Editor's notes:
The 2006 Dodge Charger arrives as a "muscle sedan" counterpart to the visually more urbane Chrysler 300 that quickly became the most celebrated American sedan in decades when it was introduced in 2004. Both cars share nearly identical underpinnings, but the new Dodge product offers significantly different exterior styling with subtle Sixties overtones. The move to resurrect the Charger name on a four-door sedan still has many traditionalists in an uproar because the legendary Chargers of old were two-doors, but their din has been drowned out by a much larger group cheering this triumphant return of high-powered, rear-wheel drive sedans at mass-market prices.

What's significant about this car
In terms of power and styling, the Dodge Charger is a modern muscle car. In comfort and function, it's a family sedan. In total the new Charger is a masterful balance of extremes unmatched by any other manufacturer.

You'll like this car if...
Whether you're looking for a sedan with a louder bark, a bigger bite or both, the latest Charger might have you doing donuts before you ever turn the key. The fact that underneath the Charger is a practical family sedan shouldn't spoil your fun.

You may not like this car if...
If 340 Hemi horsepower and the resurrection of the Charger name have you hoping for overall performance on par with modern muscle coupes like the Ford Mustang GT or Pontiac GTO, you'll be disappointed.

Exterior
Unlike so many of today's derivative designs, the Dodge Charger bares no resemblance to any other car on the road. Up front, a gaping crosshair grill flanked by scowling headlights decisively distance the Charger from the more staid large-sedan entries from Toyota, Ford and Buick. Taken from the side, a sloping roof line helps evoke the Charger's coupe heritage, while pronounced rear fenders help to further define the car's performance persona. The view from the rear is the least interesting of them all, so it's best to keep the new Charger in your mirrors—which can prove no small task.

Interior
The inside of the Charger is marked by attractive, minimalist styling that, by offering nothing terribly interesting to look at, helps reinforce the notion that this car should be driven with a focus on the road ahead. However, when the road finally does get twisty, you might wish for more lateral support from the front seats. Otherwise, front and rear passengers are treated to a roomy cabin with adequately comfortable seating. Likewise, there's plenty of room for cargo in a spacious trunk with enhanced flexibility available via an optional 60/40 split folding rear seat.

Notable standard and optional equipment
A base Charger SE includes a 250-horsepower V6 engine, five-speed AutoStick transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD sound system with auxiliary input jack, four-way adjustable steering column, power windows/locks/mirrors, outside temperature display, cruise control and 17-inch covered steel wheels. Standard safety features include front airbags, stability and traction control systems, ABS and brake assist.

Options
Some of the more significant options include a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, leather seats, seven-inch rear-seat DVD entertainment system, DVD navigation system, AM/FM/six-CD/MP3 sound system, 276- or 322-watt audio upgrade, power sunroof, heated/power-adjustable front seats, single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, power adjustable pedals and front/rear side-curtain airbags.

Pricing notes
The base Dodge Charger SE starts at $22,995. If you want the 340-horsepower V8, you're looking at an R/T model with a base sticker price of $29,995, which can climb to more than $36,000 with options. The Charger's Chrysler 300 cousin starts at $24,100 (outfitted with an outmatched 190-horsepower 2.7-liter V6), and will run you at least $34,000 if you want the 340-horsepower Hemi. The front-wheel drive Pontiac Grand Prix starts at $23,270 in base trim, $29,995 with a 303-horsepower V8. The Nissan Maxima, also front-wheel drive, ranges from $27,500 to more than $36,000. As always, be sure to shop and compare using New Car Blue Book values, which reflect current real-world selling prices. In terms of resale value, we expect the Dodge Charger to hold its value better than most domestic sedans, especially in the near term.

Driving impressions
Not surprisingly, Daimler-Chrysler's 5.7-liter 340-horsepower Hemi V8 is just as smooth and powerful under the Charger's hood as it is in all the other vehicles it graces. But even the base V6 delivers enough power to have a little fun. The Charger also delivers ride and handling equal to that of the surprisingly eager and composed Chrysler 300. However, given the promise of its Charger badge and aggressive styling, some might hope for a more aggressive setup. As it stands, the Charger is sportier than the Chrysler 300 in image only. Which will be plenty good enough for most.

Our favorite features
Comprehensive DVD Entertainment System
Optional rear-seat DVD system features auxiliary inputs, wireless headphones, CD/MP3 compatibility and a seven-inch LCD screen that hides neatly in the front-seat armrest when not in use.

Road/Track Performance Group
Highlights include big-bolstered sport seats, performance suspension and a uniquely tuned HEMI engine that makes 10 extra horsepower for a grand total of 345.

Under The Hood
The Charger's V6 might surprise you with how well it moves the nearly two-ton sedan, but once you get a taste of life with the 5.7-liter Hemi under your right foot, you'll have a tough time settling for anything less. And while we think a proper five-speed manual would be a natural for this car, the only available transmission is a five-speed auto/manual.

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27

5.7-liter V8
345 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
375 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
Five-speed automatic city/highway fuel economy: 17/25