Segment:
Full-size sedan, performance-oriented muscle car revival
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Pontiac Grand Prix
Design Philosophy:
Rear-wheel-drive architecture, retro-inspired styling, powerful V8 engine options, spacious interior
Manual Advantage:
Provides dealership-level repair information, essential for DIY mechanics and independent workshops, ensuring accurate and efficient maintenance.
Powertrain:
Engine (HEMI 5.7L, 3.5L V6), Transmission (5-speed automatic W5A580, 4-speed automatic 42RLE), Driveline, Exhaust Systems
Chassis:
Suspension (front SLA, rear multi-link), Steering (power rack and pinion), Brakes (ABS, front vented discs, rear solid discs), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Climate Control, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, brake pad/rotor service, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component repair, body panel repair, interior component repair
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, timing belt/chain replacement, accessory installation
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine 1 Type:
3.5L V6 (EER/EGX)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3497 cc (213.4 cu in)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Type:
5.7L HEMI V8 (EZD/EZB)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5654 cc (345 cu in)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Valvetrain:
SOHC (3.5L V6), OHV (5.7L HEMI V8)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended, premium for optimal performance)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star driver, 5-star passenger
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-star driver, 5-star rear passenger
IIHS Front Offset Crash:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (TCS)
Stability Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - availability varied by trim
Airbags Front:
Standard multi-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats
Audio System:
Available Boston Acoustics premium audio system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM satellite radio capability.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park assist system.
Remote Start:
Optional remote keyless entry and remote start system.
Interior Features:
Power adjustable pedals, heated front seats, leather upholstery options.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend recommended)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified) for both 3.5L V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 engines.
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) HOAT coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid W5A580:
Mopar ATF 4 Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid (MS-9224) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Hemi Lube Pressure:
Potential for low oil pressure issues in early HEMI engines, particularly at idle. Requires careful diagnosis and adherence to oil change intervals.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some reports of hard shifting or delayed engagement, often related to transmission fluid condition or electronic control unit (ECU) calibration.
Water Pump Leaks:
Occasional reports of water pump seal leaks, especially on the HEMI V8.
Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints and control arm bushings can occur with higher mileage.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing powerful and distinctive American cars, with the Charger nameplate having iconic status in the muscle car era.
Modern Rebirth:
The 2005-2006 Charger represented a modern revival of the Charger nameplate, built on the LX platform shared with Chrysler's 300 and Dodge Magnum. It aimed to blend muscle car aesthetics with four-door practicality.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The 2006 Dodge Charger received 'Top Safety Pick' recognition from the IIHS for its performance in crash tests.
Motortrend Car Of The Year:
While the Charger wasn't MotorTrend's Car of the Year for these specific years, its platform-mates like the Chrysler 300 were highly acclaimed, indicating the strength of the underlying architecture.
