1. Home
  2. Road Test
  3. So we got a 2011 Dodge Charger SE V6
So we got a 2011 Dodge Charger SE V6

So we got a 2011 Dodge Charger SE V6

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. May 13, 2011.


The Dodge Charger, one of the last American rear-wheel-drive sedan nameplates left in existence, has gone under the surgeon’s knife and come out the other side with few changes. Or so it seems. What you see here is a 2011 Dodge Charger SE, the one with the new 292 hp 3.6-litre V6. We’re possibly the first ones in the UAE, and possibly the GCC, to review one on local roads. And we are absolutely blown away by this car. Compared to the old one, this new model is from a different planet altogether.

You want aggressive front-end styling? Check. The Charger is angrier than ever. IT must be pissed off after starring in Fast Five.

You want others to look at you and your ego? Check. That 164-LED “racetrack” tail lamps will attract attention from miles away at night.

You want the feel of a premium Euro-luxury interior? Check. There are acres of soft-touch areas, on the dash, on the doors and even on the centre console. The next dumbass to say that Audi has the best interior would be lying, because the Dodge uses similar padding materials, and has less hard plastics than the Audi A5, at half the price!

You want spacious comfortable seats? Check. This Dodge has among the most adjustable driving positions, with a steering wheel that telescopes very far back. We believe the R/T gets sportier leather seating.

You want practicality? Check. Generous rear legroom, door pockets, a/c vents, padded doors and cup-holders. Only the tallest of people will complain of headroom back there.

You want cargo room? Check. The boot is sizeable, and will fit most needs. If you want more space, buy a 4×4.

You want other things? It’s all there too. Fuel economy, handling, acceleration, build quality and gadgetry are all pretty good for the most part. If you want even more, there are even juicier models higher up the model range, all much more affordable than equivalent European luxury cars. Indeed, this American car is now good enough to compete with the premium badges. The Charger is truly among the best cars in the world right now. The only reason to not buy this car is if you don’t like small side-mirrors and you desperately want paddle shifters. More in the full review.

About the author

Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

Previous article
2011 Middle East Motor Tuning Show: photo coverage
Next article
UAE Nissan dealer Arabian Automobiles opens 24-hour service centre

What do you think?

*

Comments

  1. You forgot to add one of the reasons why you would not buy this car:
    American Reliability… nuff said

    • Author

      I actually trust Chrysler more than GM and Ford actually. After all, I put my faith into a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee every day. I’ve also not come across any serious issues with the older 300C and Charger, so they will be on my future shopping list. Chrysler’s only issue has bee visual build quality, which seems to be absolutely perfect now. Unbelievable, I know.

    • Well BKJ….I’ve got some news for you….the world of automotive is changing

      The Koreans are beating the Japanese in almost all categories…whether it is styling, quality, features, gadgets, and yes, reliability

      The Americans are catching up with the Germans in luxury and technology…and as Mashfique said, in interior build quality too

      We need to be tolerant to new ideas, and seeing the world and people in their current state

    • Dude, I know the automotive industry is changing. My sister owns a Hyundai Tuscon. Great quality. What I’m saying is this, you can give people all the specs and technical info you want, but in the end, it has to live up to those specs.
      I mean its like in the computer world (sorry, I’m a bit of a pc geek), laptops tend to have these big numbers all over the screen, but in the end, it breaks down after 3-4 years.
      Most cars are the same nowadays. 300hp this, LSD that, but do they really work?

    • I agree with Zeyad; I am tired of so many supposed “enthusiasts” dissing American cars for no reason using the same old mantra of “no resale value”, and “American cars break down every few months” and worst of all “always go for a Toyota”.
      Just because a Chevrolet cavalier from 1996 broke down doesnt mean that all American cars today are unreliable. Ford is very good in quality and Dodge has improved as well; only some GM products seem to carry on the legacy of unreliable products.

    • I get what you mean BKJ…

      and that’s why Macs are better 😛

    • Yea, Mac gives u quality, but i think its for ppl who aren’t computer enthuiasts and just buy it cuz they have to get a laptop for work or college

    • Guyz!!!

      Lets not forget that both Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C are based on Mercedes E class platform, and even the new Durango, is based on the Mercedes GL platform!! They even mention (German Reliability and Technology) in their ads whenever they advertise for those cars!!

    • i’ve got a 2007 lumina ss n it has pissed on lot of german sports cars!! btw in past 5 years i’ve owned german, japanese n american car. lumina is my first american car though. gr888 car!!! neva let me down ever!! .. only thing i agree about american cars is if out of warranty the maintainance n parts can b expensive.. veryy expensive! 🙂 cheers to all this is my first day joining:P wssp!! 🙂

    • I would like to see how a dodge charger would fare on a long run with an owner here in the gcc.. The car is tempting but I still dont feel confident about reliability and running costs..

      Also ask yourself the question of why a certain car is built cheap.. Where did all the cost cutting go?

