4th Sep 2008, 11:31

It depends on what style of Charger you rented. If you got the base model V-6, then you did not get the same suspension and performance package that is available on the R/T models. The same goes for Mustangs -- you get a V-6 GT, and people complain about the lack of power and cheap handling. You gotta pay for what you want.

4th Sep 2008, 19:30

Actually, I think the new Challenger will pretty much spell the end of the Charger. I've heard so many "I can't believe they built a FOUR DOOR Charger" comments from my car enthusiast friends that I'm sure having a sporty 2-door will hurt the Charger's sales a lot. If Dodge is REALLY smart and offers 4 or 6 cylinder versions of the Challenger, they should sell like hotcakes. An awful lot of people now want sporty looks without the 15 mpg fuel mileage.

5th Sep 2008, 11:18

The 2008 Challenger was offered only in SRT8 trim. Now that the 2009s are out (I've seen three Challengers just since the weekend), you can choose the SRT8 (6.1 Liter Hemi, 13/18 mpg) for $40,000; the R/T (5.7 Liter hemi, 17/24 mpg just like the 300 and Charger) for $30,000; and the base model (4.0 Liter V-6, which doesn't get a lot better mileage than the 5.7 Liter) starting at $21,000.

If you can get past the name on the door, the Charger is actually a pretty nice car. They are beginning to grow on me. A meaner, sportier version of the 300. With that said, I'd personally prefer the Challenger for the money, but some people really want a 4-door.

29th May 2009, 20:53

I drove a Black SRT8 Charger for about a year. The power and styling can't be matched... and it will get 23 mpg on the highway.

8th Jun 2009, 20:04

I finally got the opportunity to check out the 2010 Challenger. The dealer only had one, and it wasn't in a sporty color (it was black with no accenting). It also had the hemi. My choice would be the far more sensible V-6. I was very impressed with the styling. It is the best retro of the Big Three. The Camaro (although offering the best V-6) looks cartoonish and Mustang added a retro touch in one area (a raised hump over the back wheel) while totally screwing up the excellent retro front grille and rear fascias. Should the economy improve and I trade in 2010 I'll be hard-pressed to decide between the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger. The Camaro definitely has the most to offer with the 305 Horsepower base V-6 at a very affordable price, while Challenger is certainly the best looking. Then again, I may just ignore the messed-up styling and go with yet another Mustang.

9th Jun 2009, 11:36

I do not think it would be advised to sell a 4 cylinder version of the Challenger, as it is far too big and is too heavy for such an engine. Even a turbo-charged 4 would be overworked and over-matched by the mass of this vehicle.

GM made such a mistake when they offered the 3rd generation Camaro/Firebird with a 4 back in the early 1980's. Even though fours have become much more powerful and refined since then, I believe a four just wouldn't work and would not sell in this vehicle.

The V6 on the other hand is fine for this car.

14th Nov 2009, 15:15

Why do we even want to go back to the past with those Challengers, Magnums, Chargers, not to mention the 50s PT Cruiser ANYWAY! And even those Mustangs of today! You know that 60's fuel cap on the back of those 2010s. That past is DONE! I don't need to be remembering the past.

15th Nov 2009, 14:48

I have a 2007 Dodge Charger with the V6 3.5 high output engine. Had it since Aug 2008 and haven't done anything to it, it's a great car. It looks great.

I would recommend this car to anyone. It gets about 25 miles a gallon. It has 20s on it, very noticeable. It now has 100,000 miles on it.. I know it doesn't look anything like the the older Charger, but it's unique in its own way.

Roomy, great handling.

15th Nov 2009, 16:06

A lot of people disagree with you. A lot of people like the cars from that era, and don't feel that "new" cars have matched that styling in decades. They are excited to have a 2010 model, with all the modern technology, that still looks like the old muscle cars. If you don't get, then you just don't get it. Don't buy one if you don't like the old, classic styling. There are plenty of cookie cutter 4-door sedans out there that would undoubtedly appeal to you.

5th Dec 2009, 12:17

Wow. I wrecked my last car, and as a rental received a 2008 2.7L V6 Charger. I thought it handled great. Maybe the engine was a little underpowered, but it still got up and went. I did wish it had gotten better gas mileage though.

26th Dec 2009, 00:14

I currently own a 2008 Charger. I've owned a Mustang 5.0, a Camaro RS and a Pontiac Trans Am. The Charger isn't a cramped two door with no back seat. It isn't a huge boat with a sticker on the hood. It is a comfortable, sporty "family" car. It isn't a muscle car from the 70's, it wasn't meant to be. I love the car. "sloppy" steering? Wow, not my Charger. But then I bought, and got what I wanted. I love the Charger. Not one problem to complain about, and I'm crossing 60g in miles, and usually getting 25 mpg while doing it.

11th Mar 2010, 14:44

You have to get the hemi to feel like a sports car, and you're not gonna get that from a rental. What do you expect?

24th Nov 2010, 09:56

I purchased my 2007 R/T road and track option 5.7 Hemi and it has been great. People that comment about the 4 doors don't understand that there is no reason on having a 2 door model. The Challenger fits that bill.

I wouldn't have purchased this car if it had 2 doors. I have a family and need the extra room. I wanted a sporty 4 door and the Charger fits perfectly. The 15 MPG someone commented on is not correct either. The Hemi gets 23 MPG. Mine is roughly between 19-21 MPG in light to light traffic. Also the Charger has a 2.7, 3.5, 5.7, 6.1 model. People that complain about the power is probably because you drove the V6 models. They just don't have the power to push this big car. By no means is the Charger a fast car, unless you get the 6.1. The 5.7 is quick enough, but again 4300 lbs 350 hp the weight kills the power.

But I can't complain, this car has been great and I'm glad it's a 4 door. Also previous post claims that the first Challengers were all SRT8s. That's not correct. The R/T and V6 models were out within the same year.

5th Mar 2011, 07:42

I just got a 2008 R/T, and I love it. It has plenty of room, a very nice interior, and a lot of power. Granted it weighs a lot, so you won't win many races, but it has more than enough for a daily driver.

I have had 4 Camaros (87 Iroc, 91 Z28, 93 Z28, and a 98 Z28). The 98 had well over 450 hp when I got rid of it, but it had a dang near useless back seat, had all of the creaks and rattles, a cheap plastic interior, and all of the other small problems that plagued the LS1 platform. I loved the car, but I would gladly take the Charger over it any day.

The Charger rides extremely smooth, and with 390 foot pounds of torque, you really feel it when you stomp the gas. Good job Dodge!!

22nd Apr 2016, 17:32

There's a reason it has 4 doors. Dodge wanted to sell a bunch of them. As a father with 2 boys (6' and 5'10") there is no way they'd fit in any other American RWD, V8 car than a Charger or a 300. And I do own 3 Mustangs as well. If you want a Charger with "Sportier" handling, find one that came with the 29R package. That is basically a Daytona without the Daytona stickers. My wife has an 08 Charger with that package. It's fast, handles great, has really nice seats and hold 5 adults with ease.