Thoughts on the Dodge Charger? Dodge still crap?

[Kaido]

To preface, I've had horrible lifetime experiences with Dodge. They've all fallen apart within a few years. Crappy electrical systems among other things. Really frustrating in my personal history & I swore I'd never look at one again. However, the new Charger looks pretty neat - 292 HP + 31 MPG highway is an attractive combination. Is Dodge still garbage? I haven't seen any culture changes in their manufacturing, so my gut says yes. What are your thoughts on the Charger?

The "SXT Plus" package has a 292 HP V6 engine with 31 MPG highway, Adaptive Cruise Control, 8-speed automatic (this would be for a work commuter car, so auto is preferred), Blind Spot & Cross Path detection, keyless entry & push-button start with remote start, rear park assist with backup camera, etc. All that for around $34k. It's almost like the Kia of muscle cars...tons of features for a not-so-insane price with surprisingly awesome gas mileage for the engine size. I've gotten used to the mid-size sedan size with my current Volvo and I like the relatively high mileage in the Charger, plus it has a nearly 600-mile range on the highway, which is pretty nice. But, it's a Dodge

 

[Alienwho]

Charger SXT is the way to go for sure. Plus is even better. Get white or black so you look like a cop. I found a 2012 Rallye addition for sale near me for 24k with 10k miles and I'd probably jump on it if it wasn't silver.

 

[homebrew2ny]

I bought my wife a Dodge Magnum SXT a couple years back and it is a very nice car, very solid and comfortable. The SXT although not a HEMI does have enough nut to get around effortlessly.

 

[LTC8K6]

Charger SXT is the way to go for sure. Plus is even better. Get white or black so you look like a cop. I found a 2012 Rallye addition for sale near me for 24k with 10k miles and I'd probably jump on it if it wasn't silver.

No 8 speed, no deal... :biggrin:

The Charger is a pretty good car as far as I have heard. Not a wonderful car, but not garbage anymore.

 

[Kaido]

I bought my wife a Dodge Magnum SXT a couple years back and it is a very nice car, very solid and comfortable. The SXT although not a HEMI does have enough nut to get around effortlessly.

Yeah, that's the thing - my current DD is a 2001 Volvo S80 with a 268 HP twin-turbo. It's $85 to fillup with Premium and averages 20 MPG. So to bump up to a 292 HP Charger with a similar size (the Volvo is fabulous for cruising on the highway, total boat but with great controllable power) and only have to dump regular gas in it and still get 31 MPG highway...that would be a pretty good amount of cost savings. It sometimes nails me $400 a month just in gas, which is nuts since it's not a truck or anything ginormous or with crazy amounts of horsepower.

Just kicking around ideas. The other one that keeps creeping up on my list is the Subaru Forester Turbo. Only 28 MPG on the highway, but really good AWD, CVT, nice ride height, roomy with a hatch (wagon), lots of nice safety features, and has a good reputation for longevity, not to mention good resale value. I wasn't super impressed with the 2013 model, but the 2014 model has been redesigned & is supposed to be a lot nicer. I'm in no rush and this may not be for another year or so, so I'm just poking around right now. The next car we go with will probably be new(er) and we'll keep it for a long time, which is why the Charger appealed to me - AWD, 31 MPG, nice solid size for the highway, etc.

 

[homebrew2ny]

Yeah, that's the thing - my current DD is a 2001 Volvo S80 with a 268 HP twin-turbo. It's $85 to fillup with Premium and averages 20 MPG. So to bump up to a 292 HP Charger with a similar size (the Volvo is fabulous for cruising on the highway, total boat but with great controllable power) and only have to dump regular gas in it and still get 31 MPG highway...that would be a pretty good amount of cost savings. It sometimes nails me $400 a month just in gas, which is nuts since it's not a truck or anything ginormous or with crazy amounts of horsepower.

Just kicking around ideas. The other one that keeps creeping up on my list is the Subaru Forester Turbo. Only 28 MPG on the highway, but really good AWD, CVT, nice ride height, roomy with a hatch (wagon), lots of nice safety features, and has a good reputation for longevity, not to mention good resale value. I wasn't super impressed with the 2013 model, but the 2014 model has been redesigned & is supposed to be a lot nicer. I'm in no rush and this may not be for another year or so, so I'm just poking around right now. The next car we go with will probably be new(er) and we'll keep it for a long time, which is why the Charger appealed to me - AWD, 31 MPG, nice solid size for the highway, etc.

I hear you, it sounds like you have put some thought in to this and I can say my Magnum SXT does get at/near the rated gas mileage. Having said that, do not expect the same build quality as a Volvo obviously.

 

[LTC8K6]

AWD drops the 8 speed 3.6L Charger to 18/21/27 mpg.

 

[XavierMace]

I can't give you driver/owner experience, but here's what I can tell you from spending some time as a passenger.

Decent look/feel on the inside, dash is pretty nice, stereo is pretty nice. Ungodly amount of rear leg room. I'm a big 6'2 guy who barely fits in the back seats of most cars (Trailblazer, CTS-V, ES300, etc) and has to kind of stradle the seat in front of me. Space wise the Charger is down right roomy in the back. Stereo was OK as well. Nothing spectacular but not horrible either.

