To all the haters, put the name aside for a moment. Forget it's called the Charger. Just consider it as a sedan put out by Dodge.
I wanted to test a V-6 SE version, as that will probably be what I will buy in a couple years, but, they only had a R/T. However, they will be getting a V-6 SXT in 2-3 weeks, which I will drive when it arrives.
First off, the interior. Leather. Comfy. Huge. All the controls were in easy reach, except for the rear view mirror, which seemed too far foreward imho. Also, the doors are a little bit taller than I like, making it a pain in the ass to hang your arm out the window. I don't really like the zigzag setup of the autostick, either. If it's an auto, I prefer it to just shift straightline. However, it was a nice, comfy interior. Certainly something I wouldn't mind driving in every day.
There was a definate hesitation during hard acceleration, which I did not like. However, once all 8 cylinders kicked it, you could feel that the car had some balls. The salesmen would not let me take it to the nearby highway, so I didn't get to truly open it up, which I was disappointed in. I was also disappointed in the exhaust note. I felt that it should be deaper, more menacing... However, it sounds alot better than most new cars. It had a tight turning radius for a car it's size, and, excellent stopping power.
Now, it's nearest competitors (not counting the other LX cars) are the Ford 500 (FWD, underpowered), the Pontiac Bonneville (Nice power, but, still is FWD), and the Caddilac line (More luxurious, similar powered, but, more expensive). I believe that this car is the best bang for the buck if you are looking for a powerful, luxurious 4 door sedan. It's a tad cheaper than the 300, with very similar performance. The closest competition for the LX sedans, imho, is the Pontiac Bonneville. The only thing that kills that car (performance wise, at least) is the FWD.
All in all, for what it is supposed to be, it is a damn fine car. Not without it's flaws, but, all cars have flaws.
I look foreward to see how the V-6 lives up to its bigger brother....
Topic: Test drove a HEMI Charger today *unbiased review* (Read 1994 times)
