I've been a GM guy all my life--Pontiac my nameplate of choice. But, alas, Pontiacs are no more. I recently bought a 2012 Dodge Charger SE, and I am thrilled with my new ride! I got the 292 HP V-6 with the 8-speed transmission. No HEMI, but a lot of wow! Styling, comfort, cabin noise, fit and finish, all get an "A." But, the biggest surprise of all was the kick the V-6 has when you stomp on the pedal, and the 35.5 miles per gallon I got on a trip from Georgia to Michigan! I'm lovin' this car!

Unlike some people, I'm glad that some manufactures are keeping muscle cars alive. It will be a sad day when American car companies no longer offer cars with angry styling and a big V8.

Fantastic car. Rented an SE for the weekend and it had surprising amounts of power for a 3.6L V6, had great fuel economy (Averaged 28mph highway with a lot of passing) and was extremely comfortable and responsive. It felt heavy like a big car, but still felt very responsive and that's a combination I really like. There's something to be said for gokart-like handling, but there's another thing entirely to be said for a great-handling full-size car. I'll be buying an R/T..

No engine sound in all review? Are you reviewing Ford Fiesta 1.0 or a muscle car...?

I miss these non-goofy reviews from KBB

I'm getting one in September a 2014 charger sxt plus! Can't wait!

You're exactly the same as me. I was a GM/Pontiac guy who owned two Grand Prix but became disillusioned when the nameplate was dropped and then eventually the brand itself. I had me heart set on the new Camaro for the longest time but took a real liking to the 2nd gen 2011/12 Charger. I bought a 2012 with the V6 back in April and just love it.

any review on the latest rendition of the Dodge Charger?

The thing with the Challenger is, when I say it's a Charger coupe, I mean that literally. It's a shortened, two-door modified version of the LX platform that underpins the Charger. And, because both are unit-body construction, those door pillars are an integral part of the frame of the vehicle, and taking them out requires re-engineering the entire frame. Also, because the '70s cars were so similar, the Challenger was a total sales failure. Management wished they'd never done the E-bodies.

What's that black ball looking thing on the bottom left, near to the left fog lamp in the front?

I would get the 5.7 Hemi V8. I still have a little less than 2 years remaining on my VW Eos 2.0TSI. How does this drive compared to a Volkswagen? Are these things durable? If I pull into a parking spot, will I scrape the bumper? Does it handle like a BMW? What type of oil does it take?

Anything diffrent between a2011 and 2012?

According to Ralph Gilles (currently CEO of SRT brand but he was in control of Dodge when they released the Charger), Chrysler has historically gotten lots of requests for manuals, then produced manuals, and sold about six total. After a few decades of that, they got tired of it, but they do have a manual in the Challenger that sells pretty well, so Gilles says there might, MIGHT be a manual sometime, and probably only on the SRT. The best-selling Charger is still the V6, which is all comfort.

Yeah, I didn't know the engineering behind it all, until some gentleman came along and explained it all to me. I never knew the importance of those pillars. I just thought it was more for design than function.

I'm looking for a car with a great interior design and great technology but also $30k or less... any idea what car should I get?!

@JusticeFreedomDestin it is the radar censor for the adaptive cruise control

Finally a V6 all wheel drive.

I have this exact one . Bought it a month ago

Did you have the 8 speed?

@aggiespilot I was referring to the fact that if the car had to sit for an extended period of time. And I drive an '06 Honda S2000.... but it is a 4 cyl, so I guess one could consider it economical.

That is great to hear, it would be kick ass in the R/T. I'm thinking about getting the 6 cylinder 8 speed in a year or 2. Least until I can afford to get a R/T later on.

@THEFERREF1

7 жыл бұрын

Americanmuscle1968 so what happened?

Sorry, you have a point. But with a plug in tuner, you can complete change the way an auto shifts, to make the throttle response extremely sensitive like a throttle cable, I found that out when I got a tuner for my 07 mustang gt, like driving a whole different car

does rain water get stuck in those hood scallops?

@L4TIn0St4NdUp The 5.7L HEMI has been one of the most reliable engines from any manufacture since it's debut in 03.

@michaellarrick8881

3 жыл бұрын

Untrue. They had bad valve seat issues as well as lifter/camshaft failure

Yeah, with the newer autos it becomes very easy. The fundamentals of how they work hasn't changed much, but they're just being controlled by more sophisticated means. Whether you're telling the computer to make different shifting patterns, or reworking a valve body to manipulate line pressures and things, either way they're flexible. You can make an automatic shift so fast that it will strip the teeth off your differential, rip the tires off the rim and break whatever gear you're in.

I didn't have a problem with the ride quality. However, my daily driver for 10 years has been a 1985 Honda CRX with a track-tuned (IE, ridiculously hard) suspension, so anything that's not bouncing my head into the head liner is a good ride to me..

@TheNinjaCowboys yup thats why id rather have one. i like the challenger and charger though, mainly because their main production lines are in my hometown lol

I have that issue with every car, but I just open the sunroof! Everyone has one on Long Island, and Sonatas (I have one). The Charger is very pretty. I saw a shopping cart hit one, tiny ding. But some lady in a Volkswagen reversed into a cart, and broke her tail light and made a helluva scratch. I wouldn't get a 3.6 though, especially after the recall. But it's not as severe as VW's DSG recall, where I fell victim to stepping on the gas in drive, and it just revved to redzone.

