opinions on new Dodge charger

[AZ MM]

Personally not for me,looks ok and 390 ft lbs of torque is great.Bottom line is the Marauders are so great looking and I,ll be getting a Marauder soon .My Lightning will do fine for now. A perfect pair to drive a Marauder and a 03 Lightning with MANY MODS on both..:banana:

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Personally not for me,looks ok and 390 ft lbs of torque is great.Bottom line is the Marauders are so great looking and I,ll be getting a Marauder soon .My Lightning will do fine for now. A perfect pair to drive a Marauder and a 03 Lightning with MANY MODS on both..:banana:

The base Charger I am not crazy about but I like the SRT-8 version.

[QWK SVT]

Personally not for me,looks ok and 390 ft lbs of torque is great.Bottom line is the Marauders are so great looking and I,ll be getting a Marauder soon .My Lightning will do fine for now. A perfect pair to drive a Marauder and a 03 Lightning with MANY MODS on both..:banana:
OK - it's hard for me to get past the nameplate "CHARGER" and yet see those extra two doors. It's sacrilegious, really. But, I'll put that aside, and only speak of the car, itself...

I think the Charger is better looking than the 300C, or Magnum, but that wouldn't take much... Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the front end - it looks too much like the last generation Durango. It's starting to become easier on the eyes, though (did I really say that?)...

Gotta respect it's abilities in a straight line, though. Try turning corners with an MM, and the Charger will fall behind, quickly.

So, the Marauder wins the looks (in my mind) and handling prizes, while the Charger takes acceleration. The power deficit can easily be overcome, to give you it all, in one package :up:

[MarauderMark]

I think they tried to look like us but used the power we shouldv'e had..I like em..:up:

http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_03.jpg
http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_04.jpg
http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_06.jpg
http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_02.jpg
http://www-5.dodge.com/vehsuite/vimg/eal/eal_images/77/CC06_LXDP48_2DN_PXR_APA_XXX_XX X.jpg

[de minimus]

I saw one yesterday on the highway...real nice looking in the flesh. The rear view is a bit generic, the hood scoop is positioned too far forward but the line of the car over the rear wheels is nice. The Marauder is still tops for me but I'm glad someone is making a muscular rear wheel drive, V8, four door sedan.

[bigslim]

The base Charger I am not crazy about but I like the SRT-8 version.
My thoughts exactly!!!

[bigslim]

OK - it's hard for me to get past the nameplate "CHARGER" and yet see those extra two doors. It's sacrilegious, really. But, I'll put that aside, and only speak of the car, itself...

I think the Charger is better looking than the 300C, or Magnum, but that wouldn't take much... Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the front end - it looks too much like the last generation Durango. It's starting to become easier on the eyes, though (did I really say that?)...

Gotta respect it's abilities in a straight line, though. Try turning corners with an MM, and the Charger will fall behind, quickly.

So, the Marauder wins the looks (in my mind) and handling prizes, while the Charger takes acceleration. The power deficit can easily be overcome, to give you it all, in one package :up:
The earlier Marauders were two doors too.

[Fourth Horseman]

What's the sticker on one of those Charger SRT-8s?

[MarauderMark]

What's the sticker on one of those Charger SRT-8s?


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=18165&highlight=charger+srt-8

[RF Overlord]

It's better looking than the 300/Magnum (although that's not hard), and should have plenty of power. I like the fact that it's RWD. I'd buy one if there was nothing else (made by anyone other than DCX) that I liked better.

[hitchhiker]

I like the one pictured in black.

The MM is still better looking.

Regards,

David

:D

[Bradley G]

Look at the shot of the dash, left of the speedo, the little oil can spilling drips of oil.:D Is that Daimlers way, of preparing owners, for what's in store down the road? It looks pretty good, I do want to drive one.:burnout:
anyone got a feel for availibility?
I don't see myself buying one, at any juncture. Just curious.
Bradley G

[Shaft333]

Highly rated motor (V8 models). Successful platform.
The plainest looking of the LX cars. I don't think they are as cool as the Magnum, or as styled as eye catching as the 300C.

