2009 Dodge Charger Review and Prices

by Andy Mikonis

2009 Dodge Charger buying advice
Like the very idea of a big American rear-wheel drive car, the Dodge Charger name is a throwback to bygone days, but with an execution that is thoroughly modern.

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The Dodge Charger combines big-car tradition and modern technology.
While least-expensive Charger model, the SE, is a lot of car for the money, its 2.7-liter V-6 will leave you wanting more power.

Step up to the SXT and its 3.5-liter V-6 will satisfy that need. But we recommend the R/T with its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 newly revised for 2009 to give more power and better fuel economy.

You can do without the available all-wheel drive if you live outside the extreme snow belt. Charger’s Electronic Stability Program, along with thoughtful tire choices, is quite effective without the additional price, complexity, and slight fuel mileage disadvantage of the all-wheel drive.

What you’ve got to know about the 2009 Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger is marked by aggressive styling and good performance. Much of its handling prowess comes from Mercedes-Benz technology incorporated during the Charger’s development period, when Dodge’s parent company, Chrysler, was under the control of Daimler, which produces Mercedes-Benz. And while a lot of cars are losing sales, Charger actually posted a 4-percent increase in 2007 over 2006.

Thank rear-wheel drive and Mercedes-Benz suspension engineering for Charger’s fine handling.
The available trim levels are the Charger SE, SXT, and R/T, with the SRT8 atop the line as the high-performance offering. All Chargers are four-door sedans. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but the SXT and R/T are available with extra-cost all-wheel drive.

Rear-wheel drive tends to be preferred by enthusiasts for better handling characteristics. By design, the weight of the mechanical elements of the rear-wheel drive car are distributed more evenly. Indeed, Charger boasts a nearly perfect 50/50 weight balance from front to rear. Simply put, excess weight on either end of the car will upset handling when cornering because the heavier end will want to keep going in a straight line.

On the other hand, front wheel drive has an edge in traction in adverse conditions because it puts the engine’s weight over the drive wheels. Most modern rear-wheel drive cars overcome this traction disadvantage by employing electronic aids, and Charger is no exception. Charger’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integrates traction control, which keeps the wheels from spinning, anti-lock brakes, and an anti-skid system that can correct a skid by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels.

The 2009 Charger release date is autumn 2008.

What’s changed about the 2009 Dodge Charger
No significant changes are expected for the 2009 Dodge Charger, save the revised 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine in Charger R/Ts, which promises to raise power and reduce fuel consumption.

No change to the 2009 Dodge Charger will significantly alter its performance or passenger accommodations from those of the 2008 model. Statements in this review about performance and accommodations are based on detailed test drives of the 2008 Dodge Charger.

The revised 5.7 Hemi will retain its gas-saving ability to shut down four cylinders while cruising, but it’ll bring in some new technologies, including variable valve timing, which tailors the amount of fuel taken in by the engine under different conditions, to increase fuel efficiency. Final horsepower figures were unavailable in time for this report, but expect an increase from 345 for 2008 to around 380 for 2009.

Charger debuted as a 2006 model, sharing the same underskin structure and mechanicals as the Chrysler 300 sedan and since-discontinued Dodge Magnum wagon.

Aside from minor tweaks to trim-line content and upgrades to the interior, Chargers haven’t changed much since their debut. And other than the prospect of new V-6 engines, they’re won’t see more than minor updates until they are fully redesigned for the 2011 model year.

2009 Dodge Charger competition
As a large, four-door sedan, Charger competes with the likes of the sporty Pontiac G8, and the more traditional Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon.

New to the U.S. as a 2008 model, the Pontiac G8 is the car that most-directly targets the Charger. Also a rear-wheel drive sedan, it’s built by General Motors’ Australian subsidiary, Holden. It’s unclear how long it will be sold here in its current configuration. Around $28,000 gets you a V-6, a little higher than Charger SXT, though the entry point of $30,000 lands a V-8 powered G8 GT, which just undercuts a Charger R/T. An available six-speed manual transmission, something the Charger doesn’t offer, helps the G8 appeal to driving enthusiasts.

The Ford Taurus is the leader of this group in exterior and interior size. This roomy sedan is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Taurus furnishes a rather staid driving experience. It’s a generally solid feeling car that lacks a bit in refinement, and comes only with a V-6 engine. This car was introduced as the Ford Five Hundred in 2005, renamed Taurus for 2008, and will probably be redesigned for 2010. Base price range is around $23,500-$29,200.

Charger’s sensibly arranged dashboard benefits from satin-colored accents and two-tone surfaces.
The luxurious Avalon starts in the $28,000 to $35,000 range and will appeal to more conservative buyers. This highly refined front-wheel-drive V-6 car emphasizes comfort over handling and tops this group in quality and reliability surveys. The current generation Avalon bowed as a 2005 model and is expected to be redesigned for 2011 or 2012.

