Review: 2008 Dodge Charger

First, the pros: Undeniably cool styling.  I had fun watching a four-year-old little boy's eyes bug out as he walked in front of the massive front end in the Target parking lot.  The swelling back quarter panels are designed to make scrawny, underweight drivers of rice burners downshift and step on the gas before they know what's hit them.  We absolutely did not come up fast behind a Smart Car before sliding into the left lane to pass.  Nope.  No pictures exist, so you can't prove anything.

Several of the other things we liked were simple conveniences, unknown to us since we normally drive two 1992 cars. The LATCH system, standard on cars since 2000, sure makes installing a car seat easy.  Nifty lane changer option on the blinker controls. Good spray on the wipers.  Doors have a solid, heavy feel, mostly due to the slab-sided styling - there is simply more metal in them than in a car of less massive styling.  Seats were comfortable, once I found the lumbar support, and there was good legroom. 

The automatic transmission shifts quietly and smoothly.  Shifting was logical, with no odd hunting around for the right gear like some automatics are prone to doing.  Instrument display was nicely arranged, and deep-set so your wife can't see how fast you're going.  This is a car for boys, no doubt about it.  Heat and A/C controls were very good, as was the radio. 

In parking lot and other low-speed turns, the steering was alright, and the car is suprisingly maneuverable, but there's no getting around the high back styling and the large amount of car that's out in front of you when you're sitting at the wheel. If you're the kind of girl (or your wife is) that tends to scrape bumpers, take off side mirrors and back into lawn furniture, this probably isn't the car for you.  I found though, that despite the little windows and slab-side styling, I was able to drive and park the car comfortably, even though I'm only 5'-3" tall.

Now the cons, and they're big enough to keep me from buying the car.  We drove a base model, with a 2.7 liter V6.  It's woefully underpowered, even with just a single driver.  Acceleration was about as bad as our old '94 Chrysler Town and Country.  Quite embarrassing for a car that looks like it could easily take on a tripped-out Ford Mustang.   A 2.7L V6 is not big enough for a full size sedan with alot of extra metal in the body work.

While the Charger is nice and stable at highway speeds, there was an awful lot of road, tire and wind noise above 45 miles an hour.  I suppose that's to be expected in a car that sold for around $20k new.  This ain't a BMV 650i. I found it annoying, though, and something to consider if you'll be taking the car on long trips. 

My biggest complaint, though, was the squirrely steering.  In straight-lane driving, the small adjustments you make while steering were fine.  But the steering seemed to overcompansate in larger turns of the wheel.  Make a larger movement, and the car seemed to slide away from you. I'm quite good with unfamiliar cars - ask Mad Musician - a typical "female driver" I am most definitely NOT, but I didn't really get used to the odd feel of the steering.  (Maybe my Dad will jump in in the comments and explain what's going on with the steering.)

When I was asked by one of my husband's coworkers what I thought of the car, I said it might be redeemable with one of the larger engine options.  He told me he's driven the rear-wheel drive Charger with the V8 Hemi and that it's definitely redeemable.   I'd like to try it. 

I tend to the Germanic in my appreciation of fine cars, but the coolness of gigantic American-made engines and classic Detroit styling should be appreciated by all.  Especially those driving a Smart Car.

 

Comments

[Barb the Evil Genius]

A nice car with a gigantic American-made engine should be able to run over a Smart car without even feeling it. :)

[Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake]

What's with all the Smart car hate? It strikes me as a pretty good idea, really. Is there no place for a well-built, comfortable and efficient 2-seat commuter?

Of course, I'd rather save my money and wait for the Nano. :P

[Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake]

In seriousness, though, if I could choose a small car, I'd be all about the Mercedes A-Class. You know, if they sold it in America.

[Elephantschild]

It's just fun to pick on people who've chosen their vehicle solely for environmental reasons, and not sensible reasons like durability, economy and safety.

I think the beta-version Hybrids are just as silly. I'd rather wait until I can afford a true electric car. I see Tesla has a four-door sedan launched. 0-60 in under 6 seconds. Sweet.

[Tressa]

Lots of smart cars in my neck of the woods. Had to laugh at Barb's comment. haha. I just couldn't drive one because I wouldn't feel safe. I have to safe that I feel safe in my new car. It really is too bad you can't drive a big car and get awesome gas mileage. Oh, well.

[Dad]

A big car with awesome gas mileage - brings up memories of my 1982 Chevy Caprice Classic with 350 Diesel. Almost 30 mpg on the highway, and room for six. Too bad the EPA hates diesels.

I haven't driven the new Charger, but I never did like Chrysler's power steering. I think it is the lack of road feel. It's as if the steering is almost too powerful, making it too easy to over-react. With a little more driving time you'd probably adjust to it. Overall, I like the Charger's style.

[Elephantschild]

Was that the Caprice we had when we were back in 82-83? That thing was a beast!