The V8's are going to be cherished cars a couple decades from now.

I think any of the LX's (V8 models only) are a worthy buy. Good looking cars. Original looking cars. I just think the Charger is most plainest of them all.

[Bradley G]

LX is the platform?

I agree the Charger is no where near as " eye catching " as the 300C, or Magnum.
Those at least, appear to have thier own identity.
The Charger looks like, parts of other cars/trucks blended together.
I am sure the motors are good, just a slighted opinion, having sold Chryslers for a long time.
The newness of the 300C has worn off now, the stubby front and rear overhang just doesn't sit well.
As far as; "The V8's are going to be cherished cars a couple decades from now." {QUOTE}
I'm not waiting that long, I cherish my MM everyday, since I got it!:P
Have fun today, Shaft333!
Bradley G

Highly rated motor (V8 models). Successful platform.
The plainest looking of the LX cars. I don't think they are as cool as the Magnum, or as styled as eye catching as the 300C.

The V8's are going to be cherished cars a couple decades from now.

I think any of the LX's (V8 models only) are a worthy buy. Good looking cars. Original looking cars. I just think the Charger is most plainest of them all.

[kartherma]

Took a close look at several Chargers yesterday.

I was bored and decided to drive to some Dodge dealerships yesterday.
I got a chance to take a pretty good look at the Charger R/T's. Each dealer had one there. (nobody had an SRT-8).

I am no genius about cars, but I got to look under one of them since it was inside. Underneath in the rear I saw a suspension that I was not accustomed to. The dealer tells me it is the mercedes 5-link? I dont know. But there are no axle tubes...the axles come out of the differential just like you see them coming out of a front wheel drive, boot and all. I felt the axle was particularly small compared to the numbers they state for HP/TQ.

There is not a Charger here they have not put 8-10K in markup on, all the 300's at the chrysler dealer are the same way. So the sticker on the RT says 32k if i rememer right, but add that 8K+ and you are paying nearly 40K plus taxes.

No thanks. It really doesnt do THAT much for me.
I like it at about 27K new so I can get in at 20K in a year or two.

On a side note, the dealers looked at my Marauder more than I looked at the Charger :D . One asked if I was going to trade this one in and all I could say was:nono:

be good guys.
curt

[CRUZTAKER]

There was a hemi charger r/t at dragway42 last friday.

It never ran better than 14.7 in the 1/4 mile.

It appeared to be a dog. With breakin and some mods, yes. But new and stock, not even worth a shot. I crush them N/A.

[shannon corkill]

Ford got it right with the new Mustang,

Dodge didn't get it right with the new "Charger". :mad2:

As a MOPAR guy, I am insulted with this new car. It doesn't look like a true Charger at all, they completely ignored the heritage of the Charger. They should have gone for a modern version of the 1968 and 1969 Charger, not redo a new 300. It's like this, what if Ford said we are bringing back the Mustang and it looked like the new Ford 500. I haven't met one MOPAR guy who likes the new car........ :mad2: :censor:

[duhtroll]

Exactly what I was going to say. I like the Charger also.

Not so much the front end, but every car has its deficiencies.

-A


The earlier Marauders were two doors too.

[Joe Walsh]

I noticed the 180 MPH speedo on the SRT-8......Yeah RIGHT!!

It will never get close to 180 MPH and in everyday driving you will be using 1/3 of the speedometer's range! :down:

At least Mercury got it right with a 140 MPH speedometer....If you peg it you are truly haulin' a$$ and best be on a track of some sort.

AND in everyday driving 70-75 MPH is straight up (dead center) on the speedometer....easy to read out at a glance. :up:

[ctrcbob]

Every time I hear the word "Dodge", I think of Al Bundy :puke:

[MarauderMark]

It looks like in the future dodge is comming out with there challange for the mustang and it will be called the challanger.



Dodge's "Mustang"

Watch out, Ford Mustang. Dodge is preparing a challenger. In fact, it's likely to be called Challenger.

Chrysler plans to resurrect a respected name from the pony car era for a rear-wheel-drive Mustang fighter, industry sources say. The car is expected in 2009 on the LX platform, the basis of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum and Charger.

