2006 Dodge Charger

Dodge is shaking off the mothballs and reintroducing this classic muscle car as a four-door sedan. The 2006 model year marks its first year back on the market, which means this car is brand-new, from hood to trunk.

The 2006 Dodge Charger features angled headlights, a large grille with a bold crossbar design, and a short deck. A long body-length crease meets another crease at the rear doors, but the back end is rather plain. All models have all-season tires with full wheel covers and a temporary spare. The low roof and steep windshield can make it difficult to see overhead traffic lights. The base SE model comes with 17-inch steel wheels, while the SXT package gets 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, and chrome exterior accents. In addition to the upgraded engine, the R/T model also features sporty exterior touches like dual-exhaust outlets, larger brakes, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The R/T Daytona package takes things a step further with an exclusive front fascia with chin spoiler, a black honeycomb grille, a black deck lid spoiler, and an orange engine cover.

The 2006 Dodge Charger seats five comfortably. The front features bucket seats, while the back features a long bench. The long wheelbase allows for excellent passenger legroom, especially in the backseat. The interior styling is basic, with a two-tone color motif, faux aluminum accents and white-faced gauges. The Daytona and Road/Track Performance packages get bolstered sport seats. The SE model features air-conditioning, an AM/FM radio with a CD player and four speakers, a manual tilt-adjustable telescoping steering wheel, and cruise control. It also has full power accessories including power door locks, power mirrors, and one-touch power windows. There is a remote trunk release and a front 12-volt power outlet as well. The SXT package gets an eight-way power driver seat, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, chrome interior accents, a cargo net, and a 60/40-split rear seat. The R/T model features leather upholstery, while the R/T Daytona package also adds black graphics and decals, a power passenger seat, body-color accent interior stitching and embroidery logos, performance heated seats with suede inserts, automatic climate control, body-color interior trim, and a sequentially-numbered Daytona badge. Stand-alone options on all models include a navigation system, a DVD entertainment system, Sirius satellite radio, and a sunroof.

The SE comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine hooked to a five-speed automatic shift transmission. The V-6 has 250 horsepower (hp) with 250 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the R/T model and get a 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8 with 340 hp and 390 lb-ft torque. This will get the car from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds. The V-8 can alternate between four and eight cylinders to boost fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent. Splurge on a further upgrade to either the R/T Daytona or Road/Track Performance packages and get an extra 10 hp, stiffer suspension, and bigger brakes. The R/T Daytona package includes Nivomat load-leveling shocks and performance steering, suspension, and exhaust. Opt for the less-expensive Road/Track Performance package and get all the R/T Daytona’s performance upgrades without any of the cosmetic ones. The SRT8 model boasts a 6.1-liter V-8 with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. It also features Brembo brakes, a race-bred suspension, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. Overall, it is fun for driving enthusiasts, but still comfortable enough for everyday driving. Get the R/T Daytona package for sharper handling and the extra horsepower – even without the Hemi, it still has good acceleration, smooth power delivery, and quick, response driving that is decent around curves.

The 2006 Dodge Charger come with a four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with BrakeAssist, electronic brake force distribution, an engine immobilizer, and traction and stability control as standard features. It also comes with child seat anchors and rear-door child safety locks. Safety options include full-length side curtain airbags, self-sealing tires, and adjustable pedals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Charger five-out-of-five stars for frontal-impact protection, four-out-of-five stars for side-impact tests for front occupants, and five-out-of-five stars for rear occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it ""Best Pick"" in frontal-offset crash testing.

• Competitive pricing
• Good handling
• Powerful engine for a sedan

• Poor overhead visibility
• Not available as coupe

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