The acid test for any rear-drive muscle car is how it looks standing still. The 2009 Dodge Charger passes with flying colors. Our ToRed (rhymes with torrid, get it?) tester, courtesy of Moss Motor Co. in South Pittsburg, looked like a cat ready to pounce. The snarling facia combines with the flared rear fender wells to give the car a look of pent-up forward momentum. Meanwhile, the gleaming red paint sets the whole package on fire — in a good way.

Even in mid trim, the Charger is a large, comfortable package. “It’s very well appointed and well equipped,” said Shawn Henson, Moss Motor Co. sales manager. “The rear seat is a 60-40 fold down for water skis and fishing poles.”

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: I eased behind the wheel of this retro-rocket not knowing what to expect from the Charger’s 3.5 liter V-6, mid-level power plant. (An optional 5.7 liter V8 is available for you tire burners out there.) The six-cylinder engine poured out power aplenty and even had a throaty rumble at idle befitting a Saturday-night cruiser. The Charger has available all-wheel drive, although you won’t see many AWD models in the South.

STYLING: Because of the Charger’s elevated belt line, visibility is a bit restricted. Still, the point of owning a Charger is for people to look at YOU. Outward visibility is not so important. Seventeen-inch wheels come standard on the Charger, with options available up to 20 inches. Heated leather seats are also available. Our test car came with monochromatic black interior, a look that is becoming more prevalent in modern performance cars. The look is either masculine or imposing, depending on your tastes.

BOTTOM LINE: With a base price of just over $25,000, the Charger packs a lot of bang for the buck. The four-door Charger is a large enough to be serviceable family sedan, while maintaining a performance personality.

(E-mail your questions about new vehicles to Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.)

Comments

Posted comments do not represent the opinions of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Profanities, slurs and libelous remarks are prohibited. To view complete guidelines for submitting content, comments and feedback, click here.

Quick Search for Cars

Your Stuff