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Dodge Charger - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Dodge Charger ranks 4 out of 4 Muscle Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Charger, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Dodge Charger is a bold looking, comfortable and practical family sedan. When equipped with a HEMI V8, it's sporty too. Altogether, it makes a solid choice for anyone in the market for an everyday muscle car.

Critics, on balance, report that while the Charger SE and SXT feature bad boy looks, only the R/T's HEMI V8 has the cajones to back it up. All trims, however, garner praise for having a comfortable and roomy cabin, loads of cargo room, and bold 60's throwback styling. Plus the Charger is available with all-wheel drive. All in all, reviewers are satisfied. "Dodge created the Charger for consumers who need the convenience of four doors but loathe the idea of driving a generic family sedan," writes Kelley Blue Book. "Even in base and mid-level forms the Charger's edgy lines and sporty wheels make a bold statement and, for those who can afford the HEMI V8 engine, the vehicle has bold moves to match."

If you're in the market for an affordable vehicle with muscle car styling, but not necessarily muscle car performance, the Charger SE makes a good choice. However, keep in mind that the newly-redesigned V6 Ford Mustang provides 32 more horsepower and undercuts the SE's price by roughly $4,000. The Mustang's backseat isn't as roomy, but it's otherwise comparable.  

For sports performance, shop the Charger R/T against the Challenger R/T. However, because both feature a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with comparable horsepower ratings and provide similar handling dynamics, shoppers should probably test them back-to-back to see which provides the best road feel. They're also similarly priced, so there's not much of a price advantage of choosing one over the other.

Also, because the Charger hasn't changed since 2009, car shoppers may want to opt for last year's model instead. Those that do may save more money and receive Dodge's now-expired lifetime powertrain warranty.

The 2010 Dodge Charger is available in four trims: SE, SXT, R/T, and high-performance SRT8 -- which covered in a separate review. Only the R/T and SRT8 come equipped with a HEMI.

• "For those who yearn for the good ol' days of good ol' boys and good ol' horsepower, the Charger's big-time power and brash styling represents a welcome revival." -- Edmunds
• "So who doesn't want to relive their youth with a muscle car that combines performance with space for the family? Looks like another winner for Chrysler." -- Arizona Republic
• "Those of us who aren't saddled with the baggage of nostalgia for the old two-door Chargers can appreciate the newest rendition of this famous Mopar nameplate for what it is -- a very nice family sedan with extraordinary good looks."  -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "Love it or hate it, the new car's styling does attract attention." -- Road and Track
• "Vast passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a good pick." -- Consumer Guide

Charger Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

With the exception of the high-performance SRT8, the Charger is offered with three engine options, as well as both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. While a V8 HEMI makes the R/T the most fun to drive, test drivers report that all trims handle well. In fact, Car and Driver describes it as "[m]ore willing than you'd think for a big car and quite fun." Read More

Charger Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

Critics find that the Charger's retro style makes it stand out in a parking lot full of dull sedans. However, not all auto writers like its look from the back. Read More

Charger Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Auto writers admire the Charger's roomy cabin. Edmunds explains, "Inside, the Charger's long wheelbase opens up plenty of room for passengers, particularly in the backseat where the Dodge car leads its peers in legroom." It also features the most cargo room in its class. Still, critics complain of minor ergonomic quirks with its features. Read More

Charger Safety - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2010 Charger performs well in federal government crash tests and features a host of standard safety equipment -- which now includes side curtain airbags. Critics, however, still complain of visibility issues from the driver's seat. Read More

Charger Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 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 protects the '10 Charger with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More