Dodge Charger

Dodge has used the Charger name on many vehicles over the past few decades and most recently resurrected it in 2006 for this large rear-wheel-drive sedan, which replaced the Intrepid.

Many muscle-car fans were disappointed as this is the first time the Charger name has been used on a four-door car.

The Charger shares its platform, and thus many parts, with the Chrysler 300 and rolls out of the same Brampton, Ontario assembly facility in Canada. The resemblance between the two vehicles can easily be seen in the boxy proportions and high belt line. The Charger is positioned and priced lower in the market.

The high-performance SRT8 excluded, the Charger is motivated by two V6s and a Hemi V8.

The 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V6s generate 178 and 250 horsepower, respectively, and are mated to a four- or five-speed automatic transmission.

The Charger R/T gets the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 340 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. This engine is equipped with Dodge's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which can shut off four cylinders during highway cruising and light acceleration for better fuel economy.

The SXT and R/T models can be had with an all-wheel-drive system for better traction in low-grip situations.

The Charger has large fenders to fill, so Dodge makes available only large wheels and tires in sizes 17, 18 and 20 inches.

Impressive features available on the Charger include a back-seat SIRIUS satellite video system, 20-gigabyte MyGIG infotainment system, 276-watt eight-speaker Boston Acoustics stereo, plus illuminated cupholders and map pockets.

Dodge offers a police package on the Charger, which has been ordered by forces in the United States, Canada, Mexico and even the Middle East. The package features the Hemi V8, heavy-duty brake and cooling systems, performance steering and other modifications.