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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Dodge Charger

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Dodge Charger

Overview

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2008 Dodge Charger Review

By KBB.com Editors

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.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you're looking for a sedan with a louder bark, a bigger bite or both, the 2008 Dodge Charger might quicken your pulse before you ever turn the key. The fact that underneath the Charger is a practical family sedan shouldn't spoil your fun.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If HEMI horsepower and the resurrection of the Charger name have you hoping for overall performance on par with modern muscle coupes like the Ford Mustang GT or Pontiac GTO, you'll be disappointed.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2008 Dodge Charger receives a slight interior freshening, with more standard equipment added to the R/T model. Dodge has repositioned the cruise control stalk to the 4 o'clock position and SIRIUS Backseat TV becomes a new option.

Driving the Charger

Driving Impressions 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.

Favorite Features

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.

2008 Dodge Charger Details

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

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.

Optional Equipment

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.

Under the Hood

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)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Dodge Charger vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Dodge Charger Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 730 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.4/10

Love my Daytona

By Mr Mopar (PA) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Lots of raw power. Decent gas mileage with the MDS"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This has got to be one of the hottest sport sedans ever made. I've got so many compliments from people on the looks of my Charger Daytona. The regular Chargers are great but add the Daytona package and you've got one mean machine! It gives excellent gas mileage while having so serous power. This is definitely an enthusiast's ride!!"

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112.000 miles and & $0 on repairs-toruey hemi

By Traveller-bob (FL) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 112,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Reliable and quick plus decent mileage."

Cons: "numb steering and yucj interior"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Pros-Most reliable car I have ever owned, I've spent zero on repairs in 112,000 miles. Last three cars were 2 Acura TLs and a Maxima, this beat them all. Engine has gobs of torque. 4000+ pounds and over 100 in the quarter mile. 25 tio 26 mpg at 75 - 80 mph. Nice suspension refinement, but I'd enjoy it more with summer performance tires like Michelin Pilots. Cons - Rubbermaid interior and poor steering feel Could use a little more lateral grip - see tire comment above."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!

By Moparfreak (CA) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 117,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, Fast, Comfortable"

Cons: "Bad Mpg, Inside not designed well"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this car! I have a 2008 Dodge Charger R/T with the 5.7L Hemi and I love it. I bought it with 62k miles and now i have over 117k and every mile has a story! The car runs like new and has never showed me any issues. The interior could be better quality but im not complaining. Best 4 door muscle car you can own! I prefer this over the Mustang, gto, and challenger any day!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Such a great car

By lordinfamous (AZ) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car for 5 years now and only had one minor problem that was my fault ( i let a leak go for too long ). This car has been GREAT truly one of the best cars I have owned. I dont ever plan on getting rid of it. Im 6'3 and 295 LBS this car has so much room and rides so smooth. Great car and would tell anyone that is on the fence about buying one DO IT!!!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Amazing underated Car

By BluesBass (CA) on Saturday, March 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive and the price is right."

Cons: "Small blind spot to get used to"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has been nothing short of amazing to me! If I had listened to all the so so reviews I would have never bought it. I'm over 70,000 miles and haven't done anything but change the oil, brakes, tires and a minor repair. Plenty of horsepower for a 6 cylinder. Plenty of storage space in trunk and I've hardly had to use the fold down seats for my trade. Trips to Vegas from LA are a breeze keeping up with the flow of traffic with plenty of extra power when I need it. Totally happy this American car is back in the picture! It doesn't surprise me that the Highway Patrol is now using Chargers."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great Car!

By thehazz88 (IL) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "It has a great look to it, is fun to drive, and is"

Cons: "speeding tickets"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned my 2006 Charger SXT for 4.5 years now. I drove it pretty rough initially but it has held up great! It reaches a top speed of 115mph and shows its power primarily between 35-70mph. The only problem had with it was the shifter. It just locked in place, had to have my car towed to the shop and the shifter replaced."

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