2006 Dodge Charger Road & Track Test

I would be remiss not to mention the Charger's safety features, which are plentiful. In addition to the standard stability

The Charger was awarded a 5-Star U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal crash rating, the highest possible. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

and traction controls systems, standard four-wheel discs with ABS and Brake Assist, plus advanced multi-stage dual front airbags, the Charger includes height adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, an energy absorbing steering column to protect the driver in case of a frontal impact, an Enhanced Occupant Response System (EARS), and Occupant Classification System (OCS), which senses the size and positioning of front seat occupants to make adjustments for airbag deployment. A theft deterent system with an engine immobilizer is also standard. An alarm system is optional, as are side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, a tire pressure monitoring system, self-sealing tires, and a HomeLink universal transceiver.

Probably most important on the safety front is the Charger's 5-Star U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal crash rating, the highest possible. The Charger marks ten 5-Star ratings in a row for Chrysler Group, an impressive feat (for more

The Charger, whether in V6 or V8 trim, is an extremely impressive new sedan, that I believe will sell amazingly well. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

information go to the automotive news section of this website for May 18, 2005: Dodge Charger Achieves 5-Star NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating).

Convenience features that I personally found handy included the optional power adjustable pedals, which are actuated via a button at the side of the seat next to the power seat controls instead of on the lower front dash where some rivals place the switch. Leaning forward for adjustments makes it difficult to get a true reading on pedal placement. The powered pedals and seats come in one of two convenience group packages, available in SXT or R/T trim levels. They add heated front seats and leather seating surfaces in the SXT and, over and above the power pedals and seats, automatic air conditioning with dual zone controls, automatic headlamps and express up/down front windows in the R/T.