Segment:
Full-size sedan, rear-wheel drive biased with available all-wheel drive.
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented buyers, families, those seeking a spacious and powerful American sedan.
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima.
Styling:
Retro-inspired, muscular styling reminiscent of earlier Chargers.
Powertrain Options:
Available V6 and potent HEMI V8 engines offering strong performance.
Platform:
Chrysler LX platform, shared with Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance information, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Utility:
Essential for technicians and owners alike for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed repair procedures, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (W5A580, NAG1 for V8; 42RLE for V6) repair, overhaul, fluid changes, diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, drive axles, differentials.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake component diagnosis and replacement, rotor and pad specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, diagnostics.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass replacement, chassis straightening.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, heater core.
Restraints:
Airbag system diagnosis, SRS components, seat belt service.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Extensive fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic tool usage.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement.
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing engine components, transmission parts, suspension parts, brake components, electrical modules.
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for various systems and common issues.
Technical Data And Specs:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring schematics for all major electrical systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced, including use of diagnostic scan tools and interpretation of complex data streams.
Engine Family:
Chrysler EER (SIGMA)
Cylinders Configuration:
V6
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 250-272 hp (depending on year and specific tune)
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 250-260 lb-ft
Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 24 valves
Primary Engine V8 Hemi 5.7
Engine Family:
Chrysler HEMI
Cylinders Configuration:
V8
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 340-370 hp (depending on year)
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 390-410 lb-ft
Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Valve Train:
OHV (Overhead Valve) with 16 valves
Primary Engine V8 Hemi 6.1
Engine Family:
Chrysler HEMI (SRT)
Cylinders Configuration:
V8
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 425 hp
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 420 lb-ft
Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Valve Train:
OHV (Overhead Valve) with 16 valves
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended for HEMI variants)
Type:
4-speed automatic (42RLE)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per model year.
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Type:
5-speed automatic (W5A580 / NAG1)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per model year.
Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 Specification ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
AWD Option:
Available on select models, often paired with V8 engines.
Manual Shift Modes:
Autostick functionality on most models for manual gear selection.
Front Driver Side Impact:
5-star (for most model years)
Front Passenger Side Impact:
5-star (for most model years)
Side Driver Front:
5-star
Side Passenger Front:
5-star
Side Passenger Rear:
5-star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP/ESC)
Airbags Front:
Advanced front airbags (driver and passenger)
Airbags Side:
Front side impact airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
Infotainment System:
Chrysler's MyGIG infotainment system (available with navigation, touchscreen, DVD/CD player, SiriusXM).
Audio Options:
Boston Acoustics premium audio system available on higher trims.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors available.
Cruise Control:
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some models/years.
Bluetooth:
Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system available.
Usb Aux:
USB and auxiliary input jacks for media devices available.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Typically every 5,000-8,000 miles or based on oil life monitoring system. Refer to manual for exact recommendation.
Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic (API certified).
Oil Type V8 Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic (API certified).
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (e.g., Purolator PL20195, Fram PH3950).
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (refer to manual); HEMI V8: Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum tip).
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
42RLE (V6): Approx. 60,000 miles; W5A580 (V8): Approx. 40,000-60,000 miles, or under severe driving conditions.
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Mopar OAT (Orange) antifreeze/coolant.
Coolant Change Miles:
Initial change at 5 years/100,000 miles, then every 3 years/36,000 miles (refer to manual).
Fluid Specifications Brake
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues General:
Electronic throttle body issues, ignition coil failures, fuel pump failures, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), water pump leaks on HEMI engines, transmission solenoid pack issues on NAG1.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, CAN bus communication issues, instrument cluster problems.
Common Issues Engine Hemi:
Heat soak in engine bay, potential valve spring issues (later models), exhaust manifold cracks.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of powerful and distinctive American cars, often associated with performance and muscle car heritage.
First Generation Lx:
Introduced in 2005, the LX Charger marked a revival of the Charger nameplate with a modern interpretation of its classic muscle car roots.
Design Philosophy:
Revived the iconic long hood, short deck, and muscular haunches design language. Offered a range of powertrains from efficient V6 to powerful HEMI V8s, including SRT performance variants.
Mid Cycle Refresh:
Received a significant facelift for the 2006 model year, with styling updates and powertrain enhancements, and further refinements in subsequent years.
Manufacturing Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Key Variants:
SE, SXT, R/T, SRT8 (with different engine options and feature packages).
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Dodge Charger, particularly the R/T and SRT8 variants, was often praised by automotive journalists and received accolades for its performance and value.
Safety Awards:
Consistent high ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for safety.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by model year and powertrain, generally considered average to above average for American sedans of its era.