2011 Dodge Charger - Review

Completely redesigned for 2011, the Dodge Charger reinterprets its muscle-era moniker with a more modern, daring look. Some might even call it overboard. R/T and SRT8 models offer ample power, and abundant options give the opportunity to push the Charger to near-luxury status. MotorAuthority rates the 2011 Charger 7 out of 10 overall.

The big HEMI V-8s remain the talking point for performance enthusiasts, with the SRT8 model in particular drawing eyes with its new 6.4-liter displacement and 465-horsepower output. The 5.7-liter HEMI in the R/T model rates 370 horsepower, itself nothing to sniff at, capable of 5.5-second 0-60 runs. The biggest about-face in the Charger's powertrain lineup, however, is the smallest: the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which rates 292 horsepower and delivers it smoothly and efficiently.

Inside the Charger, things are toned down quite a bit. The new dash is simple and straight forward, the instruments arrayed in large dials with red markings, and plain metalized plastic accents the structure. A large LCD touchscreen handles infotainment and navigation duties. Materials are not fantastic, though Dodge hits the right notes with its soft-touch plastics and chromed trim. Fit and finish is similarly good, but not great.

Comfort and space in the cabin are not in short supply: large, comfortable seats front and rear find full-size adults at ease. Entry and exit are made easy as well, thanks to large door openings and sparely-bolstered seats. Plenty of safety gear is available as well, from airbags to active cruise control to rear-view cameras and blind-spot monitoring.

Your inner tech geek will find satisfaction with the new 2011 Charger, too: USB ports allow your gadgets to talk to the car's infotainment system or link up to mobile 3G Web access. Garmin navigation runs through the central LCD, though it has some frustrating quirks to its software. Bluetooth and satellite radio are also on board, with limited voice-control capabilities as well.

A thorough and detailed look at the 2011 Dodge Charger can be found at TheCarConnection's full review.