2006 Dodge Charger
by Jeffcars.com
Profile of the 2006 Dodge Charger Buyer |
| Average age of the buyer: 41 |
| Percentage of female buyers: 30.3 |
Three most popular colors:
Black, Red & Silver |
| Three most traded-in vehicles: Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Intrepid & Ford Mustang |
| Average finance rate: 9.79% |
| Average down payment: $5,892 |
Source: The Power Information Network- Data based on Jan. 2006 – Sept. 2006 Retail Sales
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Arrival Date:
In the 1970’s, the Dodge Charger popularized the hit TV show, “The Dukes of Hazzard.” In 1987, after a long production run, the executives of Dodge decided to unplug the Charger, no pun intended. However, due to overwhelming consumer demand for a large sedan needed in the Dodge lineup, the all-new revived Charger was reintroduced to consumers again in the summer of 2005.
Target audience:
If you’re looking for a full-size American hot rod sedan with some pizzazz and great handling abilities, this may be the car for you.
Replaced:
The Charger replaced the front-wheel drive Intrepid which was last produced in 2004. Until now, Dodge has not had a full-size sedan in its lineup.
What’s new:
Everything! In 2007, an all-wheel drive version will be available.
Body type:
It’s only available as a 4-door sedan.
Seating:
The Charger is a spacious, 5-seater sports sedan. Although this is a rear-wheel drive vehicle, adults can fit comfortably in this vehicle even with the rear hump in the floor.
Popular Standard Features:
-Air condition
-Power seats
-Power windows
-Power locks
-AM/FM/CD player
Safety Features/Awards:
-Received 5-star rating by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):
*Front Impact Driver
*Side Impact Rear
-ABS Brakes (standard on test vehicle)
-All-Speed Traction Control (standard on test vehicle)
-Rear Window Defroster (standard on test vehicle)
-Fog lamps (standard on test vehicle)
-Security Alarm (included as an optional feature on test vehicle)
-Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls (included as an optional feature on test vehicle)
-Side Curtain and Front and Rear Airbags (included as an optional feature on test vehicle)
Warranty:
-Basic warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)
-Maintenance Included: No
-Towing Included: Yes
Engine/Gas Mileage:
-5.7L V-8, 340-horsepower, 17 city/25 highway (featured on test car), Hemi
-2.7L V-6, 190-horsepower, 21 city/28 highway
-3.5L V-6, 250-horsepower, 19 city/27 highway
-6.1L V-8. 430-horsepower, 14 city, 20 highway, Hemi*
* Premium fuel is required if you select the 6.1L V-8 engine.
Fuel efficiency:
If you must opt for the 8-cylinder Hemi, Dodge offers a multi-displacement system. W hen the vehicle doesn't need as much power, drivers are able to save gas because t his system allows half of the cylinders in the engine to be deactivated. 
Looking forward:
Dodge offers an outside temperature gauge with the electronic convenience group package. However, the gauge is located near the speedometer as opposed to the rearview mirror, which would also be accessible to the passengers too. A 5-speed manual transmission should be offered for the true driving enthusiast with the R/T and the SRT8 package. Dodge should also consider developing a Charger that allows both ethanol and gas (flexible fuel) or a hybrid in the future for the environmentally-friendly consumer.
What’s so special:
Ralph Gilles, the same young brother who was responsible for designing the popular Chrysler 300C and putting the word “cool” in the station wagon again, with the Dodge Magnum, also led the revival of the Charger. The test car included Dodge’s popular V-8 Hemi engine that produces 340 horsepower. Driving this car makes you feel like you’re riding in a cool hot rod from the seventies especially with the dual exhausts on both sides of the vehicle. If you reside in a snowy climate, Dodge offers an all-speed traction control with an electronic stability control to help navigate any weather condition. Power adjustable pedals are available to help drivers improve comfort and safety while finding the perfect seating position. And the separate temperature controls allow both front seat occupants to regulate their own climatic destiny.
How much:
The Charger R/T reviewed by JeffCars.com topped out at $34,515. This price included the popular Hemi engine. The only options missing from the test vehicle were a navigational system and an automatic rear-view mirror. For this price point, those options should be standard. The Charger is available in four trim levels: the base SE, the SXT, the R/T and the supercharged SRT8. The base Charger starts at $22,570 and can easily peak at $42,000 with the 425 horsepower SRT8.
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