2008 Dodge Charger Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Canadian-built Dodge Charger muscle sedan brings something for almost everybody.
Is any sedan more brash, menacing, or silly than a Dodge Charger? There's something refreshing about designing an average family sedan to be obnoxiously aggressive and not care so much about the many people who won't think of buying one. But that's Dodge—and it’s doing well by it. The wide crossed grille and dark-tinted headlights appear to be snorting and squinting. The tall body panels and slim glass create a chopped roof effect like that of 1930s hot rods. When dressed in bright colours, 20-inch rims, spoilers, and silly decals, the Charger isn't just a poseur—it's a doer, and it'll do loud, fast, and dumb things all day. Can't say that about a Toyota Camry or a Ford Fusion.
The new Charger's interior is a bare-bones warehouse that's been upgraded with (some) softer materials for 2008. Hard cheap plastics still prevail, and it's an ugly space by any measure. But being seen in a Charger is what counts, because nothing else on the road looks like it. The police love the intimidating looks so much they're buying them straight from Dodge as factory cruisers.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the 1990s, the Charger and its clones (the Dodge Magnum and the Chrysler 300) are an American-German mashup from the short-lived DaimlerChrysler era. That means good, solid bones from expensive luxury cars, including the suspension components and certain transmissions. Disregard the base Charger SE and its 2.7-litre V6, which has only 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque to move a heavy car. The 3.5-litre V6 and the four-speed automatic are the better pair, available on the SE and standard on the SXT, with 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. That would be enough for most people, but the better Charger models aren't for most people.
Those are the R/T and Daytona R/T, which pack a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with power specs of 340 hp (350 on the Daytona), 390 lb-ft of torque, and a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on the V8 R/T and V6 SXT, where it adds the five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick to the powertrain that’s standard on upper trims; all other trims have a rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain. To reach peak Charger, you must buy the SRT8 and brace for a 6.1-litre V8 with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft. The SRT8 also comes with Brembo brakes, 20-inch summer tires, and a stiffer suspension. Yes, it's loud. The ride on any Charger falls on the stiff side, and their weight and imprecise steering make them feel like the 1960s muscle cars they really are.
Fuel economy is estimated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 7.7 on the highway for the 2.7-litre V6. The 3.5-litre V6 consumes 12.5 L/100 km city and 8.1 highway with the four-speed and RWD, and those figures go up to 13.9 city and 9.0 highway with the five-speed and AWD. The R/T does slightly better, averaging 13.6 city/8.6 highway with RWD and 13.6 city/9.0 highway with AWD. That's because the V8 can shut off half its cylinders under light loads. Don't believe that kind of fuel efficiency will ever happen in real life with an engine that huge. The biggest 6.1-litre will drain the tank at a rate of 16.5 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway.
In Canada, the 2008 Dodge Charger SE starts at $28,695 for the SE. Other popular trims include the $34,995 Dodge Charger SXT AWD, $38,995 Dodge Charger R/T RWD, and $40,995 Dodge Charger R/T AWD. The Dodge Charger SRT8 bases at a $46,395 minimum. The Charger is crude and cheap-feeling inside, but its performance and exterior style are way past the competition. Add in the availability of AWD and impressive tech options, and there's some good value in this bonkers Dodge sedan.
Note: Images show a US model.
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2008 Dodge Charger Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: vinyl · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 800 CCA · Oil cooler: heavy duty
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior Mirrors: spotter mirror · Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl rear seats
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Stability control: electronic
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 276 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.64
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Type: touring · Width: 225
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 276 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 368 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: illuminated · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets - front and rear · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.82
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Wheels
Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 276 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · Premium Brand Speakers: Kicker · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 276 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.06
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: TV
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent