29V
R/T
$4,475
$4,117
Road/Track Performance Quick Order Pkg. plus remote engine start, performance exhaust system, unique exterior trim. NA AWD.
SRT Option Group I
SRT8
$860
$791
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated front seats, remote engine start, automatic headlights.
SRT Option Group II
SRT8
$1,195
$1,099
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system including subwoofer, alarm.
SRT Option Group III
SRT8
$1,635
$1,504
SRT8 w/SRT Option Group II
$1,285
$1,182
Navigation system, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Protection Group
SE
$1,235
$1,136
SE w/Pkg. 23D, SXT, R/T
$1,185
$1,090
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, interior air filter, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, bodyside moldings, all-season self-sealing tires. SE requires Electronic Stability Program. NA w/Road/Track Performance Quick Order Pkg. 29R.
Electronics Stability Program
SE
$1,025
$943
Traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Rear Spoiler Pkg.
SXT
$1,145
$1,053
SXT w/Pkg. 26/27H
$820
$754
Rear spoiler, touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA AWD.
Safety
Curtain side airbags
SRT8
$590
$543
Includes front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
MyGIG Multimedia
SXT, R/T
$1,635
$1,504
SXT w/Protection Group
$1,155
$1,063
Navigation system, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror. SXT requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27H.
Power sunroof
SXT, R/T, SRT8
$950
$874
DVD entertainment system
SXT, R/T
$1,595
$1,467
SRT8
$1,150
$1,058
SXT, R/T include mobile satellite TV. Requires Popular Equipment Group, hard drive, or MyGIG Multimedia. SXT requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27H. SRT8 requires SRT Option Group I or II.
Mobile satellite TV
SRT8
$470
$432
Requires DVD entertainment system.
Hard drive
SXT, R/T, SRT8
$650
$598
R/T w/Pkg. 29P or Popular Equipment Group, SRT8 w/Option Group II
$300
$276
Split folding rear seat
SE
$210
$193
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26F.
Upgraded floormats
SE
$30
$28
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
R/T, SRT8
$695
$639
Engine-block heater
R/T, SE, SXT
$40
$37
NA SRT8.
Bodyside molding
SE
$75
$69
Special paint
R/T, SE, SXT
$150
$138
NA SRT8.
Premium paint
R/T, SE, SRT8, SXT
$225
$207
Rear spoiler
AWD SXT
$225
$207
Unique alloy wheels
SRT8
$250
$230
225/60R18 tires
SE
$325
$299
Includes touring suspension. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26F.
245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR20 rear tires
SRT8
$0
$0
Chrome alloy wheels
SXT
$950
$874
SXT w/Pkg. 26/27H
$625
$575
Includes touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires. NA AWD.
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2008 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
  dohc V6 sohc V6 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.7 /167 3.5 /215 5.7 /345 6.1 /370
Horsepower @ rpm. 190 @ 6400 250 @ 6400 340 @ 5000 425 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 190 @ 4000 250 @ 3800 390 @ 4000 420 @ 4800
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 18/26 17/24 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 15/22 15/23 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
4WD Rollover 4
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 Lifetime/-- --
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: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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