Positioning:
Full-size sedan with rear-wheel drive bias, offering performance and luxury appeal.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse
Selling Points:
Powerful V8 engine options, distinctive styling, comfortable interior, performance-oriented variants (SRT8)
Benefit:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops with factory-level technical data to perform all maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (W5A580, NAG1, 42RLE, 545RFE), clutch, driveline, axles, propeller shafts, CV joints
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, ESP), wheels, tires
Electrical:
12V battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), comfort controls, infotainment, CAN bus diagnostics
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, wipers, HVAC system, seats, airbags
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, connector pinouts
Repair:
Component removal/installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, calibration
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, pressures, electrical values, component identification
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs
Engine Options:
3.5L V6 (250 hp, 250 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V8 (340 hp, 390 lb-ft), 6.1L HEMI SRT8 V8 (425 hp, 420 lb-ft)
Horsepower Range:
250 - 425 hp
Torque Range:
250 - 420 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Material:
Aluminum (3.5L V6), Cast Iron (5.7L HEMI V8, 6.1L HEMI SRT8)
Configuration:
SOHC (3.5L V6), OHV (HEMI V8s)
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (42RLE on 3.5L V6, 545RFE on some 5.7L), 5-speed automatic (W5A580 / NAG1 on 5.7L and SRT8)
Manual Transmission:
Not typically offered in North America for these years, but some specialty markets might exist.
Shifter Type:
Floor-mounted selector lever with AutoStick manual shifting capability
Atf Type W5A580:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent approved fluid
Atf Type 42Rle:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent approved fluid
Wheelbase:
Approximately 120 inches (3048 mm)
Length:
Approximately 197-200 inches (5000-5080 mm)
Width:
Approximately 74-76 inches (1880-1930 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 100-105 cubic feet
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 15-16 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800-4200 lbs (1724-1905 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-star (driver and passenger)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good (multiple categories, depending on year and test)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction Control Standard
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-curtain airbags, optional front-seat side airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts, LATCH child seat anchors
Head Unit:
Uconnect infotainment system (available on higher trims), SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CD/MP3 player, optional navigation
Features Available:
Rear parking assist, backup camera (later models), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth hands-free calling (with Uconnect)
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles (or as indicated by oil change indicator system)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
3.5L V6: 100,000 miles. HEMI V8: 100,000 miles (often require specialized plugs).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect periodically, change every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and transmission type (refer to manual for specific intervals).
Engine Oil 3.5L:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher, Chrysler MS-6395
Engine Oil Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (for 5.7L), SAE 0W-40 (for SRT8), API SN or higher, Chrysler MS-10850 (5.7L), MS-10700 (SRT8)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Pink Coolant, Mopar 05103587EA or equivalent
Common Problems V6:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil cooler line leaks, EGR valve issues, camshaft position sensor failures.
Common Problems Hemi:
Lifter tick/noise (especially early models), MDS (Multi-Displacement System) issues, cracked exhaust manifolds, oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected.
Transmission Issues:
W5A580 (NAG1) can develop torque converter shudder, solenoid pack issues, or transmission fluid leaks.
Electrical Issues:
BCM failures, power window motor failures, radio display issues, CAN bus communication errors.
Brand Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of muscle cars and performance vehicles, continuing this legacy with the Charger nameplate.
Generation:
This period represents the LX platform generation, a significant departure from previous Chargers, reintroducing rear-wheel drive and a more premium, larger sedan focus.
Manufacturing Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Key Updates 2006-2011:
Introduction of the HEMI V8 (5.7L), introduction of SRT8 performance variant, cosmetic refreshes and powertrain updates throughout the lifecycle.
Typical Awards:
While specific awards vary by year and trim, the Charger often received accolades for its performance and styling, particularly the SRT8 variants.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varies by model year and specific issues; generally rated average to good for performance, with some reliability concerns noted in certain areas.
