The 2011 Dodge Charger ranks 3 out of 4 Muscle Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 9 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Charger, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. Please check back soon for our full review.
Power and interior accommodations have improved on the 2011 Dodge Charger, making it an exciting alternative to affordable large cars. Kelley Blue Book agrees, “Combining muscle car performance with family sedan functionality, the 2011 Dodge Charger is the perfect choice for the driving enthusiast who also requires four doors.”
The redesigned Dodge Charger benefits from a number of upgrades for the 2011 model year. New sheetmetal pays tribute to the Chargers of the late 60s, and reviewers note the use of higher quality materials inside the cabin. Standard features now include interior tech such as USB connectivity and Dodge’s Uconnect touch-screen infotainment system. On the road, suspension and power steering improvements, as well as a new base engine, all work to make the Charger a more competent performer.
Despite these improvements, the automotive press still has a few bones to pick with the redesigned Charger. Reviewers generally dislike the Charger’s five-speed automatic gearbox, which is the only transmission available. They say it’s sluggish, and has difficulty finding the right gear for the task at hand. The Charger’s steering also loses points, as some reviewers say that it’s too light and lacks the feel they’d want from a performance-oriented car.
In addition to the steering and transmission woes, some reviewers are quick to point out that the Charger’s back seat may leave tall passengers wanting more headroom. However, they also say that the interior is quite roomy, and the back seat is comfortable for adults under six feet tall. That said, the Charger offers a level of comfort not seen in most muscle cars.
In the end, the Charger is all about compromises. If you need affordable large car practicality, but want muscle car performance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a car that walks the line better than the Charger.
Other Cars to Consider
The 2011 Charger poses an interesting option to consumers, straddling the line between muscle cars and affordable large cars. Muscle car shoppers who don’t need the Charger’s extra interior space should check out the Chevrolet Camaro. Starting at about $23,500, the base Camaro is more powerful and nimble than the Charger, but it’s also less expensive and gets better fuel economy. Still, the back seat of the Camaro isn’t the most comfortable place to be, so if you frequently have passengers, the Charger is likely the better choice.
But if muscle isn’t at the forefront of your needs, an affordable large car like the Ford Taurus might be worth considering. The Taurus starts around $25,400, offering a comfortable interior, slightly better fuel economy and more trunk space. The Taurus isn’t rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available, and the high-performance SHO trim will definitely give V8-powered Chargers a run for their money on the street. The Taurus also gets the nod for its interior tech, stylish design and balanced ride – just a few of the reasons why we named it the 2011 Best Family Sedan for the Money.
Dodge Charger: The Details
The 2011 Dodge Charger was redesigned for 2011 and comes in two trims. The base SE trim starts at about $25,200 and includes 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, push button start and a six-speaker CD stereo that includes a 4.3-inch touch-screen, USB/iPod connection and auxiliary input. A new, more powerful 3.6-liter V6 is under the hood of the Challenger SE, and power goes to the rear-wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.
If you want V8 power in your 2011 Charger, the R/T trim will fit the bill, and cost you about $30,200. R/T models include all of the features available on the SE, but also add fog lights, automatic dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and an Alpine stereo system that features Bluetooth, a larger, 8.4-inch touch-screen and satellite radio. All-wheel drive is available on the Charger R/T for about $2,200 more.
- "With the 2011 updates, Dodge has polished the Charger that can compete on far more than the fact that it’s a rare rear-wheel-drive car in a front-wheel-drive segment. The interior refinements and ride improvements allow the Charger to easily stand up to the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Taurus." -- Automobile Magazine
- "It has a more refined ride than its predecessor, and its handling is honest and secure. Its cabin has finally made the leap from the 1990s and offers both quality materials and the modern technology you expect in this price range." -- Edmunds
- "Compared with the 2010 BMW 550i tested in our last issue, not only do the two 4-doors weigh exactly the same, the Charger’s performance numbers are in the same league as the 5 Series, all for $30K less. If you’re looking (Far) East, the Infiniti M56 has performance numbers trumping both of these, but still rings up dollar signs on par with the Bimmer. Taking those financial facts into consideration, this makes the uniquely American Charger a sweet compromise for those of us living with hypotheticals." -- Road and Track
- "Even though I think a rear-wheel-drive-based car like the Charger should offer livelier handling, I commend Dodge for sticking with the drivetrain layout and the available V-8, as well as upping the car's already aggressive styling." -- Cars.com
- "Even with four doors, it remains a singularly American automotive manifestation. If Bo and Luke were looking to do another series, the 2011 Charger is definitely a car they'd do well to consider. Yee-haw." -- Autoblog
Charger Performance - 7.8 (Good)
A new, more powerful V6, improved steering and tighter suspension make the 2011 Charger SE a better performer than the 2010 model. Despite these improvements, the Charger falls short with a transmission that reviewers don’t like. Road and Track says, “Fumbling for the right gear at full throttle with the 5-speed automatic transmission (the only gearbox available) can be a bit cumbersome.” Read More
Charger Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
Redesigned for 2011, the Dodge Charger sports new sheetmetal and wide taillights that pay homage to its late-60’s namesake. Reviewers generally like the updates. “The overall look avoids slavishly copying the past. If you want retro, buy a Challenger,” says Car and Driver. “The new car wears just enough vintage armor to satisfy the Charger gods, even if it still has two extra doors.” Read More
Charger Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2011 Dodge Charger benefits from a redesigned interior that reviewers like. It’s roomy, and offers standard tech that includes a touch-screen display and USB connection. “Put simply, the interior now delivers exactly what the Charger should have offered five years ago,” writes Automobile Magazine. The seating is also quite accommodating, although reviewers note that taller back seat passengers may want more headroom. Read More
Charger Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
IIHS named the 2011 Dodge Charger a “Top Safety Pick” for its standard electronic stability control and top scores of “Good” in all crash tests. Read More
Charger Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2011 Dodge Charger reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All new 2011 Dodge Chargers come with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.
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