Market Position:
The 2016 Dodge Charger is positioned as a full-size sedan, emphasizing performance, distinctive styling, and a comfortable ride, often appealing to buyers seeking a blend of muscle car heritage and modern practicality.
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with other full-size sedans like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. Its V8 engine options and RWD platform offer a unique selling proposition in a segment increasingly dominated by FWD or AWD configurations.
Key Features:
Rear-wheel drive platform, optional all-wheel drive on V6 models, powerful V6 and V8 HEMI engine options, distinctive aggressive styling, spacious interior, and a range of technology and safety features.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, traction control), climate control (HVAC), body electrical, lighting, interior systems, exterior trim, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), diagnostics, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, specifications, procedures, torque values, component locations, exploded views.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, major and minor repairs, component removal and installation, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis, HVAC service, brake system bleeding and repair, suspension alignment and component replacement, engine tune-ups, rebuild procedures (engine, transmission), bodywork and collision repair information, emissions system diagnostics.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies and electrical schematic interpretation.
Wiring Diagrams Included:
Comprehensive, detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component connections, crucial for electrical troubleshooting and repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems, often based on symptom analysis.
Torque Specifications Included:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension parts, brake assemblies, and drivetrain components, essential for safe and correct assembly.
Component Locations Provided:
Clear visual guides and descriptions indicating the precise location of all major components, sensors, actuators, and modules within the vehicle, aiding in diagnosis and repair.
Exploded Views Included:
Detailed exploded views of various assemblies, illustrating the order and arrangement of parts for disassembly, inspection, and reassembly, particularly useful for complex components like transmissions and suspension linkages.
Diagnostic Tools Mentioned:
Information and procedures related to the use of factory-level diagnostic scan tools (e.g., wiTECH) and common OBD-II scanners for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and monitoring live data.
Primary Engine:
3.6L Pentastar V6
3.6L Pentastar V6:
Horsepower: 292 hp @ 6350 rpm, Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
5.7L Hemi V8:
Horsepower: 370 hp @ 5600 rpm, Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
6.4L Hemi V8 (Srt/Scat Pack):
Horsepower: 475 hp @ 6000 rpm, Torque: 475 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (89 octane recommended for optimal performance, especially for HEMI engines)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models equipped with specific safety features)
Active Safety Features:
All-speed traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), available ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, available ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist, available Blind Spot Monitoring, available Rear Cross Path Detection, available Forward Collision Warning, available Adaptive Cruise Control, available Lane Departure Warning, available Lane Keep Assist.
Passive Safety Features:
Advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front and rear crumple zones, high-strength steel frame construction.
Infotainment System:
Uconnect system (available in 5-inch, 8.4-inch touchscreen variants), SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, optional navigation.
Driver Assistance Tech:
Available features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and lane departure warning/lane keep assist.
Connectivity Features:
USB ports, auxiliary input jack, available SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic.
Comfort Convenience Features:
Keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats (optional), heated steering wheel (optional), dual-zone automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (iridium-tipped plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement Hemi V8:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-20 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395), Full Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L:
5.7 quarts (with filter change)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L Hemi:
7.0 quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT), Purple (MS-9769) or equivalent.
Known Issues Common:
Occasional reports of electronic issues (e.g., Uconnect system glitches), water pump leaks on early Pentastar V6 models, and potential for carbon build-up in higher mileage V6 engines. Some owners report transmission shifting issues that may require software updates or internal inspection. Brake pad and rotor wear can be higher on performance models due to aggressive driving.
Brand Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, with the Charger nameplate carrying significant automotive legacy dating back to the 1960s muscle car era.
Model Evolution 2016:
The 2016 model is part of the sixth generation (2011-present) of the Charger, which received a significant refresh for the 2015 model year, including updated exterior styling, interior enhancements, and an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission across the lineup.
Production Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the 2016 model year can vary, the Dodge Charger has consistently been recognized for its performance, design, and value within the full-size sedan segment by various automotive publications and organizations.
Ratings Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings vary by model year and trim, but generally, the Charger receives mixed reviews, often praised for performance and comfort but sometimes critiqued for fuel economy, interior noise, and predicted reliability compared to some competitors.