2006 Dodge Charger Review
2006 Dodge Charger Review
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Used Charger for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Charger model years
Dodge Charger types
- Sedan
- SRT-8
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Striking looks for a sedan, Hemi V8, firm handling, refined ride, roomy and comfortable interior, reasonably priced.
Cons
- Looks plain from behind, some low-grade interior plastics, hefty curb weight.
What’s new
The 2006 Dodge Charger is a new full-size sedan but shares many of its mechanical components with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
Edmunds says
Need a sedan but don't want to lose your soul in the sea of Accord-Camry blandness? For about the same price as a loaded V6 import sedan, you can have a Hemi-powered 2006 Dodge Charger and its roomy accommodations for five adults.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Dodge Charger SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$217/mo for Charger SE
Charger SE
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Popularized by NASCAR dominance and later a hokey TV show about fictional Hazzard County, the venerable Dodge Charger returns. But this time it's a sedan. It's not that we think the Charger can't be a coupe, it's just that we know a four-door sedan with Dodge Charger badging on the trunk is bound to cause controversy.
Frankly, we're thankful Dodge altered the Charger's course. Armchair automotive designers seem to forget that the last Charger was a four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive car based on the deplorable Dodge Omni. First introduced as a 1966 model, the Dodge Charger had a unique look with a sweeping fastback and concealed headlights. But it's the second generation of the Charger that was most popular. This was the one the Duke boys drove, the one that was turned into a race-wining Daytona and the one most enthusiasts associate with the name Charger. In 1999 Dodge started showing an all-new Charger concept that drew heavily on the 1968-'70 look. Although hopes were high for that great-looking show car, it simply wasn't meant to be.
A few years later Dodge introduced the new Charger as a 2006 model without the dramatic sheet metal. But the 2006 Charger is aggressive-looking in its own way. The angled headlights and large grille give the Dodge car a sneering look, while the distinctive character line that begins the rear flanks adds some styling flair. Unfortunately the rear of the car is plain. Some liken it to a wider Mitsubishi Galant. Based on the same Mercedes-derived platform that carries the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, the Dodge Charger offers a roomy interior and smooth ride. The interior of the Charger looks almost identical to that of the Magnum, and the engine choices are very similar.
While the Magnum and 300 are available with a 2.7-liter V6 making less than 200 hp, the Charger skips that anemic power plant and starts things off with a 3.5-liter V6. Of course a Hemi V8 is available as well. The Charger SXT and V8-powered Charger R/T have a lot going for them. The car is comfortable, offers more than adequate performance, looks different and is priced competitively when compared to smaller V6-powered import sedans. It may not be the two-door muscle car you remember from the '60s, but the new 2006 Dodge Charger takes that formula and adds things like a usable interior and lots of standard equipment. Think of it as a muscle car the whole family can enjoy.
Performance & mpg
Engine choices are delineated by trim level. The SE comes with a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6. For those who can never get enough power, the R/T has a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 stuffed under its hood. Output is rated at 340 horses and 390 lb-ft of torque. Chargers equipped with the optional Road/Track Performance Group or Daytona R/T Package provide 10 extra horsepower in addition to stiffer suspension and bigger brakes. A five-speed, shiftable automatic transmission comes standard on all models.
Safety
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and BrakeAssist, traction control and stability control are standard across the line. Options on all models include full-length side curtain airbags, self-sealing tires and adjustable pedals. In NHTSA crash testing, the Dodge Charger earned a perfect five stars for frontal-impact protection. In side-impact tests, it earned four stars for front-occupant safety and five stars for the rear. It was named a "Best Pick" in IIHS frontal-offset crash testing.
Driving
With generous amounts of torque flowing to its rear wheels and Mercedes-derived chassis components, the V8-powered Charger R/T provides serious fun for driving enthusiasts who need a roomy backseat. At the same time, it's plenty comfortable for the weekday grind. For sharper handling, a few extra ponies and head-turning color schemes, the Daytona is the clear choice. For those who aren't quite ready for the idea of a Hemi-fed sedan, the SE's 3.5-liter V6 offers adequate acceleration, smooth power delivery and an overall pleasant driving experience.
