From its stylish beginnings as a coupe to its later role as a symbol of American muscle, the Charger has always been popular with Enthusiasts and collectors.
The first-generation Dodge Charger, introduced in 1966, was positioned to bridge the gap between the Ford Mustang and Thunderbird, targeting the emerging "personal luxury" car market segment. This unique positioning set the Charger apart from other muscle cars of the time, emphasizing its upscale features and luxurious appeal.
Over the years, the Dodge Charger has experienced fluctuations in its fortunes, responding to evolving market demands and regulatory requirements. Its appearance in classic Hollywood movies, such as "Bullitt" and "The Dukes of Hazzard," and its association with the muscle car era has solidified its reputation and contributed to its iconic status in automotive history.
Today, the Dodge Charger continues to capture the essence of American muscle cars, blending performance, style, and modern technology. While the retirement of the Hemi V8 engines marks the end of a chapter, it also signifies an exciting new direction for the Dodge Charger. Enthusiasts and fans of the Charger can anticipate the arrival of new powertrain options that will continue to deliver the performance and excitement that has come to define this iconic American muscle car.
The Dodge Charger was introduced in 1966 as a fastback coupe.
It featured a sleek and aggressive design characterized by a long hood, hidden headlights, and a full-width front grille.
The first-generation Charger aimed to fill the gap between the Ford Mustang and the Thunderbird, targeting the "personal luxury" car market.
Despite its stylish appearance and available V8 engines, initial sales were modest, leading to a short production run.
The second-generation Charger debuted in 1968 and became an iconic representation of the muscle car era.
It featured a more muscular and aerodynamic design, with Coke bottle styling, a divided front grille, and rear fender bulges.
The Charger R/T (Road/Track) and Charger Daytona models achieved significant fame, particularly in NASCAR racing.
This generation is highly regarded for its powerful engine options, including the legendary 426 HEMI V8.
The second-generation Charger gained widespread recognition and popularity, thanks to its appearances in various films and TV shows.
The third-generation Charger underwent a redesign in 1971, adopting a more squared-off and streamlined look.
It showcased a distinct split front grille and offered various trim levels, including the Charger SE (Special Edition) and Charger Super Bee.
Engine choices ranged from small-block V8s to high-performance big-block engines.
Shifting market demands, tightening emissions regulations, and rising fuel prices contributed to declining performance and sales during this era.
The fourth-generation Charger, introduced in 1975, underwent another significant design transformation.
It adopted a more formal and boxy style, targeting the personal luxury coupe market segment.
The focus shifted from performance to comfort and luxury amenities.
The fourth-generation Charger received mixed reactions, but it catered to buyers seeking a more refined driving experience.
After a brief hiatus, the fifth-generation Dodge Charger, introduced in 1982, marked a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of design, size, and performance.
During this era, the automotive industry faced the impact of the 1970s oil crisis and increased competition from Japanese car manufacturers.
The fifth-generation Charger was a front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback, built on the Chrysler L-platform, which it shared with other vehicles like the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon.
It was a smaller and more fuel-efficient car compared to the previous Charger models, reflecting the changing market demands for smaller, more economical vehicles.
The fifth-generation Charger did not carry on the legacy of its predecessors in terms of performance or size. It represented a different approach to meet the challenges of the era.
Despite its departure from the muscle car image, the fifth-generation Charger had a longer production life compared to previous generations.
However, after the discontinuation of the fifth-generation model in 1987, the Charger nameplate entered a period of dormancy that lasted for the next 19 years.
During this dormant period, the Charger name was not used for any new models. It wasn't until 2006 that Dodge revived the Charger name with a new generation that returned to its muscle car roots. This new generation reignited the Charger's legacy as a powerful and performance-oriented vehicle.
The Charger made a triumphant comeback in 2006, this time as a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan.
It revived the muscular styling cues of its earlier generations, featuring a powerful stance, aggressive lines, and a modern interpretation of the front grille.
The sixth-generation Charger reestablished itself as a performance-oriented vehicle, offering V6 and V8 engine options.
Special editions such as the Charger SRT8 showcased extreme performance, solidifying the Charger's reputation as a muscle car.
The current-generation Charger was introduced in 2011 and continues the Charger's legacy.
It features a more refined and contemporary design, with updates in styling elements such as the front grille and lighting.
The seventh-generation Charger offers a range of engine choices, from V6 engines to high-performance V8s, catering to various performance preferences.
It is a full-size four-door sedan combining power, comfort, and practicality.
Dodge announced that the Hemi V8 Charger models, including the 5.7L, 6.4L, and 6.2L engines, will be retired at the end of the 2023 model year. This means that the current generation of Hemi V8-powered Chargers will be the last to feature these engines. It signifies a significant shift in the powertrain options for future Charger models. Dodge may introduce new powertrain options or configurations to meet changing market demands and regulations.
Throughout its history, the Dodge Charger has gone through ups and downs, adapting to changing market demands and regulations. Its association with classic Hollywood movies and its transformation into a representative of the muscle car era have contributed to its enduring popularity and status as an automotive icon.
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
