*** Specifications and prices contained in this article are based on US products ***
Unfortunately, this Charger will make the perfect police car. It has plenty of room, a wide variety of potent engines, and a good platform for high-speed stability. The taxpayers are going to like it too as it starts
under $23,000 (US). The bad news is that the bargain pricing is going to put a bunch of these in rental fleets making it difficult to separate the real from the vacationer. Bummer.
We tested the 3.5 liter six-cylinder Charger and came away with some strong opinions. First, this is a very large vehicle. It reminded of us the good old days when there weren't compact parking spaces. Even the seats are large making them ideal for the individual who has more girth to tout. The V6 engine was more than adequate for all occasions, although when loaded and pulling up a mountain grade the Hemi V8 would be welcomed. As for the SRT 6.1 liter option, the 425 horsepower lavished on this sedan is overkill for those that drive to work and can't afford the 14-mpg costs. However, if you're late to work, there is no quicker ride for the money. The Hemi and 6.1 options may pay back the extra cost at resale (www.nada.com), but in daily driving the plus sized engines are wasting their attributes. We urge you not to get hung up on any of the engine choices offered with the Charger before you test all of them in real driving situations. Regardless of which choice the chassis is quite capable with its handling prowess and ability to corner, but you still feel the effects of physics on its 4000 pounds. If you really want to run with the big boys order the suspension upgrades as well as the bigger tires and rims.
Dad's view: I never warmed up to the Charger. Although I liked its quiet ride and the obvious potential of the 250-hp 3.5-liter High Output V-6 and five-speed automatic with AutoStick, it just wasn't a tidy ride even with the 17-inch wheels and tires. I believe that this is an exceptional highway driver and we consistently got over 21 mpg and sometimes nearly 25 when we could use the cruise control, but overall it is just too much car for commuting. On the other hand, it is a bargain. Indeed, with the SRT-8 option it is less expensive than any other so equipped Chrysler product.
My problem was its handling, obstructed rear visibility, and dull interior. The handling was good, but there was too much lean on friskily taken corners. Despite this it was a much better driver than the new Ford models. The rear headrests and a high trunk disrupt the view to the back. Backing up is never a matter to be done in haste. As for the interior, it is j
ust plain dull. The gauges are fairly easy to read, although the indicators could be larger, but the overall effect is bland. Even the steering wheel manages to feel less than quality built with seams that can irritate your hands after a long driver even though the units tilts and telescopes.
Looks are everything when it comes to the Charger and many people expressed dismay when they found out this Dodge only comes as a four-door sedan. Nevertheless, we think Dodge did the right thing. The sedan is far more usable, looks nearly as sporty as a coupe, and saves considerable money as it uses many of the same ingredients as its Chrysler 300 sister. Those savings are passed on to you as the base price for this very large automobile with a spirited and economical six-cylinder engine is $22,320 (US). But be warned if you go for the more heavily optioned Daytona, Hemi, or super fast SRT-8 models you are looking at upwards of $32,000 (US). Of course, that gives you between 345 horsepower and 425 horsepower. Unfortunately, you are going to pay a two to eight mile per gallon penalty for this power. Gas mileage rating for our six-cylinder was 19/27.
Unfortunately, this Charger will make the perfect police car. It has plenty of room, a wide variety of potent engines, and a good platform for high-speed stability. The taxpayers are going to like it too as it starts
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| Dodge Charger Police Package |
We tested the 3.5 liter six-cylinder Charger and came away with some strong opinions. First, this is a very large vehicle. It reminded of us the good old days when there weren't compact parking spaces. Even the seats are large making them ideal for the individual who has more girth to tout. The V6 engine was more than adequate for all occasions, although when loaded and pulling up a mountain grade the Hemi V8 would be welcomed. As for the SRT 6.1 liter option, the 425 horsepower lavished on this sedan is overkill for those that drive to work and can't afford the 14-mpg costs. However, if you're late to work, there is no quicker ride for the money. The Hemi and 6.1 options may pay back the extra cost at resale (www.nada.com), but in daily driving the plus sized engines are wasting their attributes. We urge you not to get hung up on any of the engine choices offered with the Charger before you test all of them in real driving situations. Regardless of which choice the chassis is quite capable with its handling prowess and ability to corner, but you still feel the effects of physics on its 4000 pounds. If you really want to run with the big boys order the suspension upgrades as well as the bigger tires and rims.
Dad's view: I never warmed up to the Charger. Although I liked its quiet ride and the obvious potential of the 250-hp 3.5-liter High Output V-6 and five-speed automatic with AutoStick, it just wasn't a tidy ride even with the 17-inch wheels and tires. I believe that this is an exceptional highway driver and we consistently got over 21 mpg and sometimes nearly 25 when we could use the cruise control, but overall it is just too much car for commuting. On the other hand, it is a bargain. Indeed, with the SRT-8 option it is less expensive than any other so equipped Chrysler product.
My problem was its handling, obstructed rear visibility, and dull interior. The handling was good, but there was too much lean on friskily taken corners. Despite this it was a much better driver than the new Ford models. The rear headrests and a high trunk disrupt the view to the back. Backing up is never a matter to be done in haste. As for the interior, it is j
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| Dodge Charger |
Looks are everything when it comes to the Charger and many people expressed dismay when they found out this Dodge only comes as a four-door sedan. Nevertheless, we think Dodge did the right thing. The sedan is far more usable, looks nearly as sporty as a coupe, and saves considerable money as it uses many of the same ingredients as its Chrysler 300 sister. Those savings are passed on to you as the base price for this very large automobile with a spirited and economical six-cylinder engine is $22,320 (US). But be warned if you go for the more heavily optioned Daytona, Hemi, or super fast SRT-8 models you are looking at upwards of $32,000 (US). Of course, that gives you between 345 horsepower and 425 horsepower. Unfortunately, you are going to pay a two to eight mile per gallon penalty for this power. Gas mileage rating for our six-cylinder was 19/27.