2008 Dodge Charger Overview

Note: This review was created when the 2008 Dodge Charger was new.

The 2008 Charger is a power performer, with commanding exterior styling and a roomy, comfortable interior. The use of some low-quality interior materials, limited visibility and a lackluster base engine put it near the bottom of its class.

Pros & Cons

• Powerful available engines
• Competent and confident handling for large sedan
• Aggressive, distinct and well-liked exterior
• Spacious interior that can easily accommodate five adults

• Some reviewers note the use of cheap interior materials
• Base engine is adequate, but not thrilling
• Rear and side visibility needs improvement

Scorecard

2008 Dodge Charger Review

The 2008 Dodge Charger creates buzz with its retro-muscle-car styling and the powerful engines offered at the top of its lineup. It offers Muscle car looks - remember, The Dukes of Hazzard drove a Charger, not a Challenger - with four doors and room for five adults. It backs up its aggressive look with engine options that top out with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 putting out 425 horsepower. Automobile Magazine calls the Charger "bargain-priced power." The Charger also earns points for offering a range of trims and options, allowing buyers to get the car that's just right for them.

Through the first half of 2008, Dodge has struggled to move Chargers off dealer lots. The brand has positioned itself as the home of V8 power, and with skyrocketing gas prices, fewer Americans are buying big V8s. If you are interested in this car, it may be possible to find one at a significant discount.

The 2008 Dodge Charger is sold in four trims: the base SE, the SXT, the performance-oriented R/T, and high-performance SRT8. For 2008, Dodge has redesigned the Charger's interior, upgraded the wheels, and offered enhanced entertainment options. Dodge has introduced a limited lifetime powertrain warranty on all of its products for 2008. If you're considering the Charger, you might also want to test drive the Pontiac G8 - another powerful four-door.

• + "For a relatively big car, the Charger holds curves well, and a tight turning radius gives it a pliant feel. It holds its power well, giving the driver a solid sense of control. Your mother, or grandmother, probably would never go shopping for this car. But she'd enjoy driving it-whenever she could talk the men in the family into handing over the keys." - U.S. News
• "A long way from the stripped down muscle car of the mid-1960s. It's a muscle car for today, with big power and performance, but all the amenities that 21st century drivers demand." - Motor Week
• "Subtlety is clearly not this car's intention. Bargain-priced power is. And since the Charger matches the output of the SRT 300C and Magnum but sells for less, it is arguably the most compelling of all." - Automobile Magazine
• "Those of us who aren't saddled with the baggage of nostalgia for the old two-door Chargers can appreciate the newest rendition of this famous Mopar nameplate for what it is - a very nice family sedan with extraordinary good looks." - Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "Love it or hate it, the new car's styling does attract attention.