"It is a two-door, essentially a competitor for the Mustang," says Catherine Madden, a production analyst for industry research group Global Insight. "They are really excited about it."

Chrysler hopes to sell 60,000 to 70,000 of the cars a year, she says.

Jim Hall, vice president of industry analysis at AutoPacific Inc., says he isn't sure Chrysler can pull it off. "They have a lot of stuff that has to be cleared off the table before they start playing around with that car," he says.

The redesigned 2005 Mustang has exceeded initial sales estimates. Ford expects to build 192,000 Mustangs this year, and most retail units are selling at a price near the sticker.

The 1970-74 Challenger was Dodge's answer to the original Mustang, as well as the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Mercury Cougar and AMC Javelin. And, yes, the original Challenger had a Hemi V-8.

[CRUZTAKER]

At least Mercury got it right with a 140 MPH speedometer....
....and achieved in 3rd gear with 4:10's as well. ;)

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Speed channel is having a test drive of the car right now. Looks fairly decent. I still like the SRT-8 version. :D They are reviewing an R/T version too. I would think that if Ford had the Marauder on a show like this, the sales would have been better. The host drivers get to push the car around on the track pretty hard. :burnout:

[hitchhiker]

Every time I hear the word "Dodge", I think of Al Bundy :puke:
"Family, it's time to show a little respect and

give thanks for the Dodge you were born in!"

:D

[modular46]

Ford got it right with the new Mustang,

Dodge didn't get it right with the new "Charger". :mad2:

As a MOPAR guy, I am insulted with this new car. It doesn't look like a true Charger at all, they completely ignored the heritage of the Charger. They should have gone for a modern version of the 1968 and 1969 Charger, not redo a new 300. It's like this, what if Ford said we are bringing back the Mustang and it looked like the new Ford 500. I haven't met one MOPAR guy who likes the new car........ :mad2: :censor:


Is the "Hemi" really a Hemi?

[CRUZTAKER]

"Family, it's time to show a little respect and

give thanks for the Dodge you were born in!"

:D
:laugh:

I miss the 80's....:P

[MENINBLK]

Personally not for me,looks ok and 390 ft lbs of torque is great.Bottom line is the Marauders are so great looking and I,ll be getting a Marauder soon .My Lightning will do fine for now. A perfect pair to drive a Marauder and a 03 Lightning with MANY MODS on both..:banana:

It still looks like a Mitsubishi Galant from the rear...

[David Morton]

Is the "Hemi" really a Hemi?Chrysler has the copywrite on the moniker "Hemi" but any resemblance to what we think of when we chidren of the 60s say "hemi" was lost in 60s. It's a marketing gimmick now.

The only advantage this modern "hemi" has on us is more cubic inches of displacement. Technology wise, we have 'em beat by a country mile with our DOHC 32V 4.6 liter modular engine.

And as far as the thread topic, my opinion of the Charger? One word...

...GAUDY. :puke:

[twolow]

Speed channel is having a test drive of the car right now. Looks fairly decent. I still like the SRT-8 version. :D They are reviewing an R/T version too. I would think that if Ford had the Marauder on a show like this, the sales would have been better. The host drivers get to push the car around on the track pretty hard. :burnout:
They did. Speed channel aired several 30 minute MM specials (paid for my Ford I'm sure) but no one has them on tape anywhere or online that I can find. Aired back in 2002.

[ADE 1000]

I noticed the 180 MPH speedo on the SRT-8......Yeah RIGHT!!

It will never get close to 180 MPH and in everyday driving you will be using 1/3 of the speedometer's range! :down:

:

The 300C SRT-8 supposidly does 173mph per the latest round of magazine articles. I see no reason why the Charger SRT-8 could not do the same. The 180mph speedometer seems most appropriate.

Despite the somewhat questionable styling, I think the LX cars are the best things to come out of Detroit in a long time. The SRT-8 models offering 425hp in a refined comfortable package for $40K are the deal of the century.