My biggest complaint (and it may seem silly) is the side windows. If you look at the car, it's got these tall ass doors and tiny windows. But on top of that because of retarded people and their retarded kids, the rear windows only go down half way. I don't think you could fit a cat through that opening if you tried. It's like some engineer did it as a joke then they shipped them out that way. I swear the window only goes down like 4".

 

[tfinch2]

Only issue I have is that they are ugly.

 

[Kaido]

AWD drops the 8 speed 3.6L Charger to 18/21/27 mpg.

Ah, excellent catch.

 

[Zodiark1593]

Some interesting electrical problems I'm my mom's Charger. AC/heater doesn't work, and the car sometimes cuts off while driving. That, and my 1998 Volvo V70 demolishes it in the power department. Though, it (the charger) is the base v6 engine she has along with giant rims. And it's the 2007 model, so its probably the dud of the series too.

 

[LTC8K6]

Some interesting electrical problems I'm my mom's Charger. AC/heater doesn't work, and the car sometimes cuts off while driving. That, and my 1998 Volvo V70 demolishes it in the power department. Though, it (the charger) is the base v6 engine she has along with giant rims. And it's the 2007 model, so its probably the dud of the series too.

2007 with the 2.7L 190hp V6 would indeed be a turd. :biggrin:

 

[BoberFett]

I'm still Chrysler-shy. I've always loved Chrysler/Dodge styling, but I just can't bring myself to trust the drivetrain.

 

[Kadarin]

I'm still Chrysler-shy. I've always loved Chrysler/Dodge styling, but I just can't bring myself to trust the drivetrain.

My '13 Grand Cherokee SRT8 has been utterly flawless.

 

[Kaido]

Some interesting electrical problems I'm my mom's Charger. AC/heater doesn't work, and the car sometimes cuts off while driving. That, and my 1998 Volvo V70 demolishes it in the power department. Though, it (the charger) is the base v6 engine she has along with giant rims. And it's the 2007 model, so its probably the dud of the series too.

See, that's the kid of stuff I'm talking about in relation to Dodge being crap. Garbage stuff like that, which shouldn't happen on a modern car.

What do you mean by cuts off, like the engine dies? Our Dodge van did that all the time. I think we replaced everything in there three times and it was just bad design.

 

[heymrdj]

See, that's the kid of stuff I'm talking about in relation to Dodge being crap. Garbage stuff like that, which shouldn't happen on a modern car.

What do you mean by cuts off, like the engine dies? Our Dodge van did that all the time. I think we replaced everything in there three times and it was just bad design.

I wouldn't use any of that info if you're shopping new. Like all the domestics, these cars are completely reinvented from 2011 and back. Sadly that kind of means we're all also guinea pigs, but I took the plunge and I'm lovin it (mcdonaldstm). It's been a blast with my 2013 Dart Limited (2.0L, not the 1.4L turbo, I liked the turbo more but the female companion didn't like the harsher exhaust). Only issue it had was a rusting brake pad retaining clip. Apparently it wasn't e-coated properly, dealer replaced with no issues. Picked up in mid January, just shy of 10k on it now.

Also, I still say that the 8.4 system being put into Dodge/RAM products (I didn't include chrysler because only the 300 get's the 8.4 system (which is standard and the only one available) while the 200 and van only get the older 730 sytems. REALLY CHRYSLER!?!!?!) is the standard by which infotainment/systems control setups should be accounted in the low end and middle class cars. I am a person who actually enjoys My Ford Touch, and in a way I like MFT more on the physical side because of the excellent way Ford does the buttons on the wheels. But the way the 8.4 system gives you command of everything, plus the absolutely stunning NAV (by garmin), this is what manufacturers should be doing. While it remains to be seen how Kia's new Android based system will do, right now the 8.4A/N system can't be beat.

I've been cross shopping some trucks to look at replacements for my Expedition, and WOW. I tried the 2013 F-150 first, and it was amazing. But then I drove the 2014 RAM 1500 Big Horn with the 8.4AN (3D maps garmin unit), 8 speed with the hemi, sunroof, and remote start system with both forward and rear facing cameras, and all I can say is, again, this is how commuter trucks should be judged. You can really feel the aging power trains (6 speed tranny) in the competition after you've driven one of these new 1500's.

 

[nerp]

I have the exact car you're looking at. It's amazing. And the back windows open all the way. Someone needs to check their security locks. . .

It's fast, comfy, roomy, handles like a german sport sedan, looks great and honestly it's tighter and quieter than any car for the money. I'm driving a rental Camry right now (don't ask, someone hit my car) and the plasticy cheapness inside the camry is shocking to me.

Since I bought my car in April 2012, I've had exactly zero issues with it. It went in for two recalls - one to reduce the brightness of the shifter LED (i know, a recall for that?) and the other was to reprogram the transmission software which made it a bit more responsive when you gun it.

I never though I'd drive a Dodge either, but it is not the same company anymore at ALL. The car was built and designed by people who love cars and you feel it.

