2009 Dodge Charger Review

2009 Dodge Charger - Dares to be different.

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If you're looking for a large four-door sedan with attractive, sporty and muscular styling, available V-8 power and plenty of available creature comforts, the 2009 Dodge Charger is your car.

Ever since the Charger returned to the Dodge lineup a few years ago, enthusiasts - and even police agencies - have become enamored with what the Charger has to offer.

Obviously, the Charger doesn't blend in. Charger doesn't look like the prototypical cookie-cutter sedan. Instead, the Charger is excitingly bold with coupe-inspired styling featuring a fastback design with a high beltline.

The 2009 Dodge Charger is available in SE, SXT, R/T and SRT8 trim levels. Just like its muscle-era heritage, Charger comes standard with rear-wheel drive. However, today's Charger (SXT and R/T only) comes available with a road-gripping all-wheel drive system.

My 2009 Dodge Charger SXT tester came with all-wheel drive and this system is now equipped with an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect.

According to Dodge, no other major manufacturer offers these two independent technologies together. The unique system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention.

When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle and opens the transfer case from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational mass.

This helps improve fuel economy slightly. Automatic all-wheel-drive operation may be activated by outside temperatures, wheel slip or by other predetermined conditions.

All-wheel-drive mode can also be manually selected by shifting the gear selector to auto stick mode or by activating the windshield wipers for an extended period of time. Dodge Charger all-wheel-drive models for 2009 come standard with electronic stability program, all-speed traction control and four-wheel antilock brake system.

While I didn't get to test this system out in the snow, it did rain during my weeklong test and I can tell you that my Charger's all-wheel drive system was remarkable, delivering sure-footed traction with seamless operation.

Also, you should know that the reardrive models with ESP are actually pretty good in snow. ESP is an option in the Charger SE but comes standard in all other trim levels.

There are four engines offered in the Charger. The SE is powered by a 178-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6. SXT models feature a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. R/T models feature a 368-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing. SRT8 models feature a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI V-8.

The 3.5-liter V-6 in my SXT tester provided good power for accelerating from a stop and for passing. However, Charger's V-6 engines aren't all that fuel efficient.

My tester with its 3.5-liter V-6 and AWD hardware was rated at only 17/23 mpg. If you can live with that, and like a roomy sedan with a solid "big car" feel, the Charger is friendly.

The Charger comes well equipped, too. Even the base SE trim features alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control and more.

Charger's cabin is comfortable and spacious, save for rear headroom due to the sloping design of the roof and rear glass. However, that's only an issue for tall rear seat passengers. Everyone will get pleasure from Charger's available entertainment systems.

Up front, I thoroughly enjoyed the MyGig radio that features a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Rear seat passengers will appreciate an available rear seat DVD video entertainment system.