[Big House]

First it is a Dodge. Second, it looks like an over inflated intrepid from the rear and something like Igor form Frankinstein from the front. I love the SRT-8 seats...they look really nice, and the power is to die for but the looks are enough alone and fact that it is a dodge to leave on the lot were all the rest of them are.

[Bradley G]

HuH? :eek: :nono: :bows:
Bradley G
....and achieved in 3rd gear with 4:10's as well. ;)

[mrjones]

They did. Speed channel aired several 30 minute MM specials (paid for my Ford I'm sure) but no one has them on tape anywhere or online that I can find. Aired back in 2002.

The "Test Drive" episode with Tommy Kendall driving the MM is on the DVD that Mercury sent out in their original promo packet. You sometimes see the dvds on ebay.

Here ya go

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7982901476&category=34228&sspagename=WDVW

[mrjones]

[QUOTE=Big House]First it is a Dodge.

The looks are a subjective thing for anybody, but if you're ruling it out just because its a Dodge, you may be doing yourself a disservice. I just bought my wife an 05 Durango to replace her 98 Expedition, and it's an amazing vehicle. It drives, rides, and handles very well. It rides smoother and is quieter than my MM. Very composed, solid, and well built. I am impressed with this car.

[Matt Johnson]

At least they got the steering wheel right.

[Leadfoot281]

You know what "CHRYSLER" stands for? Corporate-Headquarters-Reccomends-You-Start-Learning-Engine-Repair!:P Don't believe me? Ask a Neon owner!

Just found this site. Bought my loaded Silver Birch MM 8/22/04 WITH 19,000 miles for $22,000.

Cool site! I'm a little dissapointed that any one here would have a single kind word for any Mopar though.

I assume you know that MOPAR means; Move-Over-People-Are-Racing!:P

[Rider90]

You know what "CHRYSLER" stands for? Corporate-Headquarters-Reccomends-You-Start-Learning-Engine-Repair!:P Don't believe me? Ask a Neon owner!

Just found this site. Bought my loaded Silver Birch MM 8/22/04 WITH 19,000 miles for $22,000.

Cool site! I'm a little dissapointed that any one here would have a single kind word for any Mopar though.

I assume you know that MOPAR means; Move-Over-People-Are-Racing!:P

lol..Welcome aboard Leadfoot, sounds like you'll fit right in.

[michael ward]

What's the sticker on one of those Charger SRT-8s? and what's with the ram badge on the trunk lid yukk!! i would say 38 to 40k..

[LimoMerc]

Likes:
It felt very solid and had a nice ride. With a bluetooth phone you can talk through the speaker system and even tell it what number to dial. Dual zone Auto climate control (driving with wifey would be so much more pleasent). Video entertainment System. Sirius Sat. Radio. AM/FM/Cass/6-disc CD w/MP3, 6 Boston Acoustics Spks w/subwoofer(rattle free) w/322-watt amp, traveler mini trip computer.

Wow, that list is kind of long:rolleyes: .


Dislikes: It's a Dodge, did I tell you I use to drive a tow truck? The interior is very plain and plastic and just does not make for a plessent surrounding to be in, oh and the dash is huge like in the new beatles, you could take a nap up on that thing. The auto stick was hard to figure out and seamed like if you bumped it you may inadvertanly downshift. Driving was somewhat cumbersome due to obstucked views, blind spot mirrors should come standard. The color choices aside from black are hiddious. It does not sound like it has a "HEMI". It does not look like it has a "HEMI" because there is this huge piece of plastic covering it and when I asked the salesman why they would do that he said it is to keep the engine clean:shake: , I could not bite my tounge and I said why if you can't see it and I thought that's what the hood was for:eek: . I think it looks buTugly and the wheel packages are ugly too. Oh hurray!!! there are more dislikes:D than likes.



P.S., I had a hard time trying to figure out if it was faster than my MM, it's 50/50 on that one for now.

[teamrope]

I assume you know that MOPAR means; Move-Over-People-Are-Racing!:P

I always thought it ment "Most Original Parts Alredy Replaced".

