While some manufacturers can do no right, others can do no wrong, and
Chrysler seems to be the latter right now. The 300 sedan is as hot as
four-alarm chili, and the word HEMI has people genuflecting. The only
thing left to do was bring back a hot rod called Charger. The 2006
Dodge Charger is poised to take the market by storm. There are six
flavors (SE, SXT, R/T, Road and Track Performance Package, and Daytona
R/T), ranging from $22,995 to $32,495.
If you're going to recycle a name, be it for a car or a can of soup,
it better taste as close to the original as possible. You can stick on
a new label or completely redesign the exterior, but if the essence
isn't there, be prepared to be served a heaping helping of grief.
Luckily for Dodge, the new 2006 Charger not only is as tasty as the
original, but also has some new ingredients that will help it become a
staple in a lot of American (and Canadian) homes. The biggest
difference between old and new is the addition of rear doors. Some
purists may lament the coupe-to-sedan morph, but four doors sell
better, and ya gotta go with the flow. The look is consummately Dodge,
with the large crosshair grille, an aggressive front end with headlamp
"eyes" that look a bit sinister, and a long hood that hints at the
power underneath. The strongest point on the vehicle is the rear
quarter panel, which gives the appearance of a powerful animal's rear
haunch. Even the decklid with the integrated rear spoiler that carries
the line from the side is a nice element. The whole look of the
Charger is effective, memorable, and polarizing. Some love it; some
don't. But at least it doesn't look like every other sedan in the
segment.
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