Segment:
Full-size sedan, targeting buyers seeking American muscle car aesthetics with modern amenities.
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse.
Design:
Retro-inspired styling evoking classic Chargers, spacious interior, RWD platform.
Performance:
Available V8 HEMI engines offering significant power and torque.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain (RWD and AWD options).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (ABS, EBD), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), power distribution, lighting, audio systems, instrument cluster, airbags (SRS), comfort features.
Body And Trim:
Exterior panels, interior trim, seating, glass, doors, hood, trunk.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission service, brake system repair, suspension component replacement.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific Chrysler/Dodge specialized tools for repair and diagnostics.
Depth:
Extensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork.
Transmission Option 1:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Option 2:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 - typically with 5.7L HEMI)
Drive Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard; All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some models (primarily with 3.5L V6).
Torque Converter:
Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency.
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Electronic Stability:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - marketed as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) by DaimlerChrysler.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, available side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner front seat belts.
Audio System:
Available Boston Acoustics premium sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, CD/MP3 player.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Available rear park assist sensors.
Remote Entry:
Keyless entry system.
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect hands-free communication system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs V6:
100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium)
Spark Plugs Hemi V8:
100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium, specific part number required).
Engine Oil V6:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API SN or higher), Capacity: 5.0 Quarts (4.7 Liters).
Engine Oil Hemi V8:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API SN or higher), Capacity: 7.0 Quarts (6.6 Liters).
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (MS-9602), Capacity: 3.8 Quarts (3.6 Liters) drain and refill.
Transmission Fluid W5A580:
MB-Approval 236.10 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF 134), Capacity: 7.9 Quarts (7.5 Liters) drain and refill.
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent, Capacity: Varies by engine, approx. 12-13 Quarts.
Hemi Lifter Tick:
Potential for valve lifter tick due to design or oil starvation; documented in service bulletins.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Occasional reports of hard shifting or delayed engagement, often related to TCM or valve body issues.
Power Steering Pump:
Some models may experience premature failure of the power steering pump.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles and muscle cars, dating back to the original Charger in the 1960s.
Charger Reintroduction:
The 2005 model marked the revival of the Dodge Charger nameplate after a hiatus, positioned as a modern interpretation of the iconic muscle car.
Lx Platform:
Based on the rear-wheel-drive LX platform, shared with Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
Motorweek Drivers Choice:
Awarded 'Best Domestic Sedan' by MotorWeek in 2006.
IIHS Front Overlap:
Good (IIHS frontal offset crash test rating, 2005 model year, specific tests apply).
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with relevant US emissions standards for 2005 model year.
