Overview

The Dodge Charger is a midsize sedan that traces its roots to the late 1960s muscle-car era. Today's Charger was last redesigned for the 2006 model year. For 2011, it receives a new front and rear fascia, upgraded interior components, a new six-cylinder engine, retuned suspension, and electric power steering. Enthusiasts will also note the disappearance of the performance-tuned SRT8 model.

The Charger is sold in four trim levels: SE, Rallye, Rallye Plus, and R/T. Standard equipment on the SE includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, power driver's seat, full power accessories, keyless entry, and more. The R/T models are fitted with a more powerful eight-cylinder engine, performance-tuned suspension, xenon headlights, foglights, automatic dual-zone climate control, and more. The Rallye and Rallye Plus models are configured with unique cosmetics and equipment. There are also more than a dozen equipment packages, including upgraded suspension, brakes, navigation system, and more.

The Dodge Charger is offered with two engine choices. The standard powerplant is a 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine that is rated at 292 horsepower. The other engine, which is standard on R/T models, is a 5.7-liter, eight-cylinder engine that generates 370 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Standard Charger models are rear-wheel drive, but the R/T model is also offered in all-wheel drive. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2011 Dodge Charger between 15 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, depending on powertrain.

The 2011 Dodge Charger SE starts with a base price of about $26,000 and tops out with the Charger R/T, which starts around $31,000.