National - 2012 Dodge Charger SE Ride Report/Review

http://carrentingreviews.com/2012/03/23/2012-dodge-charger-se/

FCAR
18/27

Technically for fleet vehicles, 2012 Charger = 2011 Charger. While 2012 Chargers gain the option of an 8-speed transmission, that option isn't available on the SE base trim levels that National is sticking to.

Interestingly, a lot of 2012 Chrysler 300s in National service are also disappointingly sticking with 5-speed transmissions.

Nice review, and nice Orange Charger! I'm a big fan of ostentatious colors, which is a rarity in the rental world.

I'm just thrilled that there's one less FCAR to loathe driving. The only cars I'll go miles to avoid are the Impala and Sonata.

Interestingly, a lot of 2012 Chrysler 300s in National service are also disappointingly sticking with 5-speed transmissions.

I'm curious if this is actually Chrysler's decision -- the website won't let you configure a V6 model with the 5-speed. Occasionally automakers will build a bunch of vehicles to a spec then decide not to market it for various reasons; those cars typically go to fleets. (Or occasionally to employees -- we ended up with one of those weird combinations in the family for a while in the '90s.)

I'm curious if this is actually Chrysler's decision -- the website won't let you configure a V6 model with the 5-speed. Occasionally automakers will build a bunch of vehicles to a spec then decide not to market it for various reasons; those cars typically go to fleets. (Or occasionally to employees -- we ended up with one of those weird combinations in the family for a while in the '90s.)

I'm looking at a fleet guide, and Chrysler has specifically retained the 5-speed as an option for fleet vehicles. :)

I'm looking at a fleet guide, and Chrysler has specifically retained the 5-speed as an option for fleet vehicles. :)

Not surprising, I suppose, given the $1k cost. Hopefully it'll be gone next year.

I will say, I wish I could get the shifter from the 5 speed on the ZF model -- the wacky PRNDL joystick drives me crazy. (Particularly having to push the button to shift from R to D -- typical shifters either will pull back to D without a button press, or won't move at all.)