2006 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger was a classic car for many years, and it is most commonly known as the star of the show "The Dukes of Hazzard." Actually, Katherine Bach as Daisy Duke was, but there were lots of scenes with the Duke Boys driving like maniacs in the General Lee. That car would take them over hills, through woods, and far away from the uncomfortable clutches of Sheriff Roscoe Pecotrane. The Chargers long history is remarkable, as there have been many different models over the years. The 2006 model is one that is here to stay, and there are a lot of different editions to pick from.

I am excited by what Dodge is doing these days, as they are an American car company that believes in the innovative spirit. While their sales numbers aren't Earth shattering, I believe they are in the midst of making a larger impact on the automotive market. Their newly released Caliber is getting considerable positive reviews, and their Hemi line of Magnums and pickup trucks are exciting. In addition to these products, the 2006 Charger is the leader of these new concepts that have become reality.

The Charger comes in the following editions: SE($23,000), SXT($28,000), R/T($30,000), Daytona R/T($33,000), and the SRT8($38,000) As you can see, there is a large disparity when it comes to pricing. The SE, the basic edition, is the model that I have the most driving time in. That is why I'm going to review the SE. However, I have had a few minutes in the R/T edition, and the engine is explosive in every sense of the word. I am just trying to find a way to get behind the SRT8, which is the most souped up of the Charger models. None of them unfortunately, come with Jessica Simpson as an option! Her commentary on "Chicken of the Sea" would be so refreshing!

The SE comes with a 3.5 24 valve 6 cylinder engine, which produces 250 horsepower. It is obviously the most fuel efficient, and offers surprising high gas efficiency with 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. This basic edition is far from that, as it comes with a five speed automatic transmission, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, CD stereo with four speakers, four wheel antilock brakes, and traction control. This is the model that I spent a couple of days in, and it has a sticker of $23,800. Although mine had black paint, you can also choose from silver, dark silver, red, green, blue, and white. The tires are this size: 215-65-17.

The other editions cost more, because they offer more luxurious and higher performance packages. The SXT offers leather accents, while the R/T adds 18" wheels with a Hemi 5.7 liter 340 horsepower engine. This car will throw you back in your seat at full acceleration, and it is a ticket machine waiting to happen. Although my test drive of it was brief, I got it going up to 70 mph, and it was a absolute joy. It is a lot more fun than the SE model obviously, and just breathes life into the word "sportscar." I can only imagine what the SRT8 is like. The Daytona R/T offers more performance accents, which includes decals and interior upgrades.(Spoilers as well) The SRT8 is the beast of Chargers, and its 6.1 liter Hemi Engine is something I dream of. It produces a whopping 425 horsepower, and comes standard with 20" wheels, spoilers,and a hood scoop.

I enjoyed driving the SE a lot, as it is extremely comfortable. It would be so easy to fall asleep while driving if tired, so be careful if you work long hours. The seats remind me of a lazyboy recliner, and the back support is "just right." The seats seem to conform to all body types, as other people I know have marvelled about the level of comfort/back support as well. If you have a family, I cannot think of a better car to drive when it comes to room for $23k. If you have driven a Lincoln Continental, then this is the excellent amount of room you will get in the Charger as well. The front seats adjust beautifully to all heights, and I'm 6"2 with plenty of room to spare. I have sat in the back seats too-there's plenty of space for two large adults, or two adults and a child there.

The other reason that it would be easy to fall asleep, is because how quiet it is inside. Even at higher speeds on highways and backroads, I could not believe how there was almost no road noise. There's no need to crank the radio up, as there is in many other cars, and normal conversation can take place in any conditions. It is a smooth ride as well, and sometimes I felt a bit too isolated from the road. However, once I cranked the wheel on winding roads, I felt at home again. The Charger is very responsive, and much easier to get around sharp turns than I had imagined. This would be a good car for people who don't have a lot of upper arm strength, but want a larger car than a subcompact.

The SE's interior has a conservative look, with its futuristic stereo and ac/heating controls in the middle. I really like the white gauges, as they give it a aggressive look where its needed. The features all work well, and I really like how fast the A/C cools down the car. Even though its the environmentally friendly CFC free stuff compared to old Charger models, it is effective at getting the job done. The stereo cranks out the right level of bass and treble with its four speakers, and the sound quality is above average. Visibility from the cabin is outstanding, and there is only a slight blind spot issue in the rear sides. Other than that, I feel safe driving this car, and it is built like a tank. I always felt confident behind the wheel, which is a nice feeling.

Braking is probably the best feature, as this car really does stop on a dime. I had the pleasure of driving it in rain, and I had to use emergency braking maneuvers to stop from hitting an "idiot" in front of me. I couldn't believe how fast the car came to a halt, and I'm totally impressed. It didn't struggle at all. The antilock brakes and traction control are great safety items. The engine is where I'm a bit disappointed, as the 3.5 V6 doesn't have a lot of "get up and go power."

You won't beat anyone off the line with the SE or SXT editions of Charger. It simply lacks the initial acceleration that many of its competitors have, however it does move progressively faster when at higher speeds. From 40-80mph(sorry state trooper) it readily accelerates, and it is great for passing situations on the highway though. The RT edition has a lot to offer though, if you want to spend an extra $7,000 or so. The other disappointment with the engine that I have, is the lack of noise. This is where I will admit that I'm biased, as I love four barrel carbuerator cars from yesteryear. The Charger is as quiet as an import, and doesn't have that true classic American style roaring to it. However, that gas mileage is hard to beat.

I do like the SE edition, but I'm more keen on the RT. I hope to get more time in that, and the SRT8. The SE edition will be a excellent choice, for families looking for something that is a bit on the exciting side. It is not bland like a lot of family sedans, and it will provide decent accleration at highway speeds. The room, comfort levels, and features give it a lot of value for its reasonable cost. The SE edition has a lot less demand for it than the higher end editions, so you will be able to negotiate a price you are comfortable with. Be sure to shop around, and expect a slight increase in overall cost for summer time.