Topic: CD Article: 2006 Dodge Charger SXT

[Autos_Editor]

Test Drive:

Not everyone needs or wants a Hemi, says Chris Chase. "Most drivers will find the mid-range SXT with a 3.5-litre V6 engine to be more than sufficient on the whole," he says.  The Charger is a "useful big car" "incorporating the dynamic benefits of a rear-wheel drive layout," he says, however its rear-drive layout compromises some cabin and trunk space, he notes.            More...

[jww]

Not a bad package at all. I like the Charger outside, but find the inside oh-so blah. It needs to have a more updated look and feel inside, IMO.

One thing I did notice from the pics - gas struts for the trunk. Lots of manufacturers are going this route to increase usable trunk space. I was pleasantly surprised when we bought out 06 Sonata earlier this year to see gas struts on the hood and trunk. Very nice touch, and practical too.

[05 Magnum]

Great article,

I have finally found the answer I was looking for. I suspected that when you turn "off" the esp that it was not really "off" It always seemed to be kicking in. I even asked at the dealership and they said when it is off it is off.
Thanks you for confirming what I beleived to be true.

My 05 Magnum has served well. three kids tent trailer and 1000's of trips to the rink with hockey bags and I have never run out of room.

the kids like doing "real" doghnuts in the winter too. ( in a safe, wide open parking lot of course)

[jphoto]

"Ask any real car enthusiast - the kind who cares more about how a car drives than how pretty the dashboard is..."

Well, it's good to know that people who care about a quality interior, reliability, resale value, clever design, build quality, and refinement cannot possibly be a real car enthusiast.

[Bullet Blue]

If this car was REALLY geared towards the car enthusiast, they would've mated it with an MT and make the AT optional.

[Snowman]

Gee, CD reviews are starting to sound like the rest of the Canadian publications trying not to upset the manufactures BS.

[mrthompson]

"Oh no, you di-int."   

[Snowman]

I should clarify my pervious post as a general statement on the “business”. It is a rare occurrence when an automotive journalist critiques a car in a printed or online publication that would prove detrimental to future reviewing opportunities. It is not like the manufactures will grow the hand back and drag them across the burning bridge. Is this an unfair assumption on my part?

edit: Poor grammar 

[Benhaze]

I don't know if I would go as far as you snowman but it's funny that I test drove the 300C and I didn't even bother writing about it when I usually likes to share my experiences... My point is even with the awesome V8, this car is not much of a driver car IMO. I might be alone on this but you just can't feel the car, can't "bond" with it. The interior design (short windows/high dash) is partially to blame, as is the general lack of driving feedback. And its highway performance was nothing thrilling, with the trans being easily confused, taking a long time to decide if it needed to downshift one or 2 gears. It did kick ass in town accelerating from stops I must say.  I can't imagine the V6 3.5L being a better enthusiast car... so this article is leaving me a lttle puzzled as well.

Yes RWD is a better combination than FWD, but it's not enough to state any RWD is a car enthusiast's dream.

[pararyan]

As someone who has owned RWD vehicles exclusively, the Charger was a pleasure to drive, although it didn't have an overtly 'sporty' feel to it. 

Gazing out over that long hood had a distinctly satisfying feel, but that could just be me.  Overall, I thought the SXT moved effortlessly and had precise, if somewhat numb steering.  I thought the interior space was a tad small for a larger vehicle such as this, so I will have to drive a 300 and see if the interior space is similar of if it was abbreviated in the Charger to give the headliner a 'sporty' look.

-RJP

[kenneth]

i own a 2009 dodge charger sxt and i think it's a great car

[Frontier1]

Went to Toronto and back in a rental and I really enjoyed that car

[Mozeby]

I drove one a few months ago back to back with a Pontiac G8.  Both were V6 models, and found the G8 was a more sporting drive.  The steering and suspension were noticeable firmer, and the interiors were pretty much the same size. same with the trunk.  the Charger is tuned for pretty comfortable drive, and has lots of space.  I don't know how someone could say the interior doesn't feel big enough for a car this size. To find a bigger interior, you need to step into a pickup truck.

[Cory X]

I have a 2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi with 130,000 trouble free km and my brother in-law was looking for a new car (exclusive import owner) drove my 300 and loved it..This was in 2006,he then bought a Charger SXT 3.5 H.O and loves it still to this day (88,000KM) he also never had any issues with the car.Smooth,handles great,safe,actually good on gas it is like his 2004 4 cyl Camry he had before,he says even better on the highway on gas than the Camry...Looking at some road tests it performs well,7 second range 0-100km,good passng power ect.. We will be trading in my wifes Honda Accord for a new Charger and probably the SXT version.My 300 is still strong so I will keep it for awhile..

Strongly,recommend these cars,safe,good gas mileage,good performance,great looks,2009 and up improved interior features,but still well laid out.No timing belts to replace..my wifes Honda has an issue with those,low maint costs.It is a real looker,probably gets more looks than my 300C !! We hang out together as well so we roll around in each others cars often.Great car I am in my early 30's and teen's love the car,20 year olds love it all the way up to 70 year olds love this car..