2007 Dodge Charger RT RWD with Hemi power (684)

General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 72%. Engine Mexico, Transmission from Germany.
Assembly – Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Class: – Large Cars
Cars: – Avenger, Caliber, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Magnum,
Nitro, Ram 15, 25 & 3500, Sprinter Van and Wagon & Viper.

“An Automotive Love Affair”
By Joseph Mavilia 2007 Dodge Charger RT RWD with Hemi power.

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2007 Dodge Charger RT rear wheel drive with
Hemi powered awesome performance. It is a retro car reminiscent of the
muscle cars of the past. It will surely be a hit with nostalgia buffs and
the young car buyers are excited about this tough and great looking sedan.
Son Mike is impressed and says “Dad, should I buy the Charger or Sister
Jenny’s used Acura TL with 70,000 miles on it”.

Boy that’s a tough one Mike. In all honesty I had to say spend $18 grand for
the used Acura rather than pay $35,000 plus for the new Dodge. Friend Merkel
who used to be an engineer for Chrysler agreed. Mike’s wife Lindsey
disagreed and thought the Charger would be the better choice. Mike still has
his first car, a 1967 Camaro, so I know the Charger is more exciting to a
young man. You know – macho kind of car and a guy thing.

Handling & Performance:

Awesome power and it handles well. Standard is a 3.5 liter 250-horsepower V6
or the 5.7-liter 340-horsepower HEMI and finally the 6.1-liter
425-horsepower HEMI.

Styling:

Retro back to the 1960s but very much today and 4 doors that are now
acceptable, even in a muscle car. Remember when kids wouldn’t think of
owning a 4-door because it was what our parents drove – not a cool kid car.
I guess the youth of today is much more grounded than we were. Or is it the
4-doors of today are better designed? Fact is today’s car buyer wants 4-door
utility to go along with strong acceleration and a sporty ride and handling,
according to Dodge marketing, that is.

Fit and Finish:

Very good attention to detail and it earns an 8 out of 10 for me.

Cost:

In this class the prices range widely and for a family sedan that has some
pizzazz the competition is still rather stiff.

Conveniences and comfort:

Well endowed, but of course no free lunch here. It is at the higher end of
the price schedule in spite of the heavy list of features.

Consumer Recommendation:

Charger is definitely youth oriented in all respects. I like the Cad CTS for
a bit more money but there is something for everyone in this class. 65% of
buyers are expected to be Male – 40-59 with $75,000 median annual income,
and 75% of those are expected to have older children.

Recognized Competition:

Dodge Charger $20-34,000, Toyota Camry $19-21,000, Nissan Maxima $23-24,000,
Cadillac CTS $28-40,000, Ford Five Hundred $18-21,000, Honda Accord
$17-22,000, Infiniti M $37-48,000, Mazda 6 $17-20,000, Chrysler 300
$21-37,000, Lexus GS $40-47,000, Hyundai Sonata $14-15,000.

Good News:

Very nice styling, roomy, powerful, good handling and fun to drive.

Bad News:

Questionable quality issues cited by some colleagues, not paying attention
to the “Green” movement for better fuel economy, high trunk opening.

Standard Equipment:

5.7 liter 340 hp HEMI Multi displacement V8 engine, 5-speed automatic trans
with Autostick, performance exhaust, 18″ aluminum wheels, touring
suspension, power rack and Pinion steering, multistage air bags, 4-wheel ABS
disc brakes, traction control, electronic Stability Program, Power
adjustable pedals, rear window defroster, halogen headlights, fog lights,
power accessory delay, leather seating, 8-way power driver seat, lumbar
support front seats, rear 60/40 folding seat, air conditioning, tilt /
Telescopic steering column, keyless entry, power windows and speed sensitive
power locks, SIRIUS Satellite radio with one year service, stereo with CD
player and 6 Boston acoustics speakers, theft deterrent, illuminated vanity
mirror visors, power heated mirrors.
Optional: auto headlights, dual zone auto temp control, power – heated front
seats ($1,006), DVD based GPS navigation system w/ 6 CD/MP3 changer
($1,895), Hands free communication and auto dimming mirror ($360), Chrome
aluminum wheels ($625).

Gas Stats:

$3.28/ Gal avg. January 9, ’08
www.fueleconomy.gov <http://www.fueleconomy.gov>
for more information.

17 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $30,515 – With options noted above $35,075.