Used 2018 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Never thought I would buy a Dodge on purpose!
Dave Gilbert, Hermitage, TN, 08/04/2018
2018 Dodge Charger R/T 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 8A)
I already loved the way the new Chargers looked on the outside, but never considered purchasing one due to the previous bad experiences with Chrysler products that my family members have had. I drove a Charger last November at a local auto expo, and was thoroughly impressed! I already assumed it would be fun to drive, but I was astounded at how solid and well made it was.
It is rock … solid, and will cruise at 100 mph as smoothly as if it were standing still. (Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt :-) ) Initial build quality is on par with the Japanese marques that I usually own. It is really hard to believe that this car came from the same company that manufactured my wife's dreadful 2010 Chrysler Sebring, the car that made her swear off American cars for life.
When it came time to shop for a new car in February, I test drove a number of different makes and models, never really thinking that I would seriously consider a Charger. And yet, no other car came close to matching the combination of performance, style, and quality the Charger offered; it was the easiest choice I had ever made on a new vehicle.
The 5.7 Liter HEMI V8 is legendary. I always start the car with the remote start feature as I walk up to it, just to hear that sweet rumble. And this car is packed with technology that actually works. It comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, so there was no need to buy the Navigation package; I simply use the navigation app on my smartphone. There are countless small features that show how much thought was put into the overall design. The hood has gas struts instead of the aggravating prop rod, there are courtesy lights galore, hooks in the trunk to hang plastic grocery bags, and the list goes on. No one would select a car based on these small details, but they make a great car even better.
I was never impressed by the aesthetics of the instrument panel while sitting in the car, as I had done at previous car shows. But when I drove it, everything clicked. For some reason, the excellent ergonomics of the instruments and switchgear while driving the car made the appearance of IP more palatable; I still have not figured out how that is possible, but it's true!
The exterior design is perfect for its intended demographic: those enthusiasts looking for an unashamedly American, no compromise muscle car (yeah, it is assembled in Canada, but still...). It is beautiful, in my opinion. There are none of the obnoxious and superfluous bulges, creases, warts, goiters, flaps, slits, nostrils, fins, or claspers that most new cars are plagued with. Who decided that the front of a car needs to look like a giant insect anyway??? Lookin' at you, 2018 Camry. It will not appeal to everyone; luxury car snobs will not be impressed. Who cares? They weren't invited to this party anyway.
I have surprisingly few nits to pick about this car; they got all of the big things right. I can really only think of two small items that I would change...there is no rear seatback release in the trunk like my older Camry had; the seatbacks have to be released from the interior. Also, I wish the active exhaust had a "quiet mode" like the new Mustangs (the only redeeming feature about the new Mustangs, IMO). I don't think the exhaust is loud enough to offend any neighbors, but I still feel a little self-conscious coming or going when my neighborhood is asleep.
***UPDATE 11-04-19***
I am still insanely happy with this car! I am halfway through my 3-year lease, and have already decided that I will be leasing another Charger when my current lease is up. This has honestly turned out to be one of the best cars I have ever owned; definitely THE best for road trips. I have been on several now, and it is rock-solid and glued to the road. No back or butt fatigue after 8 hours in the saddle. Even with my lead foot, I can get 22 mpg on the highway. Not great, but what it lacks in economy, it more than makes up for in FUN!! The OEM tires only lasted 20k miles; replaced them with a set of Continentals (highly recommended!).
There have been a few annoyances, but none would deter me from having another Charger:
* Twice, the backup camera has not worked, but both times it came back on the next day.
* The A/C compressor started making a whining noise at around 10K miles. It is very subtle, and has not bothered me enough to take it in for repair.
* Everybody that gets in the back seat bumps their head, so now I make sure to warn people (the people that I like anyway).
* The blind spot warning “horn” is WAY too loud, even on the lowest setting. It needs to be a “chime” like Mazda uses.
* I still wish that the exhaust had a quiet mode, and that the rear seatbacks had a release in the trunk.
