2008 Dodge Charger Review
The Charger, in its current incarnation, is a large car that debuted for 2006. While the original was a hard-charging muscle car that Bo and Duke used to troll around Hazzard County in, the new model is much more laid back in its demeanor. While it may not quite hold true to its muscle car roots, it does stick to the classic Charger styling and rear-wheel drive. It was named Kiplinger’s “Best New Car” and SpikeTV’s “Muscle Car of the Year” for 2006.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Dodge Charger is helping lead a resurgence of the old-fashioned muscle car. But in many ways, its resurrection reminds us less of the classic Charger than of just how much the auto market has changed. Chrysler has opted to make the Charger a family vehicle, better at hauling kids and groceries than racking up speeding tickets. Sure, you can opt for bigger engines and other performance enhancers, but just like a stock broker with a biker jacket, it’s not fooling anyone. If you have a family and nostalgia for the car, go for it, but if you’re looking for serious performance, there are better options.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power information is not available. Problems so far include failing radios, poor reception and water leaks. It’s been recalled five times for worn brake tubes, vehicles not able to shift into park, drive wheel lockup, and brake lockup. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Charger earned 5 stars in government frontal crash tests. In IIHS tests, it earned “Good” for the front, “Marginal” for side impacts with side-curtain airbags and “Poor” without. It also was “Marginal” for rear impacts. Standard on all but the SE are anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and stability and traction control. Side airbags and sealing tires are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Classic, roomy style
+ Potent performance options
+ Low barrier to entry with low starting price
Cons
– Base model lacking in safety features
– Below-average reliability
– Base engine doesn’t live up to the Charger name
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Honda Civic Si sedan includes ABS, traction control, side airbags, and a moonroof, but has half the cargo capacity, and a four-cylinder engine. The Mazda MAZDA6, at over a thousand more, includes ABS, traction control, side airbags, a CD changer, and 20 more hp. The Pontiac G6 GT includes ABS, side airbags, traction control, and 30 more hp, but has less trunk space and costs a few hundred more.
What Others Are Saying:
“The cop Charger doesn’t have SRT8 performance. Nor do buyers get much in the way of creature comforts. But for $24k, it’s a steal. If the reliability’s good, a used cop Charger could be just the ticket for a law-abiding hoon- if there were such a thing.” – The Truth About Cars
“The Charger and Magnum (a crossover vehicle) are similar, but the Charger is a pure sedan, which is nice in this modern world of SUVs, trucks, minivans and what-have-yous. I liked it.” – The Auto Channel
“Modern muscle? Maybe not. But at least it puts the muscle someplace where real men, the kind who take their kids along for the ride, can use it.” – CNN
Read more about the 2008 Dodge Charger at the Dodge manufacturer web site.
