2011 Dodge Charger Review

2011 Dodge Charger

Completely redesigned for 2011, the Dodge Charger reinterprets its muscle-era moniker with a more modern, daring look. R/T and SRT8 models offer ample power, and abundant options give the opportunity to push the Charger to near-luxury status.

The 2011 Dodge Charger receives a number of significant upgrades, including freshened styling, higher-quality interior materials, an all-new and more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, a retuned suspension, electric-assist power steering, more standard features and a new electronic interface.

The 2011 Dodge Charger is a good example. The most noticeable change regards the Charger's new exterior styling.

The 2011 Dodge Charger is a large sedan that's offered in two basic trim levels: SE and R/T. Entry-level SE models are rear-wheel-drive only, while the R/T can be had with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

SE base models are reasonably well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, cruise control, full power accessories, a trip computer, keyless ignition/entry, remote engine start and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an iPod interface, an auxiliary audio jack and a 4.3-inch touch screen interface.

The R/T model comes with a V8 engine, a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on AWD models), xenon headlights, foglights and a rear spoiler (RWD models only). Inside there's automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a premium Alpine sound system with an 8.4-inch touch screen, voice control and satellite radio.

Highlights include 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels, a Super Track Pack that gets you high-performance brakes, suspension components and tires, a rear back-up camera, rear park assist and a sunroof. Inside, available options include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cup holders and power-adjustable pedals. Other options include adaptive cruise control with front collision warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, a Garmin-sourced navigation system with Sirius Travel Link service, and a nine-speaker Alpine surround-sound audio system.

The 2011 Dodge Charger's powertrain choices have been greatly simplified. SE models come with an all-new 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 292 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is offered for the V8-powered R/T.

Standard safety features for the Charger include electronic stability/traction control, antilock brakes, and side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, a driver-side knee airbag, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

The designers at Dodge have given the Charger's interior a classier feel by replacing many hard plastic surfaces with softer-touch materials.

It should come as no surprise that the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T is great fun to drive thanks to its 5.7-liter V8.