The large car segment represents full-size sedans with the ability to accommodate up to 6 passengers. The diverse award-winners in our study include front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive models. While some offer powerful 8-cylinder engines for enthusiasts, others are more frugal with efficient 6-cylinder powerplants.
The 2009 Large Cars Buyer’s Guide is a compiled list of the top-performing large cars from J.D. Power and Associates three key automotive studies. The studies include the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, we have also noted any models in the guide that have earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or have been chosen as “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
2009 Dodge Charger
Introduced in 2006, the full-size Dodge Charger reintroduced the historic name into the model lineup when it replaced the outgoing Dodge Intrepid sedan. The Charger is available in no fewer than six different models with a range of powerplants. The standard driveline is rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional on specific models. The base engine is a 2.7-liter 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic transmission (EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway). The optional larger engines include a 3.5-liter V-6 and a 5.7-liter V-8. The top-of-the-line Dodge Charger is the SRT8 with its powerful 6.1-liter V-8 engine. The larger engines feature a 5-speed automatic transmission. In our 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, designed to measure consumer delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles, the Dodge Charger ranked among the top three models in its segment. In addition, the Dodge Charger earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in frontal crash tests. For 2009, Dodge freshened the exterior of the Charger and updated the interior on some models. However, the biggest news is the upgraded Hemi V-8 engine in the R/T model—now rated at 368 hp.
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