2009 Dodge Charger: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Dodge Charger gets more available V8 power and a few new features. This large car shares its basic design with Chrysler's 300 sedan. Dodge's Magnum wagon, which also shared the Charger's basic design, has been discontinued. Charger comes in four trim levels: base SE, mid-level SXT, sporty R/T, and high-performance SRT8. All are rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available on the SXT and R/T. SE models have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional on SE and standard on SXT is a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6; a 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with rear-wheel drive while AWD versions have a 5-speed. R/T models get a new version of Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp, an increase of 30 hp over 2008 models. R/T has a 5-speed automatic and Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 has a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and a 5-speed automatic without cylinder deactivation. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Optional on the R/T is the Road/Track Performance Package, which includes 20-inch wheels and performance suspension. The SRT8 has unique suspension tuning, as well as specific interior and exterior trim. Newly available on the 2009 Dodge Charger is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.

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 the Pontiac G8 and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, and Mercury Sable.