[teamrope]

Speed channel is having a test drive of the car right now. Looks fairly decent. I still like the SRT-8 version. :D They are reviewing an R/T version too. I would think that if Ford had the Marauder on a show like this, the sales would have been better. The host drivers get to push the car around on the track pretty hard. :burnout:

They Did. That is where I first herd of the Marauder. :)

Other than that, their maketing SUCKED!!!!!

[BK_GrandMarquis]

They Did. That is where I first herd of the Marauder. :)

Other than that, their maketing SUCKED!!!!!
I never saw the one on the Marauder. Would have been nice to watch though. :(

[bigslim]

The Speedvision show was part of a DVD that Ford sent to potential customers interested in the car.

[kurly]

The 300C SRT-8 supposidly does 173mph per the latest round of magazine articles. I see no reason why the Charger SRT-8 could not do the same. The 180mph speedometer seems most appropriate.

Despite the somewhat questionable styling, I think the LX cars are the best things to come out of Detroit in a long time. The SRT-8 models offering 425hp in a refined comfortable package for $40K are the deal of the century.

I agree. One of the LX's would make a great 2nd car!

[1stMerc]

Coming from owning a 72 Charger SE for 14 yrs and loving every inch of it. This new Charger does nothing for me in the looks department (2 or 4 doors) at least the black one. I've seen one every day since the Fourth of July and it has not grown anymore pleasing. The first time i saw a black Marauder (WTF is that) i wanted one instantly even in the other colors and the specs and "oh" test drive made it even more so. I applaud they're effort and the fact it's rear wheel drive and the numbers sound good, but afraid just can't get past the looks.
The Magnum looks darn good for a wagon and the gangster looking 300 have appeal.
The SRT-8 Charger will probably look a lot better with it's acrutriments.

Plus i think they will probably end up selling a lot of the base models and they will start popping up all over the place, coming down the street every five- ten minutes just like the Monte Carlo LS i traded for "THE BEAST". No thanks i'll stick to my MM's uniqueness.

My .02 worth and MHO

[bugsys03]

Took a close look at several Chargers yesterday.



I am no genius about cars, but I got to look under one of them since it was inside. Underneath in the rear I saw a suspension that I was not accustomed to. The dealer tells me it is the mercedes 5-link? I dont know. But there are no axle tubes...the axles come out of the differential just like you see them coming out of a front wheel drive, boot and all. I felt the axle was particularly small compared to the numbers they state for HP/TQ.

curt

That would be independent rear suspension.

[bugsys03]

So, the Marauder wins the looks (in my mind) and handling prizes, while the Charger takes acceleration. The power deficit can easily be overcome, to give you it all, in one package :up:


You have got to be kidding. No way our MM would outhandle this car :alone:

[mrjones]

You know, I think DC could've avoided all the controversy over the 4 doors by making the rears "supercab" style doors. Look at what Mazda did with the new RX8. Nobody has ever complained about that car not being true to its heritage for being a 4 door, and you still have much better access to the back seat.

[GreekGod]

Our (Panther) "look" will be considered Classic some day.This Pentastar is really nice and the instrument panel is superduper! The scoop looks like Mach 1 styling (circa 1967-1970?).
I think they tried to look like us but used the power we shouldv'e had..I like em..:up:

http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_03.jpg
http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_04.jpg
http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_06.jpg
http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_02.jpg
http://www-5.dodge.com/vehsuite/vimg/eal/eal_images/77/CC06_LXDP48_2DN_PXR_APA_XXX_XX X.jpg

[rocknrod]

Hot Rod magazine has this car painted like General Lee:P

[Johnman]

Our (Panther) "look" will be considered Classic some day.This Pentastar is really nice and the instrument panel is superduper! The scoop looks like Mach 1 styling (circa 1967-1970?).
The shape of the hood scoop looks to me much like the hood bulge (no opening) on the 73-74 Plymouth Roadrunner. I think it was retro-inspired.

[Glenn]

Fellows - the main thing that matters to me is that my modest mod MM can run at least a 14.00 1/4 mile compared to MT's 14.2 test of the Charger (which is hard to believe). I know I can out handle it and I can still get 20 mpg.

Glenn