@vettedude418 I'm assuming you're saying "why cant you just stop and the water from the hood scallops would drain out?". Well the problem is that when water sits on metal (even when covered in paint) it accelerates rust. Mark my words, in about 10-15 years, those scallops will be rust holes for people who leave their cars outside. Other than that they look good. Usually, car manufacturers try to make it so the scallops naturally drain while the car is standing still.

I like the interior.

@GuitarMaster310 the manufactures will never stop making them. There's always a good amount of people who buy them. The only reason they stop making them is that no one buys them or the company is broke.

@niche79 ? whats your problem ?

I didnt know that there is an AWD option for the Charger. I love the Styling of the new Charger. I also like the new Chryslers. The problem in the past where the ugly interieurs. but in the newer cars they actually look decent.

It really became a nice car but will it be reliable.....

I'm actually liking this new redesign. Hopefully it won't disappoint as another typical piece of UAW junk.

gonna be my first car...in 1 month..yeah!!!!

@Sanpedranoazul

4 жыл бұрын

How was it?

I hear you, but I'm sure the engineers could design it in a way where the performance wouldn't decline due to pillar-less windows. I don't know the business aspects of it all, but making a coupe, I think, would increase sales, because I find it marketable as it being the first of its kind. I'm sure the coupe would resemble a Challenger, but it wouldn't be identical. The Chargers and Challengers of the 70's favored each other alot, and sales weren't effected. I don't know, really, just a thought.

This is a very nice looking car, and large. As hawkermustang mentioned, the muscle car for the man with 3 kids. It is as far as I know the cheapest sedan available with a V8.

@igotwhips Yes, My friend just bought one. MAJOR design flaw.

The SRT8 has the same features

No, unfortunately not. But I am holding off on picking up my R/T. Dealer said the 2013 R/T will have the 8-speed as an option.

@ScarButta lol, f150 is a beast though.

I love dodge

well i bought a 2011 charger road&track super track pak,with every option incl power sunroof and i love it,and only paid 34.5 try buying a beemer or an infiniti g37 for that price.

@chocolatewheelchair

6 жыл бұрын

gtwjr66 do you still have it

@matthewbarwin why don't you? dodge chargers were coupes not sedans

@aggiespilot Ok, its not a "major" design flaw, but in long term those scallops WILL be rusted out. It may take 20 years, but still. I would rather not have to worry over it.

@tcbecht88 But that's still not a 'major design flaw' I major flaw is like you turn the wheel to far left and the car slightly explodes. It doesnt mean this is the worst car in the history of forever just cause rain water accumulates in the hood scallops...

Why the hell does it have four doors?

A couple things about that. First, the looks thing is subjective, so there's nothing to say on that one. About the coupe, they already make a coupe. It's called the Challenger. A Charger coupe would by definition be a Challenger with different bodywork, and that means extra tooling costs but zero new customers. As for the window pillars, they are part of the structure of the car's basic frame; the platform. Taking them out would cost millions, and the car wouldn't pass roll-over standards.

Genesis R-Spec has 5.0L and 430hp, Dodge can do 5.7L to 500hp with no sweat, but why they didn't?

The success of this car is due to the mindset of the design/engineering team. The 1st gen 2006 Charger was never designed as a, "Hey let's design and bring back the Charger". The execs told them to design and build a full size four door family sedan. It was after the car was complete they decided to call it a Charger. The 2nd gen 2011 Charger was actually designed and built with the mindset of, "Hey guys, lets build a new Dodge Charger".

Pretty accurate review. Rented one over the weekend. Pros: Good looking car. Roomy interior. Cons: Harsh ride. Pronounced wind noise. Bland, plasticky interior. It's looks is its main selling point. As for ride quality, it's not really nice to drive. I would prefer a Camry or an Accord over this car.

@tcbecht88 why? cant you just stop?

@apieceomeat I wouldn't say EVER.... but it is a nice car.

@ButterSandwhich24 Then you must think that the Challenger and the original 68-70 Chargers look ugly too. As well as the new Dart.

@TheNinjaCowboys Ram? Only if the F150 isn't an option!

well thats why they have the challenger

RT is better IMO. that steering wheel heats up for those winter days and a cooling/heating cup holders so my coffee doesnt turn into ice cubes and my frozen yogurt stays chilled until i get home :)

There's nothing about "modern" automatics being faster than manuals, the very first three-speed Torqueflite could shift faster than any man. It's all in how the valve body (or computer) is set up. Most modern automatics actually shift relatively slow, because it's more comfortable for granny than a firm shift. The main attraction to manuals is their more direct throttle response (no torque converter) and their greater driver involvement. It's largely a matter of preference, not performance.

the trunk isnt small?! you can fit like four bodies!

Im sorry..I have a 2008 Charger,paid 4.. Im not upgrading to that.. They will change the body style again in 2yrs.. imma wait..

