2008 Dodge Charger: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Dodge Charger sedan gets a mildly freshened interior. 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.