Interior
Inside, the Charger's long wheelbase opens up plenty of room for passengers, particularly in the backseat where the Dodge car leads its peers in legroom. Interior styling isn't revolutionary, but a two-tone color scheme, faux aluminum accents and white-faced gauges give the Dodge Charger a contemporary and sporty look. Chargers with the Daytona or Road/Track Performance package have bolstered sport seats that hold you snug in the turns.
2006 Dodge Charger models
The 2006 Dodge Charger is available as a sedan only in one of two trim levels -- base SE and R/T. SE models come standard with 17-inch steel wheels, ABS, air conditioning, a CD player, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. An SXT package can be added, and with it you'll get 17-inch aluminum wheels, a power driver seat, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, foglamps, chrome interior and exterior accents, and a cargo net. The R/T is your ticket to V8 power, dual exhaust outlets, larger brakes, leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Daytona R/T Package adds flat-black graphics and decals, spoilers, a Hemi orange engine cover, power passenger seat, body-color accent interior stitching and embroidered logos, performance heated seats with suede inserts, automatic climate control and body-color interior trim. Also included are Nivomat load-leveling shocks; performance steering, suspension and exhaust; and unique alloy wheels. Opting for the less expensive Road/Track Performance Group gives you all the above performance upgrades without the cosmetic extras. Individual options include a navigation system, a DVD entertainment system and a sunroof.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Dodge Charger.
5 star(82%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
369 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
My Review would have been better 1 year ago!
Dor, 11/19/2015
2006 Dodge Charger RT 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
One year ago I thought I really loved my Dodge Charger with the Hemi engine. The navigation system was cumbersome and outdated, but I loved it anyways. Then June of 2015 out of nowhere I am driving and I see smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately pulled over and opened the hood, smoke bellowed out. I had the car towed to the dealer and I was told a piston ceased and I needed … a new engine. I was quoted $7k for a rebuilt with warranty and $3200 for a used engine. That just makes me mad! I took care of my car, why did the engine fail. The mileage is 120,000, I was hoping to drive it a few more years. Researching online I found several owner complaints of the 2006 Dodge Charger engine failure, all with similar experiences. The forums are saying that the engine design has caused premature engine failures. Nice. So I contacted Chrysler directly as my extended warranty was through a year prior. I was told that there is nothing they can or will do for me, they said it is unfortunate that it happened, but oh well. Anyone who is looking to buy a Dodge Charger should check out the online reviews and never purchase one without an extended warranty and unless you are a car enthusiast or mechanic, sell the car before the warranty is up! And so much for customer appreciation.
4.75 out of 5 stars
06 Dodge Charger SXT
Roadstar, 03/09/2010
2006 Dodge Charger SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
This car drives great and I have the SXT trim level. The 3.5 engine is plenty of power for most people and still have fun. The tie rods wore out a little early at 45,000 miles. All in all I love this car!
3.5 out of 5 stars
No a Sports Car
Uwe, 08/24/2006
2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 4dr Sedan (6.1L 8cyl 5A)
Since I have the Charger, people ask me "And it's fast, isn't it?" Well, it's not slow, but its 4100+ pounds take some time to get moving. 0-60 in 5 seconds according to various reviews. A sporty car, not a sports car. My 349HP MB SLK32 is a sports car. Lousy gas mileage (as expected). Nice interior. Stereo (mine has the high-end one) a bit disappointing due to some lack in bass. Seats … not fully leather, but then again this is a under $40k car. Some people think the windows are too small, I don't. No idea what the stability control is there for, mine never seems to kick in. Comfortable ride. Too long to fit in my garage with the motorcycle (I traded this for a KIA Sorento which did fit).
4.75 out of 5 stars
Daytona, yes!
Jeff27, 11/17/2006
2006 Dodge Charger RT 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
Of all the cars I have owned and purchased new, this car has given me the most pleasure of them all. I still don't know if I am more impressed with the power or the amount of features that are available for this car.The nav will get you just about to the front door of where you are going and the sound system upgrade was well worth it. The heated seats warm up very fast on the cold … nights. I am impressed with how smooth the transmission shifts also. My daughter is just upset that she has no heated seat in the back for her. Heck, with the leg room and video system I don't mind sitting back there.
2006 Charger Highlights
Sedan
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,570 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $217/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Charger include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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