2008 Dodge Charger Bottom Line

By  Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

The 2008 Dodge Charger returns for its third model year with a wide range of engines and trim levels to suit vanilla buyers and speed demons alike. The base engine in the four-door is the SE's 2.7-liter, 178-horsepower V-6. A 3.5-liter, 250-hp V-6 remains available on the SE and the SXT.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 remains the standard engine in the R/T, offering 340 hp and six-second 0-60 capability. All-wheel drive is an option on the R/T models. A limited-production Daytona R/T variant continues with a 350-hp version of the 5.7-liter V-8, along with a stiffer suspension, unique styling cues, 3.5-inch exhaust tips, and exclusive paint treatments.

At the top of the food chain is the SRT8 version. SRT stands for Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology group, which is responsible for the corporation's highest-performance vehicles, including the Dodge Viper. The 2008 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes with a specially modified 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 that produces 425 hp, enough to propel the five-passenger sedan from 0-60 mph in around five seconds. The multiple experiences experts at TheCarConnection.com have had with the SRT8 on track prove that this is one sedan that knows how to fly. Even with track-ready performance, the Charger SRT8 is comfortable to drive on the street.

All 2008 Dodge Chargers get air conditioning, traction and stability control with anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist, as well as a tilt and telescoping steering column, AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary iPod jack, and remote keyless entry.

For 2008, the Charger lineup now offers a filter for cabin air; heated front seats; a power passenger seat; dual-zone automatic climate control; express-up and express-down power front windows; and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. This year, an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability is standard; audio systems can include the MyGIG hard-drive entertainment package and Sirius Backseat TV. Electronic Stability Programs with all-speed traction control is available or standard on every model.

The 2008 Dodge Charger keeps its effortlessly cool shape, a reincarnation of muscle-car hotness that plays well in four-door form. The Charger's dash materials have been upgraded, and the center console has been redesigned. This addresses an area the experts at TheCarConnection.com have contended needed work since the car's introduction. The cup holders have LED lighting, and the seats wear new cloth. Also, the poorly located cruise control stalk has been repositioned to the four o'clock place behind the steering wheel.

On the road, all of the above equipment comes together to make for a good driving experience. The 2008 Dodge Charger rides on a chassis developed when Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz were married, and now that the divorce is final, the Charger continues to reap the benefits of the relationship. This sedan handles well and hustles even better. Step up to the 2008 Charger SRT8 and you'll get muscle-car performance of sub-14-second quarter-mile times and a top speed of over 150 mph.