Get it. The 8-speed is awesome. I love going 80 mph on the freeway at 1,600 rpms getting 33-36 mpg. (Yes, I always beat the 31 estimate on the highway). In town, you can launch from red lights with ease. There are times you know you're in a 300hp sport sedan. But when my kid is in the back, my wife is lounging next to me and the trunk is loaded with stuff, you suddenly realize it's an insanely practical family sedan.

But back to quality and reliability. . . I had the same concerns as you but I don't regret buying it at all. I cross shopped a bit and nothing held a candle to the Charger in terms of quality of materials, quietness of the cabin, tech options, power, mileage, size and styling anywhere close in price range.

Plus, there's nothing quite like a big american RWD sedan. It just drives so damn nice. I've owned a Golf and other "driver" cars with FWD. Not even close.

The 3.6L Pentastar engine is super nice and has a nice growl to it but otherwise is a silent partner in your daily drives. Knowing it's the same engine used across almost all of Chrysler's product line is reassuring to know that in 10 years a rebuild kit will cost almost nothing. ANNNND the Charger is a fleet/police car as well, so you can count on a steady stream of parts and goodies for years to come.

And the car turns heads. I've gotten more comments and oogling with my car than anything I've ever driven before. I'll park next to a 911 turbo S and people will walk past it to talk to me about the Charger. In a world of Toyotanonymous appliance cars, the charger offers a big "fuck you" to convention. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

 

[nerp]

Mine is a 2012. Do not even consider anything before 2012 if you're going for the v6. The 2011s had 5-speed mercedes transmissions from the Daimler era. Pre 2011 are crap, crap, crap, like everything Dodge had to sell. At this time, anything in the Chrylser portfolio has gotten the redo treatment except the Avenger, I guess, so you can't go wrong. It's not the same company at all anymore.

The Avenger, meanwhile, is rumored to get a twin turbo v8 and major redesign soon. Should be a mind-bending fast RWD Mustang killer. It is apparently what the rumored Barracuda would have been.

The Charger and Challenger, meanwhile, will remain bigass tanks.

 

[LTC8K6]

That 5 speed is still standard on base models, so look out for that if they offer you a deal.

 

[heymrdj]

That 5 speed is still standard on base models, so look out for that if they offer you a deal.

Yes SE's (the base of the base) get the 5 speed standard, with the 8 speed optional. All the dealers around here, if they even order SE's, get the 8spd option put on the them. All other models (SXT and up) get the 8spd standard with the V6. Sadly the V8 Hemi still only gets the 5spd due to production issues. The whole lineup from the Charger/Challenger, 300, Jeep ect were to get 8spd/hemi combos this year. But the plug was pulled because the new 13/14 RAM 1500 has 8spd acrossed the board now, and the RAM is selling beyond manufacturing capability (both in transmissions and at the RAM factories themselves). Ordering on a 14RAM can be out to January now!

 

[nerp]

Next year the 8-speeds are coming for the rest of the line, yes. I might just have to upgrade to an R/T when that happens.

But then again, I'm planning on a Viper in a couple years. So maybe not. And then there's the new Alfa 4C. Ugh. What do I do?

 

[Kaido]

That 5 speed is still standard on base models, so look out for that if they offer you a deal.

Does the 8-speed feel like a CVT? I actually really like the smoothness of the Nissan CVT, so going from a 5-speed to an 8-speed seems like a good choice, but I'm curious as to what it actually feels like...

 

[Kaido]

But then again, I'm planning on a Viper in a couple years. So maybe not. And then there's the new Alfa 4C. Ugh. What do I do?

I've been planning on a Viper since I was 12 :biggrin:

 

[Kaido]

I've been cross shopping some trucks to look at replacements for my Expedition, and WOW. I tried the 2013 F-150 first, and it was amazing. But then I drove the 2014 RAM 1500 Big Horn with the 8.4AN (3D maps garmin unit), 8 speed with the hemi, sunroof, and remote start system with both forward and rear facing cameras, and all I can say is, again, this is how commuter trucks should be judged. You can really feel the aging power trains (6 speed tranny) in the competition after you've driven one of these new 1500's.

I have two experiences with Dodge Rams:

1. My buddy had a red Diesel RAM a few years back (the "Firetruck", haha). It was in the shop all the time, and it was always $1,000 minimum Lots of tranny problems...

2. Another buddy bought a new one ($50k or so) and the interior was insane. He actually used it as his family car and had the babyseat in the rear. Leather everywhere, ultra-nice, super surprising for a truck!

 

[mmntech]

I'm still Chrysler-shy. I've always loved Chrysler/Dodge styling, but I just can't bring myself to trust the drivetrain.

They were still using the crap transmissions in the Caravans up until pretty recently. I think they've started cleaning up their act a bit since Fiat bought them out. Then again Fiat is not exactly known for their quality either.

Dodge does make a couple decent looking cars. I love the retro look of the Challenger. However, they always strike me as being inferior to their competitors. It's not that their cars are necessarily bad (though a few of them are), but you can almost always get something slightly better for the same price.