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Dodge Charger
Unfortunately,
this Charger will make the perfect police car. It has plenty of room, a
wide variety of potent engines, and a good platform for high-speed
stability. The taxpayers are going to like it too as it starts under $23,000 (US). The bad news is that the bargain pricing is going to put a bunch of these in rental fleets making it difficult to separate the real from the vacationer. Bummer.
We tested the 3.5 liter six-cylinder Charger and came away with some
strong opinions. First, this is a very large vehicle. It reminded of us
the good old days when there weren't compact parking spaces. Even the
seats are large making them ideal for the individual who has more girth
to tout. The V6 engine
was more than adequate for all occasions, although when loaded and
pulling up a mountain grade the Hemi V8 would be welcomed. As for the
SRT 6.1 liter option, the 425 horsepower lavished on this sedan is
overkill for those that drive to work and can't afford the 14-mpg
costs. However, if you're late to work, there is no quicker ride for
the money. The Hemi and 6.1 options may pay back the extra cost at
resale (www.nada.com), but in daily driving the plus sized engines are
wasting their attributes. We urge you not to get hung up on any of the
engine choices offered with the Charger before you test all of them in
real driving situations. Regardless of which choice the chassis is
quite capable with its handling prowess and ability to corner, but you
still feel the effects of physics on its 4000 pounds. If you really
want to run with the big boys order the suspension upgrades as well as
the bigger tires and rims.
Dad's view:
I never warmed up to the Charger. Although I liked its quiet ride and
the obvious potential of the 250-hp 3.5-liter High Output V-6 and
five-speed automatic with AutoStick, it just wasn't a tidy ride even
with the 17-inch wheels and tires. I believe that this is an
exceptional highway driver and we consistently got over 21 mpg and
sometimes nearly 25 when we could use the cruise control, but overall
it is just too much car for commuting. On the other hand, it is a
bargain. Indeed, with the SRT-8 option it is less expensive than any
other so equipped Chrysler product.
My problem was its handling, obstructed rear visibility, and dull
interior. The handling was good, but there was too much lean on
friskily taken corners. Despite this it was a much better driver than
the new Ford models. The rear headrests and a high trunk disrupt the
view to the back. Backing up is never a matter to be done in haste.
As for
the interior, it is just plain dull. The gauges are fairly easy to
read, although the indicators could be larger, but the overall effect
is bland. Even the steering wheel manages to feel less than quality
built with seams that can irritate your hands after a long driver even
though the units tilts and telescopes.
Looks are everything when it comes to the Charger and many people
expressed dismay when they found out this Dodge only comes as a
four-door sedan. Nevertheless, we think Dodge did the right thing. The
sedan is far more usable, looks nearly as sporty as a coupe, and saves
considerable money as it uses many of the same ingredients as its
Chrysler 300 sister. Those savings are passed on to you as the base
price for this very large automobile with a spirited and economical
six-cylinder engine is $22,320 (US). But be warned if you go for the
more heavily optioned Daytona, Hemi, or super fast SRT-8 models you are
looking at upwards of $32,000 (US). Of course, that gives you between
345 horsepower and 425 horsepower. Unfortunately, you are going to pay
a two to eight mile per gallon penalty for this power. Gas mileage
rating for our six-cylinder was 19/27.
Mom's view:
The seats need more lumbar and the lower pad is too short, but you have
a good array of adjustments and can get fairly comfortable. The stereo
is average at best, and the AM/FM switch is a long reach even for a
six-footer. As usual, the Dodge has a system of setting radio stations
that is frustrating. Holding down the push button just makes so much
more sense. On the other hand the windshield wipers are very good. You
just keep turning the stalk until you get the speed you wish This is
a great gift to those who have yet to figure out the ideal speed for
delayed wiper sweeps featured on other makes. We tested the Charger in
heavy rains and drizzle and the system was clearly superior.
