Brian Chee’s Advice about the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8:
With a superb Hemi engine, a capably refined five-speed automatic transmission and a retooled suspension – not to mention huge performance brakes and a smoldering design, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is just the right car for folks who still want a bit of roughneck in their ride and have the money it takes to sample that 425-horsepower engine on a regular basis. On that score, it won’t disappoint, as long as you’re okay with the two-grand gas guzzler tax and really lousy fuel economy. If, on the other hand, you expect more from the interior, and more in terms of quality fit and finish from your $40,000 ride, the Charger falls a bit short. No matter. If you want smash mouth performance but are no longer crazy about doing burnouts in the parking lot, check out the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 model. Either way, thanks to the car nuts in the Chrysler Group’s SRT division, DaimlerChrysler has you covered. When it comes to off the lot performance models, the SRT team is doing special things with the vehicle lineups at Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep.

Christian Wardlaw’s Advice about the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8:
The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is the kind of car that people will buy no matter what any critic says. So let me put it this way: after driving all three versions of the Dodge Charger, my favorite is still the SXT with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and the upgrade wheels. That’s the Charger I recommend to the masses for its size, its style, and its overall performance. Comparatively, the Charger SRT-8 is a beast of a car, a handful when the pavement writhes, astonishingly quick in a straight line, and bluntly beautiful. It’s worth every penny to fans of raw performance machines, die-hard Buy American types, and people looking for gotta-have-it cool factor. (Huh. A Dodge is cool. Don’t see any pigs flying outside…) But if you’re cross-shopping this with a loaded BMW 330i or Infiniti M because the sticker prices are about the same, you’ll be happier in the luxury car. Trust me on this one.

Thom Blackett’s Advice about the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8:
Despite its comfortable interior, go-fast looks, and of course that 425-horsepower Hemi, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is not a car I’d be keen on paying for over a span of 48 to 72 months. I still don’t like the awkward rear beltline or the Mitsubishi Galant tail design, even with that body-colored spoiler and dual chrome exhaust pipes. The front end, especially equipped with those scalloped headlights, is suitably menacing, but it all goes to pot aft of the B-pillar. Plus, the steering needs more feedback through a smaller steering wheel and smoky burnouts should be on the menu.

Ron Perry’s Advice about the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8:
My advice isn’t really aimed at the potential buyer, it’s aimed at Dodge. If you are going to use the name Charger on a performance car, give it some attributes of the original. You guys really need to build a limited production model of the Charger SRT-8 with a five- or six-speed manual transmission and lower first gear setup. Create a car that truly harks back to the original Charger, a car you can smoke the tires with and exit corners with controlled oversteer. A car like this would really fill the enthusiast need until the Challenger hits the streets.

As for my advice to potential buyers, don’t spend the extra cash on the SRT-8. Just opt for the Charger R/T and save yourself some money. The added expense just isn’t worth the little bit of extra fun the SRT-8 provides.