2009 Dodge Charger

You'll find a bigger V-6 in the step-up Dodge Charger SXT (*est. $26,450), and experts say this one is adequate, but coarse. Edmunds.com says the Charger SXT is "a decent choice for those on a tight budget, but keep in mind that it's not particularly powerful or fuel-efficient." The Dodge Charger SXT's 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic deliver an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in mixed driving (17 city/25 highway). Real-world tests place that figure lower, at around 18 or 19 mpg.

Dodge Charger shoppers are also offered two different V-8s. The Dodge Charger R/T (*est. $32,160) gets a 368-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi with a cylinder-deactivation feature and steps up to a five-speed automatic transmission. It gets 19 mpg in mixed driving (16 city/25 highway) according to the EPA, although one real-world test found it to deliver just 17 mpg combined. Experts say the Dodge Charger R/T offers plenty of power, so there's little reason to spring for the top-level, high-performance Dodge Charger SRT8 (*est. $38,970) and its 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi. Not only does the SRT8 carry a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax (its 13 mpg city/19 highway/15 mixed is far thirstier than other cars in its class, much less than the average family sedan), but "its much higher price is hard to justify considering the relatively minor increase in performance over the R/T," Edmunds.com says.

No Charger really drives like a sports sedan, experts say. Despite plenty of straight-ahead power (from the V-8 versions), testers complain of light, numb steering, abundant body roll and the general feeling of driving a bulky car. "Just because the Charger is rear-wheel drive doesn't mean it's at home in the twisties," writes John Pearley Huffman at Edmunds.com, after testing the Charger R/T. "The front tires scream and squeal enough to let you and the world know they're struggling under the weight of this 4,135-pound sedan." Overall, experts are far more likely to recommend the more nimble Mazda6 (*est. $18,550 to $28,465) for buyers looking for a big, sporty family sedan.

The Dodge Charger is built on the same platform as the Chrysler 300 (*est. $26,665 to $44,160), which offers a different take on the boxy, muscular exterior style but is otherwise very similar to the Charger. Reviews say the two cars share a lot of the same problems, including a cheapish interior and poor side-crash scores in tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

When IIHS simulated a pickup or SUV hitting the Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300 in the side at 31 mph, testers found that the driver would likely suffer serious harm. The test was conducted on a car without optional side airbags. "Rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity. A fracture of the pelvis would also be likely," IIHS says. Also, the simulated pickup penetrated the Charger/300's passenger cabin, hitting the crash dummy's head. IIHS notes that rear crash protection in the Dodge Charger (and Chrysler 300) is just "marginal," and electronic stability control doesn't come standard on the base model.

The Dodge Charger is one of the least reliable sedans in reviews, and it takes last place in the latest J.D. Power and Associates ranking of 12 large cars. The Charger is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a lifetime powertrain warranty.

Consumer Reports tests both the V-6 and V-8 versions of the Dodge Charger, evaluating not only their performance but also their fuel economy, reliability and other buyer concerns, and ranking them against other large sedans. Motor Trend and Edmunds.com both test the V-8 Charger head-to-head against its main competitor, the Pontiac G8. Edmunds.com also provides an in-depth single-car review of the Charger, as does Autoblog.com. TheTruthAboutCars.com's reviewer rents a V-6 Dodge Charger on vacation and decides to write a review about how much he hates it. Reviews at ConsumerGuide.com and Car and Driver provide less narrative detail, but they outline the Charger's pros and cons in a concise way. J.D. Power and Associates provides reliability ratings, and government and nonprofit agencies provide official safety and fuel economy ratings.