2006 Dodge Charger

As the old saying goes, everything is relative.
Step out of a new rumbling, roaring Mustang GT into the equally new HEMI-equipped Dodge Charger R/T and the first impression is, "What's all the fuss about?" Compared to the Mustang's bluster, the Charger's quiet, smooth, family sedan image seems tame by comparison.

That is, until you drive it. I mean really drive it. All at once you realize, like the Mustang, this 2006 Charger reflects much of what we loved about its wild ancestors – speaking of relatives.

The good news
The Charger is clearly the Eddie Haskell type: Polite and polished on the outside; pure mischief on the inside. It is at once a large four-door sedan with both generous accommodations and a rather gentle personality and a performance car eager to consume anything in its path.

There are three charger models: a base V6-equipped model for economy-minded buyers and rental fleets; the Hemi-power R/T I tested; and a beastly SRT/8 for the Mustang GT genre who prefer their muscle cars much more pronounced.

"R/T" stands for "Road/Track," an appropriate nod to my Charger’s command of both civility and sport. I like how the power remains reigned in during everyday driving – no jumpy tip-in acceleration or mega-response when a little will do.

Like the HEMI in Chrysler's 300C, the Charger also has the Multi-Displacement System technology to shut down four of its eight cylinders when not needed. This conserves fuel. It's a best-of-both-worlds setup. The five-speed Autostick transmission allows driver to choose between fully automatic and clutchless manual shifting.

As cordial as this R/T might be around town, when it comes down to an on-ramp race with a mean tractor trailer, it seamlessly summons all 8 cylinders in a heartbeat and sings goodbye in one deep, muffled note. Its authority is formidable.

The Charger's handling is balanced to its power. Even if the R/T’s "firmer steering" feels more family sedan than performance car, its tenacity does not. Eighteen-inch tires (a bump up from 17 inch standard) and tweaked dampers help. Weight is distributed almost 50/50 front to rear, and rear-wheel drive puts the fun back into things. What's more, a specially tuned exhaust and induction system adds another 10 horses to the HEMI V-8 on this R/T package. Standard anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability with brake assist provide control and sanity on demand.

But as we froth over all that is fast and furious about this Charger sedan, we can't overlook its equal appeal as a touring sedan. From its long list of luxury and safety standards to its exceptional room for passengers and cargo to its coupe-inspired profile, this car is just as comfortable being the stylish errand-runner. It is officially rated not as mid-sized, but in the "large car" category. It earns that designation not only in dimension, but also in highway demeanor. Especially commendable is head- and legroom for rear seat passengers, thanks to the back seats' rearward tilt. It's very comfortable.

The bad news
To effect the coupe-like profile, the rear door openings are very shallow towards the rear. Getting out requires a deliberate maneuver forward to where there is enough room to exit with one's head, as opposed to without it.

Is it worth it?
Those expecting the HEMI V-8 Charger to be a bargain as in "really inexpensive" will be disappointed. My as-tested price of $35,400 proves that, even if it did have options like power sunroof, ramped up audio and navigation.

Those who thought it would be a bargain as in "power, looks, comfort and equipment for much less than the competition" will be thrilled. Chrysler has endowed the Charger R/T with the same personality and charm it has given the ultra-successful 300C. Both cars represent remarkable values for what you get.

The 300C is stealing the smart customer from some pretty heady competition. I expect the Charger R/T to follow fast in its treads.

Particulars
Front-engine, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Price
Base: $29,320;
As tested: $35,400.
Engine
Type: 5.7L HEMI V8
Power: 350 bhp @ 5,000 rpm; 390 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Drivertrain
Transmission: Five-speed Autostick
Rear-wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 120 in.
Overall length: 200.1 in.
Curb weight: 4031 lbs.
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 17 mpg city/25 highway

Website: www.dodge.com

Information on the sound system featured in the 2006 Dodge Charger: 2006 Dodge Charger to Feature Boston Acoustics Legendary Sound

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.