Dodge Charger 2006 $14,795

Vehicle Overview Dodge brings back a famous model name from its muscle-car past for the 2006 model year. From 1966 to the early 1970s, Charger coupes were among the most potent and most recognized muscle machines on the market. Chargers equipped with the legendary Hemi V-8 engine really captured the imagination of countless young drivers. The revived rear-wheel-drive Charger supposedly represents what the car would be if production had never stopped. But one basic element has changed: The 2006 version is a four-door sedan rather than a coupe. That Charger is related to the Chrysler 300 sedan and Dodge Magnum wagon. Joe Eberhardt, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Dodge, described the Charger's bold, modern coupe styling at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Claiming the new Charger isn't retro-styled, he said its front end sneers at you as only a Dodge can. The lavish media presentation featured a NASCAR Charger and a special appearance by legendary driver Richard Petty. Chargers come in base SE and performance-oriented R/T trim levels. An SXT package is also offered. Incorporating a fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System, the available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 produces 340 horsepower, which is good for 0-to-60-mph acceleration in less than 6 seconds. A limited-production Daytona R/T that packs a Hemi V-8 with an extra 10 hp and other amenities debuts in summer 2005. Dodge unveiled a high-performance SRT8 offshoot of the Charger at the 2005 New York Auto Show. With higher compression, its 6.1-liter V-8 develops 425 hp and 420 pounds-feet of torque, cutting the 0-to-60-mph time to about 5 seconds. Brembo brakes, a race-bred suspension and 20-inch aluminum wheels are installed. Its ride height is half an inch lower than the regular Charger's. Charger sales began in spring 2005, with the SRT8 version scheduled for fall introduction. In February 2005, a Charger returned to the NASCAR circuit for the first time in three decades. Exterior Dodge says the Charger combines modern coupe styling with four-door functionality. Mark Hall, senior design manager, said developers didn't want to create a Magnum with a trunk or a retro car. Instead, they sought to extract the essence of the original Chargers. The 2006 Charger has a bold crossbar front end and a short deck. There are minimal wheel flares, and a long bodyside crease meets another crease at the rear doors. Dodge claims the car's front-to-rear weight distribution is close to 50/50. Three levels of suspension tuning topped by a Road/Track Performance Group are available. Standard tires are 17 inches in diameter, but 18-inch rubber is used on the R/T. The Charger Daytona R/T will be finished in Go ManGo metallic orange similar to the hue of the 1970 Charger or in Top Banana, another heritage color. Only 4,000 examples of each color will be produced. The Daytona version gets an exclusive front fascia with a chin spoiler and black honeycomb grille, a black deck lid spoiler and 18-inch polished wheels with painted pockets. Offered as an option on the regular Charger R/T, the Daytona's Road/Track Performance Group includes a revised steering gear, load-leveling shock absorbers and a retuned suspension. Interior The five-occupant interior features front bucket seats and a rear bench. A 60/40-split, folding rear seat is part of an SXT package. Viper-inspired tunneled gauges feature white faces and satin silver accent rings. A silver trim bezel surrounds the gearshift. The two-tone interior features a darker upper trim color. Standard SE equipment includes front-seat lumbar support a manual tilt and telescoping steering column a power trunk lid release remote keyless/illuminated entry cruise control and power windows, locks and mirrors. In addition to the split, folding rear seat, the SXT package adds a leather-wrapped steeri

• City 17/hwy 25 (5.7L engine/5-speed auto trans)
• Body-color bodyside narrow molding
• Black windshield moldings
• Black headlamp bezels
• Fog lamps
• Body-color fold-away heated pwr mirrors
• Solar control glass
• Variable-intermittent windshield wipers
• Body-color door handles
• Front license plate bracket
• Leather-trimmed front bucket seats w/pwr 8-way driver seat
• Driver/front passenger manual lumbar adjust
• 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
• Rear armrest w/cup holder
• Full-length floor console w/12V pwr outlet
• Floor carpeting
• Front/rear floor mats
• Pwr adjustable pedals
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• Instrumentation
• Tire pressure monitor warning
• Pwr windows w/driver one-touch down feature
• Speed-sensitive pwr door locks w/satin silver knobs
• Speed control
• Remote keyless entry
• Sentry Key theft deterrent system
• Pwr trunk lid release
• Pwr accessory delay
• Air conditioning
• Front/rear climate control outlets
• Rear window defroster
• AM/FM stereo
• Sirius satellite radio w/1-year service
• (6) Boston Acoustics speakers 276-watt amplifier
• Integrated rear window antenna
• Smokers group
• Cell phone storage
• Dual visors w/illuminated vanity mirrors
• Passenger assist handles
• Lighting
• Illuminated entry
• Leather-wrapped shift knob
• Cargo compartment dress-up
• Cargo net
• 5.7L Hemi multi-displacement V8 engine
• 5-speed automatic transmission w/OD Autostick
• Brake/park interlock
• 2.82 axle ratio
• All-speed traction control
• Electronic stability program
• Rear wheel drive
• 730 CCA maintenance-free battery w/pwr accessory delay
• 160-amp alternator
• HD engine cooling
• Touring suspension
• P225/60R18 touring BSW tires
• 18 x 7.5 aluminum wheels
• Compact spare tire
• Pwr rack & pinion steering
• 4-wheel anti-lock performance disc brakes
• Emergency brake assist
• 19.0 gallon fuel tank w/non-locking cap
• Performance exhaust w/dual bright exhaust tips
• Front advanced multi-stage airbags w/occupant classification system
• (5) 3-point seat belts
• Front passenger seat belt alert
• Child seat upper tether anchors
• Rear door child protection locks
• Dual-note horn