Dodge Charger 2009 Review
Summary
The 2009 Dodge Charger gets more available V8 power
and a few new features. This large car shares its basic design with
Chrysler's 300 sedan. Dodge's Magnum wagon, which also shared the
Charger's basic design, has been discontinued. Charger comes in four
trim levels: base SE, mid-level SXT, sporty R/T, and high-performance
SRT8. All are rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available on the
SXT and R/T. SE models have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine and a 4-speed
automatic transmission.
Optional on SE and standard on SXT is a 250-hp
3.5-liter V6; a 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with
rear-wheel drive while AWD versions have a 5-speed. The SRT8 has a
425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and a 5-speed automatic without cylinder
deactivation. Available safety features include ABS, traction control,
antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Optional
on the R/T is the Road/Track Performance Package, which includes 20-inch
wheels, performance suspension, and heated front seats. Newly available
on the 2009 Dodge Charger is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which
can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for
storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with
real-time traffic information.
Full Review 2009
The model line ranges from the basic but entertaining
2.7-liter Charger SE to the high-performance 425-hp SRT8.Between them
are 3.5-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 models. All-wheel drive is available
for all-weather capability.
Styling and Trims
The Charger illustrates just how multi-talented and
accomplished today's high-performance cars are compared to the
unidimensional hot rods of yesteryear. With either V8 engine, the
Charger is fast in a straight line, and it corners better than those
muscle cars of the past. For 2009, the Charger gets a new taillight
design, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gains power, and all-wheel-drive models
get Active Transfer Case with Front-Axle Disconnect.
SE models add alloy wheels, additional interior chrome trim and more
equipment, while the SRT8 model adds more standard equipment, a retuned
suspension, and new calibrations for the anti-lock brakes and electronic
stability control systems. The SRT8 also adds a Super Bee package.LED
lighting becomes standard for the front cup holders on all models, and
the MyGIG hard-drive radio is now called UConnect Tunes and UConnect GPS
when ordered with navigation system.
Front side and curtain side air bags now optional
instead of standard on most models. The base Dodge Charger SE has a
178-hp 2.7-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission. The SXT
uses a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6.The rear-drive SXT gets the four-speed
automatic, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) SXT is mated to a five-speed
automatic transmission with Dodge's AutoStick manual shift gate. R/T
models have a 368-hp 5.7-liter V8 and the five-speed AutoStick
automatic.SRT8 models have a 425-hp 6.1-liter V8 and the AutoStick.
The SXT ($25,510) adds an eight-way power adjustable
driver's seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seat with fold-down center
armrest, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo, power-adjustable pedals,
heated mirrors and fog lamps. The AWD SXT ($28,850) also adds
performance disc brakes and P225/60R18 tires.
The R/T ($31,860) upgrades to leather upholstery,
dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel
and shift knob, heated front seats, eight-way power front passenger
seat, folding heated mirrors, automatic headlights and 18-inch tires.
The R/T Road/Track Performance package ($3940) has sportier steering,
front side airbags, curtain side airbags, sport seats with suede
inserts, performance suspension, front and rear spoilers and P245/45R20
tires on aluminum wheels with black accents.
The SRT8 ($38,670) adds dual-zone automatic climate
control, automatic headlights, remote engine starting, interior air
filter, heated front seats, a Reconfigurable Display with performance
pages, performance-tuned suspension, sport bucket seats, functional hood
scoop, rear spoiler, a reprogrammed ESC system, Brembo brakes, Goodyear
Supercar F1 tires on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and a 180-mph
speedometer. The Super Bee buzz model package ($1900) comes with Hemi
Orange paint, a serialized dash plaque, a special wheel design, silver
Brembo brake calipers, UConnect Tunes hard-drive radio, orange seat
accents, and hood and rear quarter panel decals.
Safety Features
Safety features that come standard on all Charger
models include two-stage front airbags, tire-pressure monitor, and
rear-seat LATCH child safety seat anchors. Antilock brakes with brake
assist, traction control and electronic stability control, are standard
on all but Seafront side airbags and curtain side airbags for both
seating rows are optional for all models. All-wheel drive is available
for SXT and R/T models.
The Dodge Charger recalls the 1966 Dodge Coronet. The
same design team that parented the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum
designed the Charger. The Daytona and SRT8 wear a flat-black chin
spoiler. Fog lamps on the SXT and higher models fill small, sculpted
insets at the lower corners.
On the SE and SXT a single exhaust tip exits beneath the right-hand
side, while the V8-powered models sport chrome-tipped, muscle car-idiom,
dual exhausts.
Optional Features
Options include the Popular Equipment package for the
SXT ($2405) with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate
control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front
seats, a power passenger seat, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system,
automatic headlights and bodyside moldings, a slightly firmer touring
suspension and P225/60R18 tires. Electronic stability control with
traction control and anti-lock brakes are an option for the SE model
($1025).
The UConnect Multimedia Suite for SXT and R/T models
($1550) comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, UConnect wireless
cell phone link and GPS system that includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive
and a navigation system with real-time traffic. Option Group III for
SRT8 ($1635) adds UConnect GPS, UConnect Phone and an auto-dimming
rearview mirror. Also available are a sunroof ($950), a rear DVD
entertainment system with Sirius Backseat TV for R/T and SRT8 ($1460),
Xenon headlights ($695), and a rear spoiler for SXT ($225).The Super
Track Pack ($400) for the R/T includes summer performance tires, stiffer
springs, load-leveling shocks, a higher numerical axle ratio, sportier
electronic stability control calibrations and higher performance
steering and brakes.
Interior Styling
The fabric-covered seats in the standard Dodge
Charger are comfortable, with adequate thigh support and side
bolstering. The Charger's dashboard is largely plastic. The rear
entertainment system installation takes a novel, but well-integrated
approach. Without the entertainment system, the center console functions
as a traditional storage bin. Rear-seat room is plentiful, thanks to the
long wheelbase, even with the front seats at their rearmost positions.
The trunk is large. All models except the base SE get 60/40 split
folding rear seatbacks.
Driving Impression and Conclusions
The 3.5-liter V6 produces 250 horsepower and is EPA rated at 17/24 mpg
City/Highway with rear-wheel drive and 16/23 mpg with all-wheel drive.
The 5.7-liter V8, updated for 2009, makes the Charger R/T a muscle car.
2009 all-wheel-drive models come with Active Transfer Case and
Front-axle Disconnect. When all-wheel drive isn't needed, the system
automatically disconnects the front axle and opens the transfer case to
reduce friction and rotational mass. Another light in the electronic
vehicle information center indicates when the system switches modes. The
Super Track Pack makes the Charger even sportier.
Caranddriver.com enjoys Charger's aggressive styling, and serious
performance in a family sedan. "Dodge created the Charger for consumers
who need the convenience of four doors but loathe the idea of driving a
generic family sedan. Even in base and mid-level forms the Charger's
edgy lines and sporty wheels make a bold statement and, for those who
can afford the HEMI V8 engine, the vehicle has bold moves to match."
adds
Kelley Blue Book The SRT8 is the sportiest and fastest Charger. The
Dodge Charger delivers pony car excitement and style and recalls a
bygone era, all while providing the roomy accommodations of a full-size
car.