Used 2008 Dodge Charger

Dodge created the Charger for consumers who need the convenience of four doors but loathe the idea of driving a generic family sedan. Even in base and mid-level forms the Charger’s edgy lines and sporty wheels make a bold statement and, for those who can afford the HEMI V8 engine, the vehicle has bold moves to match. Sharing its engine and chassis with the Dodge Magnum wagon and Chrysler 300C, the 2008 Dodge Charger merges American styling and muscle with Mercedes-Benz suspension and transmission technology. The result yields a car that can outrun just about everything in its price class and several others costing tens of thousands more.

Not surprisingly, Dodge’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is just as smooth and powerful under the Charger’s hood as it is in all the other vehicles it graces. But even the 3.5-liter V6 delivers enough power to have a little fun. The Charger also delivers ride and handling equal to that of the surprisingly eager and composed Chrysler 300. However, given the promise of its Charger badge and aggressive styling, some might hope for a more aggressive setup. As it stands, the Charger is sportier than the Chrysler 300 in image only, which will be enough for most.

The inside of the 2008 Dodge Charger is marked by attractive, minimalist styling that, by offering nothing terribly interesting to look at, helps reinforce the notion that this car should be driven with a focus on the road ahead. When the road finally does get twisty, however, you might wish for more lateral support from the front seats. Otherwise, front and rear passengers are treated to a roomy cabin with adequately comfortable seating. Likewise, there’s plenty of room for cargo in a spacious trunk that offers enhanced flexibility with an optional 60/40-split folding rear seat.

Unlike so many of today’s derivative designs, the 2008 Dodge Charger shows almost no resemblance to any other car on the road. Up front, a gaping crosshair grill flanked by scowling headlamps decisively distances the Charger from the more staid large-sedan entries from Toyota, Ford and Buick. From the side, a sloping roof line helps evoke the Charger’s coupe heritage, while pronounced rear fenders help to further define the car’s performance persona.

Comprehensive DVD Entertainment System
The optional rear-seat DVD system features auxiliary inputs, wireless headphones, CD/MP3 compatibility and a seven-inch LCD screen that hides neatly in the front-seat armrest when not in use.

Road/Track Performance Group
Highlights include big-bolstered sport seats, performance suspension and a uniquely-tuned HEMI engine that makes 350 horsepower.

A base 2008 Dodge Charger SE includes a 2.7-liter V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with auxiliary input jack, four-way adjustable steering column, power windows/locks/mirrors, outside temperature display, cruise control and 17-inch covered steel wheels. Standard safety features include front airbags, stability and traction control systems, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and brake assist.

Some of the more significant options include a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, all-wheel drive, leather seats, seven-inch rear-seat DVD entertainment system, SIRIUS Backseat TV, HID headlights, DVD navigation system, AM/FM/six-CD/MP3 sound system, audio upgrade, power sunroof, heated and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Also on the list is an Enhanced Road/Track Performance Group, which includes 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, rear deck-lid spoiler, heated suede performance seats, a performance suspension and more horsepower from the HEMI.

Either of the two 2008 Dodge Charger’s V6 engines might surprise you with how well it moves the nearly two-ton sedan, but once you get a taste of life with the 5.7-liter HEMI under your right foot you’ll have a tough time settling for anything less. And while we think a proper five-speed manual would be a natural for this car, the only available transmission is a five-speed automatic with Autostick shifting.

2.7-liter V6
186 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
191 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (RWD), 15/22 (AWD)

5.7-liter V8
335 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
350 horsepower @ 5000 rpm (Road/Track Performance Package)
375 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 (RWD), 15/22 (AWD)

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We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.

Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.

Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)

We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.