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2009 Dodge Charger Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2009 Dodge Charger Review:
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Dodge Charger Full Review
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2009 Dodge Charger
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Dodge Charger should see no major changes following its interior freshening for the 2008 model year. This large sedan shares its basic design with Chrysler's 300 sedan. 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. SXT versions have 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. The Road/Track Performance Group option gives R/T versions 350 hp and adds 20-inch wheels and special suspension tuning. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Dodge Charger.
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2009 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
The 2.7 V6 is tepid and requires lots of room for passing and merging. Dodge says 11.3 seconds 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 seconds with rear-drive. No opportunity yet to test Charger with AWD. R/T has ready power from any speed. 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.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 9 | 6.2 |
The 2.7 V6 is tepid and requires lots of room for passing and merging. Dodge says 11.3 seconds 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 seconds with rear-drive. No opportunity yet to test Charger with AWD. R/T has ready power from any speed. 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
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.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
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
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.
| 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
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. AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 6.3 |
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. AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.
Quietness
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.
| 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
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.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
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
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.
| 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)
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.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.4 |
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)
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.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 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
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.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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
Passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a 2008 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.
| SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 6 | 7.8 |
Passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a 2008 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 | 65 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 73 |
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2009 Dodge Charger Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 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 |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Dodge Charger Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dodge Charger Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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