Driving the Dodge Charger
Despite its not-insignificant size and weight, the Dodge Charger feels sporty and corners nimbly. The steering responds quickly in evasive maneuvers and the overall lack of body lean when turning keeps the Charger feeling under control. Push it too far and the ESP is there to rein things in. Charger’s ESP may kick in sooner than expected in spirited driving, especially on all-wheel drive models, but is very effective in emergency situations and slippery conditions, making it a welcome addition overall.

The Charger’s size taxes the 2.7-liter V-6, but the 3.5 V-6 delivers enough punch for most situations. Acceleration is impressive with the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. A 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi makes the SRT8 shockingly fast. There are some variations in the brakes on different trim levels. All have good pedal feel and stopping performance, especially the SRT8.

SRT8s and some performance packages available for R/T models include performance tires that compromise traction in snow.

Riding in the Dodge Charger
The suspension settings of the various trim levels are fairly stiff to get this kind of proficient handling, though the ride is not overly jarring over average bumps. Chargers equipped with the Daytona or Road/Track performance packages ride firmer, and the SRT8 firmer still, as would be expected for high performance suspension tuning and low profile tires.

Legroom is generous front and rear. There’s plenty of headroom in front, though the sweeping roofline does cut into rear headroom, as well as rear visibility.

Charger is plenty spacious, but head room is best in the front seat, where the sloped roofline isn’t an issue.
Interior appointments are more Spartan than Charger’s more-luxurious and more-expensive Chrysler 300 sibling, though certainly appropriate for its price point.

Dodge Charger dashboard and controls
The Charger dashboard is very clean looking and simple in its design. Satin silver accents were added among other subtle changes for 2008. Upper surfaces are dark-colored, low-glare materials even with light interior choices.

Gauges are large and sporty-looking. Controls are easy to see, and generally straightforward and easy to use. The radio and navigation system has a 6.5-inch touch screen in the middle of the dash. Some audio controls are also available on the steering wheel in certain trim levels or packages. Recently added soft touch surfaces on the interior help make it feel higher-quality.

Dodge Charger fuel economy
Don’t expect more than one extra mile per gallon from the revised 5.7 Hemi. Under perfect conditions, 24 mpg may be attainable on the highway at steady, reasonable speeds, where the cylinder deactivation system excels. Real-world mixed driving will probably come in at 13-15 mpg.

V-6 mileage will be unchanged, averaging around 19 mpg. Bite the bullet and be happy to average 14 mpg or so overall with the SRT8.

Dodge Charger safety
Dodge Charger earned the highest five-star rating for driver and occupant protection in frontal crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The government conducted side-impact testing on Chargers not equipped with available torso-protecting front-seat-mounted side airbags or head-protecting curtain side airbags. In this testing, Charger earned four of the maximum five stars for front-seat occupant protection and five stars for rear-seat-passenger protection. Side seat-mounted front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are optional and recommended on all trim levels.

Dodge Charger price and features
Charger SE comes with a 2.7-liter V-6, automatic transmission, cloth upholstery, and air conditioning. The starting price of around $21,500 does not include the ESP system, which will add more than $1,000.

Step up to an SXT for close to $26,000 and you get the 3.5-liter V-6, upgraded sound system, ESP, traction control, and antilock brakes. The SXT also includes several appearance features and power conveniences, such as a power driver’s seat and adjustable pedals. All-wheel drive brings the price to more than $28,000.

The R/T adds the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and features like dual-zone climate control and heated seats for $31,000. An all-wheel drive R/T starts over $33,000. Available for  rear-wheel drive R/Ts, the Road/Track Performance and Daytona performance packages run about $4,000 to $4,500, respectively. Both include side air bags, and special interior and exterior treatments evoking Charger’s muscle-car heritage.

For ultimate Charger performance, the SRT8 starts around $36,500, with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engine, special performance suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, and a unique interior.

Side air bags are a stand-alone option on SRT8 for $600, while they must be purchased in the Protection Group for an average of $1,200 depending on the trim level, or are included in certain other packages.

Other highlights include several entertainment options like a rear seat DVD player for $1,200 to $1,600, and a multimedia audio, navigation and communication system with a hard drive for $1,200 and up depending on trim level and other equipment. A power sunroof costs around $1,000.

Dodge Charger quality and reliability
In the most-recent surveys available, J.D. Power and Associates, the leading customer-satisfaction ratings firm, reports that Dodge Charger initial quality was below average for 2007. Study directors speculate quality should increase as Chrysler sorts out issues brought on by the transition to new ownership.

While it’s still too early for long-term reliability ratings on the Dodge Charger, J.D. Power and Associates says reliability has increased on Chrysler vehicles by about 20 percent since 2003. Dodge-brand reliability is rated as average overall.