2008 Dodge Charger Review Summary & Specs
SE Sedan
Pony car performance in a full-size package.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Dodge Charger delivers pony car excitement and style and recalls a bygone era, all while providing the roomy accommodations of a full-size car. The availability of all-wheel drive is a bonus for customers in the north, and the range of engines and suspension setups allows buyers to choose between fast and comfortable models.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from North Carolina and southern Virginia; with Mitch McCullough reporting from Michigan, and correspondent Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Fullsize Cars |
| Editor |
New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup |
Dodge Charger SE ($21,675); Charger SXT ($25,685); Charger SXT AWD ($28,035); Charger R/T ($30,755); Charger R/T AWD ($32,855); Charger R/T Daytona ($30,755); Charger SRT8 ($36,155) |
| Engines (standard) |
3.5-liter V6 |
| Engines (optional) |
3.5-liter sohc 24-valve V6; 5.7-liter 16v V8; 6.1-liter 16v V8; 2.7-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed automatic AutoStick |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed automatic with AutoStick; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
multi-stage front airbags; tire-pressure monitor; child safety seat anchors (LATCH) |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
head-protecting front- and rear-passenger side-curtain airbags; torso-protecting front side-impact airbags; self-sealing tires; antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic stability program; traction control |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Brampton, Ontario, Canada |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-423-6343 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.dodge.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$21,675 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Dodge Charger SXT ($25,685) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning; cruise control; power outside mirrors, windows and central locking; AM/FM/CD, 6-speaker, 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo; 8-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar on driver and front passenger seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; tilt and telescope steering wheel; cargo net; carpeted floor mats |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Comfort Seating Group ($1,395) includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, 8-way power front passenger seat; Protection Group ($640) includes front and rear side-curtain air bags, air filtration system; 18-inch alloy wheels ($325) |
| Destination Charge |
675 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$28,720 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
250 @ 6400 |
| Torque |
250 @ 3800 |
| Fuel Economy |
17/24 |
| Wheelbase |
120 |
| Length/Width/Height |
200.1/74.5/58.2 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
38.9 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.7/56.2/41.8 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
36.2/55.5/40.2 |
| Trunk Volume |
16.2 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
2000 |
| Front Suspension |
independent, coil springs over gas pressure shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension |
multi-link independent, coil springs, gas pressure shocks |
| Ground Clearance |
5.2 |
| Curb Weight |
3783 |
| Stock Tires |
P255/60R18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.5 |