  2. When I look at the grill, there is a big cross!!!

  3. The interior of the basic SE is horrible; what were Dodge thinking sticking a 4 inch screen with a gaping hole below the screen?

    The rear LED lights look good, am searching now for a night time view as that is when they truly shine !

  4. So how much did dodge pay you to write
    “The Charger is truly among the best cars in the world right now.”
    Coffers must be overflowing….Welcome to middle east

    • Author

      Welcome to DriveArabia.com. Too bad you didn’t show up for the meet where I let everyone drive this exact car.

    • y are a moron…not welcome here at all.. 😀

    • Amer dude…It is indeed among the best cars in the world..I dont know how you define the word ‘Best’; but for sure this one kicks some a**es of a lot of the bigger and allegedly better boys in the game!..I have driven this and I am blown away too!

    • I’d say one of the most genuine cars out there but one of the best is just too much to say..

    • Those who have owned a Dodge Charger has a good review and are happy with it. My bro in law owns one, 2009 MY. Since he is a daily driver to AUH from DXB it has got 120,000KMs and still runs fine. Without having any issues till now.

    • If you ask me i’d have it over any of the overpriced and boring FWD Japanese saloons sold in the market for the same money…

  5. Charger need an unbiased review. This seems to focus only on the lighter side. Would be interesting to know about the options on this car too.

  6. Really like the new Charger…if dealer prices are reasonable, it could sell well.

    Saw one in the streets in Riyadh…One of the guys from Dodge was driving it

    But that rear light was simply dominating the streets 😀

  7. Sly boy,all the while …. the 130k v8 version deserves a test drive.

    Something tells me the prices are going to be jacked by 20 % at the least
    …..

  8. @ Asad – “More in the full review.” this is only a first look at the vehicle.

  9. Interested to know the price..it looks amazing in-out..

  10. Way to go. One of your best articles I have seen lately.

  11. But but according the Fast Five…the old charger is better!!! You all don’t know anything… 😛

  12. I was at the dealer last week and I asked about the prices. The R/T (V8) price is 140k – 150k. The fully loaded V6 price is 120k.

  13. Believe it or not, I registered for the Dodge’s Charger RT driving event in Dubai autodrom and I was invited for it, I will be driving the V8 version for 45 minutes there, I will give you the feedback of that later, the event will be on the 19th, 20th and 21st of May

  14. wow nice one, so the cr8 has got a rival the srt8 charger but the price is the best of all 120k for this great machine wow

  15. If i remember good enough, i recall reading a report saying about the American auto industry during the recession. The big 3 american auto co’s were failing (GM, Ford, Chrysler) and needed the US gov to bail out these companies. GM got bailed out by the US gov, started as a brand new corporate and issued fresh IPO’s without even changing a button in any of their cars, Ford managed to go ahead with out the bail out and said that they can manage with out it mainly because their car quality had increased which subsequently increased their world wide sales and also after selling off some famous brands to Tata motors etc. However Chrysler was not bailed out, they were in talks with Mahindra to sell off Jeep and possibly even dodge. However that did not work out. So now Chrysler have got a point to prove, and dont have the luxury of time to do it, else they will be wiped off from the market completely. So i completely agree with Mash’s comments on the Charger, as it is Chrysler’s absolute necessity that they come out with quality cars. Similar is the case with KIA/Hyundai, the Koreans need to make a point about their cars, due to which they are having great quality vehicles now. But Japanese on the other side were relaxed thinking that they have arrived, and i believe they have already started paying for being slack.

    I am actually looking forward to buying a Dodge Durango, hope that also is great car like the charger. I hope that there will be a review on the durango soon.

    • Nevertheless, the quality of Fords and Chryslers have witnessed a huge jump in the past 1/2 decade.. Chevrolet is still producing some embarrassingly cheap automobiles, the Camaro’s interior was a disgrace..

  16. @vivek

    I’m also going on 7:30, but on Friday, sad we are not going to meet, anyway, we will talk later about our experience and I may post on the forum on this regard.

    enjoy

  17. This is car is simply stunning one with great tail
    lights… Like to know about the dealer price in KSA.

  18. I went for the track test yesterday and i should say the Car is Mind blowing. It is A beast to ride and it handles exceptionally well. And I love the Dodge guys for the awesome track test and the Free movie passes too :D..Truly, The New Charger is a Machine worth driving!!

  19. Does this come with electronically folding side mirrors??? and wat abt front passenger seat – manual or electronic?? am talkin abt the V6

  20. Hello
    most important thing for DODGE in, at least, Saudi Arabia, is the spare parts availability and their pricing and expert technicians in open market, this is the only reason I am reluctant to buy DODGE otherwise, this car with 5.7lt HEMI engine, love to have and enjoy
    regards

  21. worth a look

  22. Hey guys….
    Well…this car is definitely one the most good looking cars out there & is truly a beast.I did visit the dealers last week in Dubai festival city showroom,the prices are as follows:-
    CHARGER V6
    BASE – 105,900 AED
    TOP SPEC – 120,000 AED(Which has all luxury option as R/T with exception of the 5.7l hemi)

    CHARGER V8
    BASE – 119000 AED
    MID-OPTION – 129000 AED
    TOP- SPEC – 145-149000 AED

    They also had a full options charger R/T with red leather interior(already sold to a very lucky customer).This model won’t be available in U.A.E unfortunately..