The trunk remote does not work from enough distance, as you nearly have
to be standing next to the car to get it to unlock. Furthermore, there
is no place to grab the trunk lid so you have to slide your hand on the
dirty rear bumper to gain lift it. As I have said many times, the trunk
lid should open about three to five inches so that you can nudge it
open with a grocery bag and not get your fingernails broken or dirty a
long sleeved blouse or jacket. I might add that the trunk has a high
lift over and is not as deep or useful as the competition.
Opening
the doors is also exceptionally difficult as the painted handles are
very slippery. Your only grip is a small ledge under the handle. The
overall effect is not good, especially if you have long nails or your
hands are wet. There is enough storage space inside with a fair sized
glove compartment usable door compartments, and a deep center console.
There is a nice place for sunglasses and the shifter is hefty and
simple to use. The horn is another matter. It is difficult to activate
it so I recommend you practice before an emergency arrives.
On the whole I liked the Charger very much. It brought back pleasurable
memories and the strong brakes, comforting ride, and overwhelming size
made it a family friendly vehicle. I would consider the Convenience
Group Two, Road and Track Performance option, and still have a good car
well under $30,000. You can also order some outlandish packages such as
the Daytona with yellow or copper colors and a spoiler as well as other
attention grabbers.
As my husband stated, the interior is too Spartan and borders on cheap
looking. The cloth seats are not that easy to clean and none of my
women friends were impressed at all. They thought the exterior was
interesting, but once inside they had nothing positive to say outside
of how quiet it was and roomy  Dodge probably figures this is a guy car, but it could be much more with some female designer influences.
Another concern, as with the new Mustang, are the very large A pillars
that create large blind spots. While driving either car you simply
cannot see a pedestrian standing on a corner waiting for a light to
change unless you lean forward in your seat. Undoubtedly this was done
to make the cars more rollover safe, but be very careful when turning
right on a red light. By the way, the worst vehicles for this problem
are the Hummers and the Dodge Durango A pillars of which the Charger's
look exactly alike. Coincidentally, both these SUVs have the lowest
real life fuel mileage we have ever gotten on a vehicle.
College going male's view:
Buy the 250 hp. 3.5-liter V-6 and you're going to have all the giddy-up
you're going to need. The price is incredible and you can even pretend
your in the "Dukes of Hazard County" thanks to a solid chassis, rack
and pinion steering, Electronic Stability Program with  brake
assist, ABS, and power everything. Unfortunately, Daisy Duke might like
the light steering, but I found it overboosted and that created a false
sense of cornering ability in the Charger. This is a big car and the
driver needs to feel that weight.
Dodge
offers plenty of stereo options and even a DVD navigation system with
CD/MP3 and six speakers powered by a 322-watt digital amplifier. The
sound is good, but not great while playing my download from
www.simple-thoughts.net. The controls could be more clearly marked,
too. I get the feeling that most of the money was invested in the
chassis, brakes, and engine with little left over to spiffy up the
interior.
Even on the cloth seated base model you get cruise control, a CD
player, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, remote entry, air conditioning
and power door locks, mirrors, and windows as standard. If you want to
step up to the more performance oriented packages try the Road/Track
option for $1,500 and get a much better suspension and a tuned exhaust.  brakes
were excellent, although I never tested them severely due to the rain.
By the way the ABS does work. Don't ask. Overall, quite a buy for 4000
pounds of muscle.
Young workingwoman's view:
Not my type of car. It is too big and I
didn't find it that easy to drive in traffic or park in tight spaces.
Just not as charming as the Chrysler 300. I think Daisy Duke types
would like it, especially since with four doors they wouldn't have to
crawl through the window to get in and I don't think Jessica Simpson
would be interested anyway.
Family conference: There is no question this is good value and if the
quality holds up the Charger is going to be a fine family vehicle. We
only noticed one glitch when the engine hiccupped at a stoplight in our
weeklong test. One can only image what variations buyers are going to
do with this large canvas, but you can count on them being coveted by
the local highway enforcement. It would certainly spoil the image to
see Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane driving the Charger.
For a listing of all vehicle websites go to www.reacheverychild.com
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