2007 Dodge Charger Review

Dodge's 2007 Charger continues to offer a dose of tangential nostalgia to buyers longing for a full-size American sedan with a powerful punch. And while the Charger looks nothing like the two-door coupe that wowed Mopar fans during the salad days of muscle cars, that doesn't stop the Charger SRT8 and its siblings from being some of the most exciting cars on the road today.

The Dodge Charger rides on a platform that is loosely based on an older Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The chassis is quite rigid, which results in a confidence-inspiring solidity. Very little chassis flex is apparent when rolling over bumps, and the Charger can capably corner at speed. Even though most baby boomers will remember the Charger as a coupe, the 2007 Charger's big outside pays dividends when it comes to passenger space inside. This is one of the few sedans where five-passenger seating is easily accomplished, and the trunk can hold 16 cubic feet of cargo.

At the low end of the model range is the base Charger, which is powered by a 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 and uses a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes cruise control, keyless entry, and power mirrors, windows, and locks. The transmission can be upgraded to a five-speed automatic. Next up the pecking order is the SXT, which has all-wheel drive, a 250-horsepower 3.5L V6, the five-speed automatic, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, aluminum wheels, and a tire pressure monitor.

The R/T can be ordered with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and has a manual mode on its five-speed automatic transmission, bright exhaust tips, heated exterior mirrors, fog lamps, leather seats, a folding rear bench seat, power adjustable pedals, and Sirius satellite radio. Also of note is its potent 350-horsepower Hemi V8 engine. The Daytona Package on the R/Ts adds dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats, load leveling and height control, tuned suspension and steering, a rear spoiler, and a number of other visual enhancements, including 20-inch chrome wheels.

For those who believe that too much power is just enough, the Charger SRT8 packs a 425-horsepower 6.1L Hemi V8 under the hood. It also produces a tremendous 420 ft-lbs of torque. Standard equipment includes 20-inch chrome wheels, a tire service kit, a hungry hood scoop, a rear spoiler, stiffer suspension, more precise steering, and Boston Acoustics speakers. Dodge claims 0 to 60 times in the low five-second range.

Buyers can add a rear seat video system, a navigation system, a six-disc CD changer, a sunroof, or run-flat tires.
Dodge adds two new Charger models for 2007. While the SE and SRT8 are only rear-wheel drive, the R/T is now available with all-wheel drive, and the SXT is an all-wheel-drive-only model. The all-wheel-drive models use a 38/62 front/rear torque split and retain their rear-wheel drive character for handling, but add the security of four driven wheels in slippery conditions. see less