2007 Dodge Charger [ 2008 ]
Dodge Charger
Overall Score - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Charger delivers one of the best combinations of performance, style and comfort in its class. If you're in the market for a large sedan, you should also consider the highly rated Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon.
The 2007 Dodge Charger is generally considered by the auto press to be a bold, stylish sedan that offers superior power, handling, comfort and styling. "Whether you're looking for a sedan with a louder bark, a bigger bite or both, the latest Charger might have you doing donuts before you ever turn the key," writes Kelley Blue Book, also noting, "The fact that underneath the Charger is a practical family sedan shouldn't spoil your fun." While some reviewers were less impressed with the interior -- Edmunds calls it "plastic but pleasant," Autoweb calls it "boring" -- the exterior drew raves, with U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman saying the styling is "fresh and bold and complements Dodge's image as the bad-boy carmaker."
Inspired by the '68 Charger made popular as The General Lee in TV's "The Dukes of Hazzard," MSN calls the modern version "a worthy successor to the iconic old Charger muscle cars." And Motor Week says it delivers "big power and performance, but all the amenities that 21st century drivers demand." Considering its family-ready interior comfort alongside its muscle-car speed and styling, Kelley Blue Book sees the Charger as "a masterful balance of extremes unmatched by any other manufacturer."
The Charger has surprised many as an award winning car. The Dodge Charger R/T's 5.7 Liter HEMI V8 engine was named one of Ward's Auto's "10 Best Engines for 2007," and in 2006 the Charger received Kiplinger's Personal Finance's Best New Car award. That same year it won Strategic Vision's 2006 Total Quality Award for Best Large Car Ownership Experience.
Winner of a Consumer Guide "Best Buy" Award, the 2007 Dodge Charger earned praised from many reviewers as a value buy. Edmunds writes, "For the price of an upscale family car, the Charger RT provides muscle car performance with the room and practicality of a four-door sedan." And Automobile Magazine thinks it delivers "bargain-priced power." Noting the Charger R/T's HEMI-powered V8, MSN observes that it costs thousands "less than the more upscale Chrysler 300 with the HEMI." Despite this praise, IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Dodge Charger a rating of "average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared with other vehicles in its class.
Charger Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
Despite some steering woes, reviewers generally find the 2007 Dodge Charger to be a powerful, capable performer with the road manners of a family sedan. The base Charger comes standard with a V6, rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission. A V8 engine is also offered at higher trim levels. continue
Charger Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2007 Charger lives up to the aggressive styling of the 1960's original. While some don't like the rear of the 2007 vehicle, Edmunds sums up the majority view with, "The styling is both clean and aggressive, its stance is beefy, and those looking for a sedan with serious attitude should like it." continue
Charger Interior - 7.5 (Good)
Critics, for the most part, are pleased with the interior of the 2007 Dodge Charger. While some are disappointed with what they perceive to be low quality materials, most others find it well-designed, functional and refreshingly spare. continue
Charger Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)
Despite some reported problems with outward visibility, the 2007 Dodge Charger offers very good safety features for its class. In government crash tests, the Charger earns five stars out of five for frontal-impact protection and four stars out of five for the rear. continue
Charger Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Dodge Charger reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty. continue