Rented a base model 2011 Dodge Charger SE this weekend. Holy cow, I have a new favorite full-size car, and I think I prefer it over the Ford Taurus (though the Taurus has some advantages which I will discuss shortly). I used to avoid the Dodge Chargers on the ES like the plague, but I'd be happy to rent one in the future. The manager told me that I just missed a bright orange uplevel trim Dodge Charger Ralleye Plus model, rats! But no matter, the base Charger is quite good.


Front View: The differences start on the exterior. The front features a larger but more tastefully designed snout (HID low beam lamps available on upper trims). The A-pillar is thinner, and the driver has pretty good visibility. There is some difficulty seeing over the massive hood of the Charger however.

The flanks of the Charger have deep strakes, and they help to break up the rather large side profile. Also gives the Charger a sportier appearance.


Rear View: The rear of the new Charger is one of the best parts of the new Charger. On the old Charger, the rear seemed like an ugly after-thought. On the new Charger, it looks brilliant! I love the rear LED tail lights which are reminiscent of those on the Challenger. Very distinctive. The entire rear brake light turns on (in the picture, headlights not on, so only a portion of brake lights are on).

The rear dual stainless tail pipes look great, and further differentiate the Charger from regular "family" sedans. The pipes are standard on all models.


Interior: The interior is impressive; generations better than the old craptastic Charger, and better than that of the Taurus. Standard on even the base Charger model, is a 4.3" touchscreen using Chrysler's U-Connect technology. While U-Connect isn't as advanced as Ford's Sync, it offers basic connectivity, as well as a USB jack!

The steering wheel does not telescope on the base model; only offers tilting. The driver's instrumentation cluster is very easy to read, legible, and functional. The doors feature super-padded leather arm rests, which are quite comfortable.

The base radio was oddly very scratchy sounding, which is unfortunate.


Overall Driving Thoughts: The 2011 Charger comes equipped with the new corporate 3.6L 292hp engine that Chrysler is adding thoughout its fleet. It's a great engine, and enables the Charger to do 0-60 in 7.3 seconds or so. The 2011 Chrysler 300 is equipped with the same engine, and does 0-60 in about the same amount of time too. Braking is on the soft side, and I would've preferred a stiffer response. NVH insulation is excellent, and the Charger is quiet.

PROS:

- Driver's instrumentation cluster.
- Standard 4.3" touchscreen, even on base model.
- U-connect, while not quite as good as Sync, is very easy to use, especially for reprogramming radio stations.
- U-connect features USB input!
- HVAC/radio buttons easy to use.
- Great linear acceleration from standard 292 hp V-6.
- Interior so much better than last generation, and class competitive.
- Great super-padded arm rest.
- Comes with standard auto-headlights. A lot of cars I've rented recently don't have autolamps as standard!

Some gripes though, which the Taurus does better.

CONS:

- Lack of side bolstering on seats, which felt flat as a park bench.
- Huge and deep dashboard; couldn't they have made it smaller and given passengers more interior room instead?
- Brake feel could be stiffer.
- Handling is too soggy, and spongy on the base model.
- Still a large car, feels ponderous at times.
- Only 5-speed transmission presently.
- Sideview mirrors on the smaller side.
- Base sound system was scratchy sounding.
- Remote keyless entry door mounted system was quirky, and worked poorly/irregularly.


Conclusion: A really fantastic and significant re-design of the Charger. The Taurus has better seats, braking feel, and slightly stiffer handling, but both cars are pretty porky. The Charger felt ponderous at times.

If I drive an uplevel Ralleye Plus Charger, I imagine it would fare better against the Taurus. The Ralleye Plus features better seats, and an improved suspension, and stereo system.