That's it! I cannot think of anything else I would change about this car. I still get frequent comments on the beautiful F8 Green paint, and the way the car sounds. I could go on and on, but I am running out of spac
Still Loving It! 2023
Juan M., Orlando, FL, 07/18/2018
2018 Dodge Charger R/T 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 8A)
So far so good, car has been running great no issues, one recall software-based quickly handled, I have the 5.7 plus with super track pack. I love the looks, and people will stop to compliment the car. Front seats are very comfortable and have a lot of flexibility with lumbar support, its a great feeling when driving the car and knowing you can quickly accelerate if needed. Backsets are … also comfortable with lots of room for passengers, the large trunk is excellent. I find the visibility in the car to be okay, however, you do have to be careful in getting into the back seats that you do not bump your head, once you know this you can adjust how you get in and there are no issues. I feel very safe in this car, and I like all the safety features included in my package. Well, its a V8 so gas can go fast if you drive it in sports mode all the time, I not a crazy driver so I have been lucky in getting 21mpg overall so far. Update: 3 years later and the car has had no major issues, being thru a couple of dings which were repaired, great condition, only issue I had was the warping of the plastic on one of the passenger doors which was replaced under warranty! all the above applies still! Milage is more like 20 mpg average highway and local roads, this is my primary car and I feel very safe when driving, V8 has saved me from getting into accidents, especially on the Highway, very reactive and safe!
Finally my own Hemi: R/T Plus/Super Track Pak
LGK1974, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11/25/2018
2018 Dodge Charger R/T 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 8A)
After years of pining and lusting over Mopar muscle cars, I finally took a leap ... I am 6 months in to my lease of a Destroyer Grey 2018 Dodge Charger R/T with Plus Package and the Super Track Pak. I have been leasing Hondas, Infinitis, and most recently a Lexus GS350 F-Sport, and this is my first non-Japanese car since 2001. With 6 months and 9,000 miles, I am extremely satisfied … with the car based upon its intended use as a performance-oriented large muscle car. The car has surprised me with its premium feel, and continues to put a smile on my face every day with every start. I had been seeking a Scat Pack 392 for months, but I decided the added expense for the larger lease payment, gas, and insurance wasn't worth it - and that pragmatically I would be unable to really fully use and enjoy the 392's power. The Super Track Pak option includes the SRT body work and goodies that comes with the Scat Pack (front fascia, rear fascia with 2.75-inch round exhaust tips, hood with intake bulge/duct, side sills, Dodge Performance Pages, and allegedly a "performance" suspension (an upgrade from the AWD and base R/T "sport" suspension, but not the all-out "high performance suspension with Bilstein shocks" that is standard on the Scat Pack - all of which is now standard on 2019 Charger R/T models). The combination of the Plus Package with Super Track Pak also "releases" the nicer front seats - the leather/suede Alcantara heated and ventilated seats. They look nice and feel great, and it's one of those features that continually reinforces feeling satisfied with the car. Other options include Navigation, Moonroof, and black painted roof. The 5.7 Hemi V8 is plenty powerful for daily use and with the Active Exhaust (and round exhaust tips), it sounds amazing, delivering an old-school, deep burble; I am a muscle car and Mopar enthusiast, and this scratches the itch!! Using remote start is a guilty pleasure just to hear the Hemi start-up. Full throttle get-aways and highway passing reveals an all-out beastly sound from the engine - and it's glorious. Gently rolling into first gear from a standstill and then really stepping on it breaks the rear wheels loose. If driving in the rain, I suggest you have nearly a full tank of gas and avoid sudden throttle inputs of more than 1/3 of pedal travel - you can break the rear wheels loose in the rain if you're not exercising just a bit of restraint. It reminds me that the 392 would have been too much for my daily use. The 8-speed automatic transmission is excellent. I love the louder exhaust in Sport Mode, and in combination with manual shifting, is a tremendous amount of fun. One item to point-out for anyone seeking a very high level of performance: The transmission does not shift as quickly as in the 392 models, even in Sport Mode, however the shifts are still very satisfying and quick enough. I find the ride and handling to be an excellent and impressive balance. It's smooth, handles corners with surprisingly little body roll, and inspires confidence. My car with the Super Track Pak and advertised "performance" suspension felt definitively more premium and less rough than the two base R/T cars I drove. I find the interior pleasurable and relatively easy to use - yes, some interior bits don't have the best fit-and-finish, but it's clear that Dodge/FCA are making improvements. The U-Connect system is good, and the inclusion of Apple Car Play is excellent - I use it all the time. I think I've used the U-Connect navigation twice in 6 months. The Dodge Performance Pages are fun - I have tried Launch Control and I think it's very good, though not necessary. Although not advertised as such, the car has "automatic climate controlled seats and steering wheel." If it's really cold, the heated driver seat and steering wheel automatically go on. If it's really hot, the ventilated/cooled driver's seat goes on. This is a great luxury. Fuel economy is as expected. With 80% highway and 20% city including manual mode fun driving, I achieve 18 to 19 mpg on 89 mid-grade. On a 260 mile trip I achieved 26.5 mpg. Gripes include: Not enough room in the foot well - some shoes rub on something when I lift from accelerator to brake pedal. I can't figure out how to have text messages send an audible alert while driving, both with and without using Apple Car Play; I constantly miss text messages. On just 2 or 3 songs, the speakers emit an odd and disturbing sound - almost like the sound of the locks locking. Haven't brought it in yet to the dealer for this issue. The red gauge accents do not provide enough clarity in the speedometer and tachometer, and I find it difficult to quickly scan the gauges while driving. There should be more rear leg room and space in a car this big! Make the automatic rain-sensing wipers part of the Plus Package!!! More than an upgraded sound system, I wish I had the rain sensing wipers. I am very, very satisfied with leasing my Charger R/T.
