Dodge Charger - The Big American Muscle Car

The Dodge Charger is the epitome of the American muscle car. It's big, it's loud, it's fast. The original Charger was sold from 1966 until 1978. It was revived as a front wheel drive compact car in the 1980's, and then again as a return to its roots in 2006. Let's just forget that the 80's L-body Charger and focus on the original muscle car and the new revision.

Among the engine options on the first Charger in 1966 were a 383 cubic inch 4-barrel and a 426 Hemi. Although the majority were ordered with the 383, the Hemi engine is obviously more popular with collectors today.

The 1968 Dodge Charger was my favorite. The car was restyled to give it a more menacing look and separate it from Dodge Coronet, which looked similar to the Charger in 1966 and 1967. The 1968 model got side styling that reminded many of a coke bottle. The rear taillights were changed from full length to smaller red circular lights similar to those on the Corvette. The R/T performance option was also added this year. The car came with a 440 Magnum engine. The 383 and 426 Hemi were still available in this year, along with a weaker V8 and a much weaker slant 6 engine.

To see the 1968 Dodge Charger in action, rent the movie "Bullitt." It features a triple-black 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. It has been said that the particular Charger used for that movie was very durable racing through the hilly streets of San Francisco. The hero's car, a Ford Mustang, encountered many suspension problems during filming. A Dodge Charger named The General Lee also starred in the popular 70's TV show The Dukes of Hazzard.

The Charger and Coronet slowly merged back together through the 1970's. These Chargers also got weaker each year due to changing tastes and the fuel crisis

The new Dodge Charger is based off the same LX platform as the Chrysler 300 with some borrowed parts from the Mercedes E-Class. Engine options include the 5.7L and 6.1L Hemi V8. Some car enthusiasts were disappointed that the new Charger is a 4-door sedan. All of the originals were 2-door coupes, despite the large size. To give consumers a taste of that original Charger spirit, Dodge introduced a Charger Daytona R/T along with a Super Bee version in 2007. Both are limited editions.