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2008 Dodge Charger Performance Review

May 30, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the 2.7-liter V6 is less than adequate...the 5.7-liter V8 makes the R/T a muscle car
Automotive

SRT8 version burns the pavement
ForbesAutos

If...resurrection of the Charger name [has] you hoping for overall performance on par with modern muscle coupes...you'll be disappointed.
Kelley Blue Book

If you're looking for a true "Dukes of Hazzard" driving experience, you'll need the R/T or SRT8 version of the 2008 Dodge Charger. Otherwise, it's a pretty sedate family sedan in a muscular-looking package.

The base model of the 2008 Dodge Charger comes with a 2.7-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic transmission--enough for everyday driving, and mileage that isn't too bad at about 28 mpg on the open highway. That's about it, however. Moving up to the next most powerful engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, Kelley Blue Book reports that it "delivers enough power to have a little fun."

If you long for power but want to spend less time and money at the pump, you might consider the 2008 Dodge Charger R/T with a 5.7-liter V-8, which puts out a respectable 350 horses. Road & Track says it uses 20 percent less fuel due to its "Multi Displacement System" that shuts down half of the pistons at cruising speed, allowing it to run as a four-cylinder and increasing average mileage to the 20-mpg range. Again, however, it comes at a cost, which is about $7,500 above that of the base model.

If you have any hope of having a real "muscle car" experience, however, you'll have to go with the SRT8 Charger; Dodge equips it with a top-of-the-line 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, which Automotive says provides "thrilling passing punch and throttle response." It will shoot to 60 mph in about five seconds and has a top speed of about 150 mph. However, that extra power comes at a heavy fuel cost; the SRT8 gulps down an average of one gallon of fuel every 14 miles in the city (20 mpg on the highway) and is "saddled with a $2100 Gas Guzzler Tax."

In terms of handling, Cars.com reports that the 2008 Dodge Charger is “not really in the same league as smaller sport sedans, but the Charger is a cut above traditional family sedans in terms of performance capabilities.” Base versions are looser--ForbesAutos says, “Carrying less weight at the front end also makes the base and SXT V6-powered versions a bit more nimble around the curves than the weightier V8 models”-- but HEMI-equipped Chargers have “precise handling,” Edmunds says. They also note, “the 3.5-liter V6 remains a fine choice and delivers entirely satisfying power and handling dynamics.”

ForbesAutos recommends that “if you live in cold climates, consider buying an all-wheel-drive” Charger. Dodge’s stopping power, according to Car and Driver and Automotive, is nothing short of superb.

Conclusion

True muscle-car performance only comes to the HEMI-equipped 2008 Dodge Charger sedans.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:the 2.7-liter V6 is less than adequate...the 5.7-liter V8 makes the R/T a muscle carAutomotiveSRT8 version burns the pavementForbesAutosIf...resurrection of the Charger name [has] you hoping for overall performance on par with modern muscle coupes...you'll be disappointed.Kelley Blue Book If you're looking for a true "Dukes of Hazzard" driving experience, you'll need the R/T or SRT8 version of the 2008 Dodge Charger. Otherwise, it's a pretty sedate family sedan in a muscular-looking package. The base model of the 2008 Dodge Charger comes with a 2.7-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic transmission--enough for everyday driving, and mileage that isn't too bad at about 28 mpg on the open highway. That's about it, however. Moving up to the next most powerful engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, Kelley Blue Book reports that it "delivers enough power to have a little fun." If you long for power but want to spend less time and money at the pump, you might consider the 2008 Dodge Charger R/T with a 5.7-liter V-8, which puts out a respectable 350 horses. Road & Track says it uses 20 percent less fuel due to its "Multi Displacement System" that shuts down half of the pistons at cruising speed, allowing it to run as a four-cylinder and increasing average mileage to the 20-mpg range. Again, however, it comes at a cost, which is about $7,500 above that of the base model. If you have any hope of having a real "muscle car" experience, however, you'll have to go with the SRT8 Charger; Dodge equips it with a top-of-the-line 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, which Automotive says provides "thrilling passing punch and throttle response." It will shoot to 60 mph in about five seconds and has a top speed of about 150 mph. However, that extra power comes at a heavy fuel cost; the SRT8 gulps down an average of one gallon of fuel every 14 miles in the city (20 mpg on the highway) and is "saddled with a $2100 Gas Guzzler Tax." In terms of handling, Cars.com reports that the 2008 Dodge Charger is “not really in the same league as smaller sport sedans, but the Charger is a cut above traditional family sedans in terms of performance capabilities.” Base versions are looser--ForbesAutos says, “Carrying less weight at the front end also makes the base and SXT V6-powered versions a bit more nimble around the curves than the weightier V8 models”-- but HEMI-equipped Chargers have “precise handling,” Edmunds says. They also note, “the 3.5-liter V6 remains a fine choice and delivers entirely satisfying power and handling dynamics.” ForbesAutos recommends that “if you live in cold climates, consider buying an all-wheel-drive” Charger. Dodge’s stopping power, according to Car and Driver and Automotive, is nothing short of superb. ConclusionTrue muscle-car performance only comes to the HEMI-equipped 2008 Dodge Charger sedans.  2008 DODGE CHARGER STYLING | [8 out of 10] Automotive: "front end tilts forward as if it's leaning into the wind" Car and Driver: "'kangaroo hips'... and a grille that doesn't so earnestly mimic Jay Leno's chin" Edmunds: "muscular styling" Motor Trend: "Styling cues are borrowed ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

About 30 years ago, just about every major manufacturer on the planet (except Mercedes-Benz and BMW) converted nearly every passenger car they had to a front-wheel-drive platform. More recently, Chrysler was among the first builders to rediscover the marketing (and performance) benefits of going rear-wheel drive with its 300, Dodge Magnum wagon, and Dodge Charger. We're glad it did, but that leaves the Charger facing off against several cars that aren't exact competitors. The following cars haven't an ounce of "performance" in their composition. Take the Ford Taurus--it's front-wheel drive and available only with a V-6. Same for the Toyota Avalon and the all-new Chevrolet Malibu. A V-8 can be had in the Buick Lucerne, but Buick's idea of performance is far less brash than Dodge's.

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See the Dodge Charger in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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