Dodge challenger 2012???

Yea that is a design flaw.... o what I forgot I live in west texas.

I do believe you are the only person I've seen that thinks the Re-Design was a complete mistake. And as far ass Muscle cars go the 8-Speed will be on Hemi CARS in what appears to be the 2014 model year. Putting a 5.7L 390+ HP 400+ Ft/LB of Torque car at 28 MPG highway. Which makes a lot of V6's looks stupid. I understand what you mean but they are really making a concerted effort to suit the needs of the everyday man.

That would be the Challenger.

@TheNinjaCowboys Yeah, I mean they're all good cars, but not really my taste. To be honest I don't like the styling of the Challenger.

@igotwhips not if you drive fast enough!

yeah... if youre in the Market for a Charger I doubt you'll go near a Tarus...

Fairly decent, considering it was made in Canada.

i had scallops for dinner last night... they didnt attract any rain water

@igotwhips no they just filter the water, scallops only eat plankton

charger shouldnt be a four door sedan but a huge musclecar like the challenger the mustang or the chevy camaro

The Dodge Charger is a Full size American sedan........made in Canada

is this year reliable?

@allanmolina6130

8 жыл бұрын

+remigio de dios jr i have a 2014 rt i has 178xxx miles and it still runs like the day i got out of the dealer the only problem is the horrible mpg but other then that its great

@RiffRock51

8 жыл бұрын

+Allan Molina How did you put 178,000 miles on a car in just a couple years?

@orlogskaptenpoods7160

7 жыл бұрын

remigio de dios jr I havr a 2009 and it rides like a cloud

@tonycampos5706

5 жыл бұрын

Got a 2006 rt 189000 miles and still going strong its 12 years old!!!

Look for used cars. You can easily find a Lexus or something for that price if you go used.

The muscle car for a man with 3 kids.

@tcbecht88 ahhhh i see...thanks usually people respond by immediately berrating them with angry comments you are one of the few sociable "human beings" on here

Where can u get 290 to 370hp in a full size car for under 40k nowhere but america baby

Viper

all the online reviews are VERY IMPRESSIVE I went on their site dodge.com found the one I want, SXT with 8 speed auto for under $30k. Wow Until I showed up at the dealer, the car is built very cheaply, the seats are BAD, you can just tell by looking at it. all the materials inside are cheap, except U connect, the look and engine are very nice, the cheapness just killed the deal, I can drive it off for $28k SXT, nothing can be better. I came home in my 2004 Acura TL with empty hands, sigh...

@ExistUNDRGROUND challenger? ram? viper? oh well some people don't like those cars!

Eh... I can see why people would like it, but I think it's just too big and unnecessary. I would rather get a sporty 3-series or for a really fun time, a Lancer ralliart or evo.

@tcbecht88 Hahah I laughed at my friends too. He traded it in though.

@tcbecht88 Then just drive down the street and the wind will suck it off. You must drive a dull eco car...

So many things trouble me about Dodge, when it comes to the Charger. One, they revised the look too much. The front end is muscular and bulky, and the rear end is slender and sporty. Secondly, you would think after around 6/7 years of this body style, they would've been made a coupe. Finally, they should make a version without the window pillars, like a car in the 70's, for a more appealing, sleek look. Those big, black pillars are hideous, and even more hideous when people chrome them out.

I just can't get over the side moldings, they just scream IMPORT to me. They are way too flamboyant, if they were done better, it would look great.

@vettedude418 It is nice to stumble on someone with a shred of decency isn't it? ( :

Dodge Charger

I'll take one with a manual transmission please.

bald, with sunglasses and a tatoo in his left arm lol

@tcbecht88 Who cares it looks good xP

so many dents in this car, kbb should of asked to review a new one.

the last design was so brutally ugly it was beautiful.. i would've bought one.. but the current body style is just plain confused.. i tried to warm up to it, but (imho) they took a giant leap backwards... look at the styling of the new Caddy XTS/ELR, Lincoln MKZ/S.. even the new Dart is headed in the right direction.. the heyday of the muscle car was a joyous time.. but it's over.. ya can't go back.. not at $5 a gallon gas. cmon Chrysler, come to your senses... --Mike

i know, i know.. beauty is in the eye of the beholder.. styling is very much a subjective thing, but this latest incarnation looks like something out of a drug induced nightmare.. a sad attempt to hold onto a bygone age.. and anyone who suggests that this is a "supercar" should go back in time and drive a STOCK 1968 440 Charger down a quarter mile.. those days are over man.. accept it.. resistance is futile.. give up.. get a beemer, go fast, and the girls will luv ya :) --Mike

I don't like the hood..

too bad, i like the old charger, didnt find this one satisying

This guy doesnt know what he is talking about, Ive had no problems with steering, suspesion or anyof hsi negative comments and why would anyone want to sit in the muiddle of the back seat and a small trunk? WTH? Leave it to Kelly Blue book to get things wrong again. **FAIL**

Get over the four doors already people u would buy this if it had a diffrent name rite

A charger should never be a sudan

The interior isnt that much better drive it for 2 weeks and you will see it still sucks