History of the Dodge Charger
History of the Dodge Charger
Learn More from Gary Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!
The iconic Dodge Charger's history books take us back to 1966 when the American muscle car movement was getting into full swing. Since then, the Charger has become an icon among muscle car enthusiasts and instantly recognizable out on the roads. The Dodge brand has been a symbol of power and performance, and the Charger has been the perfect example of their dedication to those values. As Dodge brings the current Dodge Charger generation to a close after the 2023 model year, we'd like to take you on a walk down memory lane with a close look at the Dodge Charger's history books here at Gary Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Continue reading below to learn more!
First & Second Generation (1966-1968 & 1969-1970)
The Charger was introduced midway through the 1966 model year, bringing the intermediate-sized Chrysler B-body of the Dodge Coronet. While the original Charger shared a lot of similarities with the Coronet, the original Charger featured a fastback roof that was popular among Corvette and Mustang enthusiasts. In front, the Charger featured hidden headlights behind a full-width grille. Inside, the 1966 Charger had 'race-inspired' gauges. Four seats with a center console that extended into the rear was the interior seating layout. Underneath the hood sat a 5.2L V8 engine, while larger and more powerful engines up to the 7.0L V8 were available. A three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment, while a floor-mounted three-speed manual and an automatic transmission were optional. The second generation kicked off in 1968 and demand was high, with more than 96,000 models produced when only 35,000 were initially slated for production. Upgrades began at the front end, with an undivided grille, rounded taillights replacing the wall-to-wall taillight design of the first generation, and a newly available 3.7L slant-six engine. In 1969, the Dodge Charger Daytona was introduced and quickly became the car to beat in the stock car racing circuit.
Third & Fourth Generation (1971-1974 & 1975-1978)
Dodge introduced the Charger's third generation in 1971. Chrysler's B platform, the chassis used by the Charger, was modified for the 1971 model year to meet the government's new safety and emissions requirements. The 1971 Charger was available with six packages offering a variety of aesthetic changes, such as a ducktail spoiler, a semi-fastback rear window, and a split grille. Minor differences between the 1971-72 and 1973-74 Chargers were made, including enlarged and reshaped rear quarter windows and an upgraded grille with a new headlight design, while many of the same design notes were carried over. The Charger's increase in sales was mostly due to the temporary discontinuation of the Coronet two-door. Dodge kicked off the Charger's fourth generation for the 1975 model year, continuing as a B-body car. However, Dodge restyled it to shift the model into the rapidly expanding personal luxury car segment. The fourth generation continued until 1978, which is when Dodge introduced the Magnum.
Fifth Generation (1981-1987)
Halfway through the 1981 model year, the Charger returned as a front-wheel drive subcompact hatchback coupe with the option of a three-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. It was essentially a slightly larger model of the Dodge Omni 024. Under the hood, you could select either a 2.2L single overhead cam (SOHC) engine or a turbocharged variant of the same engine. In 1983, the Shelby Charger was introduced, with a turbo variant offered in 1984. Many of the same features were carried on until the 1987 model year, when production of the Charger came to a halt.
Sixth Generation (2006-2010)
After the 1987 model year, the Charger was discontinued and not reintroduced again until 2005 in preparation for the 2006 model year. Lasting through the 2010 model year, the Charger's sixth generation was a four-door sedan available in six variants: SE, SXT, R/T, R/T with Road/Track Performance Group, Police, and Daytona R/T. The entry-level SE trim featured a 2.7L V6 engine, while the rest of the lineup featured a 3.5L V6 engine. Until 2009, the R/T trim was the only model available with all-wheel drive before it was made available for the SE and SXT for the 2009 model year. The R/T added a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, while the SRT8 focused on performance with a 6.1L V8 with other performance upgrades. The SRT8 also offered standout features such as a unique grille, a special front fascia, rear spoiler, larger exhaust tips, heated seats, power-adjustable pedals, and more.
Seventh Generation (2011-2023)
The Dodge Charger's most recent generation is the seventh, which spanned from 2011 until the 2023 model year. Upgrades for the 2011 model year included new side scoops on the front and rear doors, a more aerodynamic overall shape, a new aggressive grille, and more angular headlights. However, the most notable upgrade was at the rear with a more modern LED wrap-around taillight design. The base model was upgraded to the Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine, offering 296 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous four-speed one, while the current eight-speed automatic transmission was introduced in the 2012 model year. The SRT8 wasn't available in 2011, while it returned again in 2012. The Super Bee was reintroduced in 2012 and later became known as the Scat Pack, featuring a 6.4L HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower, paddle shifters, Brembo brakes, and much more. Meanwhile, the supercharged Hellcat model was introduced in 2015. When Dodge announced the discontinuation of the Charger's seventh generation, they created the Last Call lineup of special editions, including the Super Bee, Swinger, and King Daytona, all featuring styling cues that honored the Charger's rich history.
Dodge Charger for Sale in Erie, PA
While Dodge has hinted at an eighth-generation Charger model, we're excited to say that you can still get a new Dodge Charger in Erie, Pennsylvania, here at Gary Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! To learn more about the Dodge Charger or to schedule a test drive, please use the contact form below to reach our sales team. Meanwhile, we invite you to browse our new inventory from the comfort of your own home while you're here on our website. We look forward to earning your business!
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Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.