    I would definitely consider this car as it offers both performance & luxury …also a family car…the complete package!

    And mashfique,
    ur reviews are gr8!

  23. all,

    thank you so so much for your views on drive arabia.. especially mash.. i follow this site extremely closely for latest info on cars in GCC.. just test drove, and bought a Charger 3.5.. all i can say is that the car is “Awesome”.. if looks could kill and cars could fly (with d ability 2 accommodate 5 ppl), this car wud lead d pack.. worth every penny.. luv u all..

    Dear Mash, pls keep d forum alive with ur insights.. while d arguments r natural, ur feedback keeps d likes of me up to date.. and most of all, helps us make d right choice!!

  24. Hey Mash,

    Im in the market for V6 coupe or some V8 muscle. how would you compare the V6 with an accord coupe, and the V8 with a lumina SS?

    What is the interior spec of the base V8 like. I will go and have a look at this car. Too bad i missed your event with it.This car is desirable !!

    Thanks in advance.

    • Author

      This is a full-size car, so it is nowhere near as fast as a V6 Accord coupe. So go for the V8. Interior should be fine, but you’ll have to see that yourself.

  25. The only reason I am angry at this car is that the SE version has a teeny winny 4.3 screen. The full options is out of my budget and the SE version would have been perfect if only it had a proper screen and not such a small one with a weird looking cavity below it.

  26. @Musa: try going for some after market stuff that will fit the whole space.

  27. Hey All
    Im pretty too much into cars..specially charger..I’m planning to buy one ..but as im
    Too new to driving..I wanna know that is this car good fr new drivers..like very new drivers..the handling and all ? Please let me know ASAP ..thanks 🙂

    • Author

      It’s way too big for a new driver.

    • its not only about new or old driver.you should think about your physical size also. a 6 feet tall guy should not drive a yaris type box same a 5 feet 2/3 inch guy should not drive a charger..they just dont adjust each other.

      if you are tall, you can see around the vehicle if its a charger but if you short? you will feel like inside a jar 🙂

    • Buy what you like. I am also not that tall, my 4×4 is taller than me, and it hardly matters the seats are adjustable every way. I have no problems viewing anything, no accidents or blind spots issues for that matter. Same thing with yaris, i see big fat guys driving around the fast lane, their seats stretched all the way, you buy what you can afford. Big or small, if you earn 5000dhs you won’t buy a Landcrusier, neither will pay hefty taxi bills, nor stand in heat for buses, so may be a second hand Yaris will what you buy. Of course as a new driver, it would be idle to buy a second hand hatchback, mid size sedan at the most, practice, get experienced and then go for a new car.
      If you compare size of a man with vehicle then for an airplane you would require a gaint :). Driving is all about interest, capability, skills and passion. Some people are hooked to autosites, whether they have a car or not, others have the best cars of world, they would pay a damn attention to any websites or magazines review, they would buy what they like, dump it, buy again.

    • I think its not the matter of height hear. Its the matter of skills. I don’t think charger will be hard for a new driver. Just have to be careful about how much you step on the gas compared to the 1.6 ltr learners sunny. And make sure to be careful the first few months. I learned to drive in a 3 tons pickup.

  28. the tail lights looks like the lights of weeding…so chaos..

  29. did anyone buy the charger yet?
    would like to get some first hands-on feedback. gotta buy a new commuter too shortly..

  30. The V6-powered Charger seems sensible choice among this series,yet abrupt shifting response of 5-speed automatic equipped with the 2011 model is quite regrettable in my notion.
    Thus the newest 8-speed automatic would vastly improve her manner I do expect.
    As a whole,1/4 miles acceleration time of 14.6sec(in 2011 model with 5-speed AT!!),reported in several internet articles,indicates her commendable mechanical efficiency for a combination between 1.7-tonnes curb weight and 292bhp 3.6-litres unit,thus the new 8-speed box adds her a new forte,that’s what MOPAR fans do hope.

  31. The new Charger is one of the most reliable, muscular and affordable car out on the streets compared to its counterparts who charge double the price…..

  32. I don’t understand why people are saying that Japanese cars service costs are less than American Cars.

    Japanese Cars need service every 5000Kms with major service @ 20K, 40K etc. Amercian cars require service every 10,000 Kms and even if they charge double that of the Japanese, the service costs are still more or less same.

    And you have to pay double the price for a front wheel drive Japanese than a true drivers rer wheel drive car like the Charger.

Recent Comments

Browse categories

Browse archives

Share This