Review: Dodge Charger R/T

Dodge Charger R/T

By Karl W. Ritzler

There aren’t many places to pass when driving between Dahlonega and Ellijay. And when they come along, you have to be quick to use them.
Thank goodness for the spirits of the Dukes of Hazzard and their 1969 Dodge Charger, the General Lee.
The test car was the new Charger R/T (That’s Dodge-speak for Road and Track.), and you could practically hear Bo and Luke Duke whoop it up when it was time to stomp on the gas, fly by a rickety pickup and get back in the right lane before the arrival of the oncoming traffic.
The 5.7-liter, 340-horsepower V-8 Hemi under the hood didn’t hurt any, either.
The new Charger is distant cousin of the ’69 muscle car. Despite concessions to fuel-efficiency and pollution requirements, it’s a close as you can get to a good ol’ muscle car these days. Based on the popular Chrysler 300 platform, the Charger looks lower, faster and, well, more country.
It’s made the car show tours in General Lee orange. All it needs is that musical horn, and you can imagine fishtailing around the dirt roads of Hazzard County just ahead of Sheriff Coltrane and Boss Hogg.
The 2009 model is little changed from the ’08 test car.
There’s no mistaking the rumble of the Hemi. It’s the sound effects for the aggressive look to the car. The image is confident and strong – just what you’d expect for a muscle car.
Just remember that gas doesn’t cost 50 cents a gallon anymore. The Charger drinks it thirstily, 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. And the EPA doesn’t test for aggressive driving, jumping creeks or fleeing sheriffs.
A five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick is standard. The Charger is available in rear- or all-wheel drive. Expect to pay about $2,000 more for AWD.
Even in North Georgia, the test vehicle with the chrome word “Hemi” and Michigan tags was a ticket waiting to happen. Good thing the coast was clear when that burst of acceleration was needed.
You don’t need to divert your attention from the road to drive the Charger, either. The tachometer and speedometer are centered in front of the driver, with the compass direction, radio station and outside temperature conveniently displayed right below.
The controls are straightforward. The car doesn’t overflow with gimmicky convenience or technology goodies – you get what you need.
The seating in front is comfortable without being cushy. And the back seat is more than adequate for adults with more legroom than you find in some competitors. The low roofline, however, means headroom isn’t all that generous. There are audio plugs and climate controls in back and grab bars to help passengers get out.
Up front, the climate controls are easy to use, but the navigation screen is smaller than the ones found in many vehicles. Cupholders are just OK.
Luggage capacity is an acceptable 16.2 cubic feet, expandable by folding down the rear seats.
Base price for the ’09 is $31,860, up about $1,000 from the test car. For that, standard equipment includes leather-trimmed seats, four-wheel performance antilock brakes, traction and stability control, performance dual exhaust with chrome tips, power everything, heated front seats, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Options in the test vehicle were the red paint ($225); a package with upgraded audio system and illuminated cupholders ($2,100); a package with supplemental air bags and run-flat tires ($1,185); power sunroof ($950); navigation system ($890); high-intensity headlights ($695); and rear entertainment system ($1,595). With the $700 delivery charge, the test vehicle’s sticker totaled $39,095.

Buy this car if: You want a modern American muscle car.
Not for you if: You want to look and act like a grown-up.
Look at me factor: The face of a muscle car and the engine rumble to go with it.
Competitors: Ford Mustang, Ford Shelby GT500, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac G8
What others are saying:
“This one's a keeper. Please don't paint a Confederate flag on its roof.” – Car & Driver
“Dodge Charger R/T delivers grins and giggles in equal measure for enthusiasts who appreciate driving as well as the extra utility of its four-door sedan body style.” -- Edmunds.com
“The Charger is fun to drive and enjoyable for just cruising along.” – NewCarTestDrive.com