Dream car - I just love this TOY!
Juan M., Orlando, FL, 03/01/2019
2018 Dodge Charger R/T 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 8A)
I started researching this car starting with the 2015 model and learned as much as I could about the car, my concerns were the stories of reliability at that time. What I did see was improvement every year and the car getting great ownership reviews. Once the 2018 model came out, I started noticing fewer concerns from owners on repairs and reliably. Significant improvement in the … selection of trims and what could be added creating excellent value for what you got with the package. So in March 2018 when my old car started to cost me more to own than repair, I decided it was time to pull the trigger and start looking for my dream car, which I had obsessed for 3 years learning everything about it good and bad.
I purchased a Dodge Charger R/T -Granite color - plus package - navigation and travel -super track pack which comes with the most awesome rims and hood scoop. I just love the way I feel in this car, not only does it look and sound fantastic its a joy to drive.
1 year of ownership with no issues and excellent performance, I even love to do my own detail on the car as it gives me great pride in ownership.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Many strong engines available, including 707-hp Hellcat
- Pro:Trim levels and features allow for plenty of personalization
- Pro:Touchscreen tech interface is among the largest and most user-friendly
- Pro:Performance-oriented models can be surprisingly sporty
- Con:Less spacious and refined interior than more sedate competitors
- Con:Sloping roofline impedes visibility and rear-seat entry
- Con:V8 engines will make you a regular at the gas station
- Con:6.4-liter V8's throttle is too jumpy at low speeds
Which Charger does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one place to start, and that's with as much V8-powered Charger as you can afford. Consideration should begin with the R/T, which comes well equipped with essentials (power driver seat, Bluetooth) and luxuries (heated seats) but, more importantly, a 370-horsepower V8 engine. We'd also add the Premium package for its driver assistance features and upgraded audio system. The V6 models are fine, especially if you need all-wheel drive, but you miss out on much of the car's charm.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Dodge Charger Sedan
Driving
8.0For its intended purpose, the Charger Daytona is excellent. It goes like a bat out of hell, makes glorious noises along the way, and has respectable handling prowess. The steering and low-speed throttle response are less appealing, but as a performance package, it's hard to beat.
Comfort
7.0The Charger's seats and ride are firm but bearable. The climate control is adequate on hot days, and you're well-insulated from road noise inside. It's a good car for road trips, but you can tell that it has sporty intentions underneath. For a performance car of this caliber, it's very livable.
Interior
7.0A very roomy and user-friendly interior make the Charger an excellent place to spend time in, but low visibility and troublesome rear-seat entry hurt the score a bit. From the driver's seat, though, most owners will have an enjoyable experience.
Utility
6.5The trunk is average, while small-item storage is below par and car seat accommodation is merely acceptable. This car is not great when it comes to carrying all your stuff. Sure, it can be a usable family vehicle on daily drives, but there are many, far more utilitarian sedans for the price.
Technology
8.0Dodge's Uconnect system is one of the best in the class. It responds quickly to inputs and catalogs music collections with lightning speed. An optional 19-speaker stereo drives up the price quite a bit — we'd skip that particular option — but voice controls and navigation are excellent.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Dodge Charger in Ohio is:
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