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New car reviews » 2010 Dodge Charger R/T

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Better than: Dodge 600
But not as good as: the General Lee
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 90.50  

Here’s a novel concept for a family car: How about a simple, full-sized, rear-drive sedan? Give it ample power, a giant trunk and just enough features to keep everyone entertained. Oh, wait, that’s been done before.

The Dodge Charger is a throwback to a simpler time, an age before cell phones, Internet and beer cans that change color when cold. No, the current Charger doesn’t exactly recall the one made famous by the Dukes boys and the bad guys from “Bullitt.” However, it is available in a wide range of tunes, from fleet filler to Hemi hauler.

Our test car was the R/T model. It’s not as radical as the 6.1-liter Hemi model, but it also doesn’t start at $40k. Our car did have the more-than-capable 5.7-liter Hemi plus a five-speed automatic, imposing silhouette and giant 20-inch wheels that are part of a $4665 R-package. That package also adds the Boston Acoustics sound system, leather wheel, Road/Track suspension group, remote start, performance suede seats and a front spoiler.

Our test car also had the Super Track Pak ($400) that added heavy-duty brakes, a 3.06:1 final drive and performance tires. Other options included a power sunroof ($950), HID lamps ($695), a media center ($900) and an engine block heater ($40).

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

You know, I was sorry to see this one go back home. It did just about everything I could have asked. It was an awesome highway car: comfortable, quiet and quick.

It also didn’t creek or misbehave. Power is more than ample, whether leaving the line or already on the go.

Around town, it didn’t feel as big as it is. Where some cars turn into lumbering idiots in a parking lot or residential street, the Charger did well. I never felt the need to curse its size.

The Mercedes-Benz DNA is hidden but does shine through. They did the steering, right? It’s nice and communicative, even for a big sedan.

As far as price, what is its competition? The Malibu or a BMW? The BMW is ultimately nicer (and more expensive) yet the Malibu doesn’t offer rear-wheel drive. Tough call there. My stint with the Charger did send me to the classifieds to check on used models.

Finally, it also has that cop car vibe. True, our test car was bright red, but in black it would look downright menacing. Cop cars are still cool, right?

Reader comments:

1. Turbonutter: — May 21, 2010 12:58 a.m.
   

   The difference between 4WD and AWD is that 4WD can be shut off, and is typically used in off-road vehicles with the ability to put it in high, low or 2WD.

2. Dav: — May 26, 2010 10:40 p.m.
   

   A $40K as tested price and this thing scored almost 15 points higher on the GRM bang for the buck index than the G8 GT?! Whatever you guys are drinking, pass it around… .

3. Capt Slow: — Jul 19, 2010 4 p.m.
   

   GeorgiaA = Canoe ?

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