ArcaMax

The V-8 Hemi version of Dodge's Charger sedan gets all the flattering press - but the AWD-equipped, V-6 version might be the one you should drive home.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

AWD models come standard with a 250 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 and 5-speed automatic transmission. Arguably, it is the "just right" choice between the underpowered extremes of the base RWD Charger's 2.7 liter, 178 horsepower V-6 and the overkill output of the optional 5.7 liter, 340 horsepower Hemi V-8 that comes in the top-of-the-line Charger R/T.

I dig big V-8s as much as the next guy - but how many of us can actually use 340 horses to commute with? And isn't that what most of us do with our daily-drivers?

The reality of life is not like the commercials; open expanses of traffic-free roads are getting harder and harder to find. Most of us spend most of our time going only as fast as the car ahead of us will let us. And that's not very fast.

Don't read this as some argument that Gimpy is Good - or that you should embrace a slow car. That's not the case here at all. The Charger with the 3.5 V-6/AWD combo makes it to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. That's only about 2 seconds off the pace of what is considered "quick" these days. In real life, 2 seconds isn't all that much.

But the extra $2,720 (minimum) you'll have to pay to go from the 3.5 V-6 Charger with AWD ($25,940-$28.035) to the 5.7 liter V-8 R/T ($30,755 without AWD; $32,855 with AWD) is.

Ask yourself: Which makes more sense for everyday use? A brawny V-8 with lots of theoretical capability you might only get to use every once in awhile? Or several thousands saved up front that will, in effect, buy you free gas for the next couple of years?

HANDLING & RIDE

That "big car ride" an earlier generation of Americans took for granted has become a rare thing - at least, for cars costing under $30k. But the Charger feels like old times - only better because its got much more grip, is far less bouncy and doesn't dive and wallow like a garbage scow in rough seas when you alternate heavy braking with a heavy right foot. But the good parts of yesterday - a sense of massiveness and the serenity that comes from it - is still there in all its glory. You are king of the road. The Charger is an intimidating car - V-6 or V-8. When other drivers see you coming up behind them, they tend to give way. This works even more faithfully if you choose white or navy blue - which makes your Charger look very much like the police-spec Chargers that are popping up all over the country.

The standard 17-inch rims and all season tires provide a nice balance of handling grip, longevity and reduced road noise relative to the more aggressive 18-inch rubber that comes with V-8 R/T Chargers. Again, it's a question of what's more important to you - better real-world performance or superior performance "all out" that might rarely be a reality.

The AWD system is unnoticeable in dry weather but a real help on rain-slicked surfaces and probably the difference between getting there - and getting stuck - when it snows.

There is some vagueness to the steering (again, the RT and uber-performance SRT8 versions are better here). But this is something you'll notice only if you're driving your Charger in ways that are either illegal or unsafe on public roads (or maybe both).

The nut of it is this: Don't decide on a car based on how a gearhead auto writer likes it on a test track. Decide how you like it driving in the real world - and whether it meets your needs and expectations. Nothing else matters.

STYLING & UTILITY

What's not to like? The Charger's hunky profile makes it one of the most distinctive - and distinctly American - cars on the road. Some don't like its outsized "Luca Brasi" personality, but given the car's tremendous sales success, it appears they are in the minority. If you like your cars brassy, you'll love the Charger.

For 2008, Dodge has freshened up the interior layout, including a new instrument panel with satin-metal facings and higher-quality plastics for the dashboard and other surfaces. My tested SXT model (new for 2008) had white-faced gauges with gray offsets and contrast gray leather seat covers with flat black door panels and dash. The SXT package also includes machined 17-inch rims (instead of steel wheels with covers), an upgraded Bose stereo with Sirius satellite radio (free first year subscription), power adjustable pedals and a power driver's seat. You can order DVD navigation, as well as a new MyGIG multimedia/entertainment system (similar to Ford's Sync system) that stores MP3s and integrates the car's audio/communication equipment. A backseat TV with Sirius programming for kids (live feeds of shows like "Spongebob Squarepants" and "Hannah Montana") is also available, as is Bluetooth wireless and a UConnect hands-free cell phone.

I'm 6 ft 3 and found the back seats to be roomy - once you're in. Tall people have to tuck in a bit to clear the Charger's "chopped" roofline, the slope of which gets more radical after the B pillar. I'm limber and it wasn't a problem for me - but those with back issues or limited mobility will want to be sure they can access the back seats without abusing themselves. But bottom line, the Charger is a legitimate five- passenger (as in five real adults) sedan - not two adults up front and two unhappy adults plus one small kid (maybe) stuffed into the back.

Lots of room in the trunk, too. It is 16.2 cubic feet - and also deep/tall. Not only can you stuff a lot in there without having to lay it flat, it's easy to get it back out again. And there is something to be said for the physical security a solid metal trunk provides vs. the "see it/steal it" insecurity of a glass-covered hatch, as in a wagon or crossover.

QUALITY/SAFETY

Chrysler products today are better than their recent reputation - which still lingers like Limburger. And it's only fair to point out that most of the serious problems with quality/recalls Chrysler has had to deal with over say the past five or so years were problems mostly afflicting FWD small cars like Neon and PT Cruiser. The V-8/big V-6s used in RWD and AWD models have proved less troublesome and in fact appear to be pretty stout over the long haul.

The new "soft touch" interior surfaces are a noticeable improvement; really classes up the joint.

As far as safety equipment, size is its own advantage - but the Charger's sheer mass is accentuated by standard traction and stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS on all but the el-cheapo base models. Curtain/side-impact air bags are available and ought to remedy the Charger's one known weakness, crash test-wise. Though previous models were 5 Star performers in frontal crash testing, when T-boned from the side, occupants didn't fare so well. The side/curtain air bags should fix that - and are a recommended purchase.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

The Charger is a big, heavy car - a battleship among sailboats. It has the weighty authority of a Pro Bowl fullback - and does a not-bad job of emulating the Pro Bowler's agility, when called on. It feels much more solid and planted than import FWD large sedans like the Toyota Camry and Avalon - and definitely has more stage presence. It is almost heroic-looking, even with "only" 250 horsepower - especially in red, as my test car was.

I am a pretty fast driver and I never felt the Charger was lacking balls. I had anticipated it would feel that way - having recently spent time in a V-8 R/T and therefore expecting a real let down with two less cylinders and 90 fewer horses. But that did not happen. The 3.5 V-6 is a large V-6 and it therefore makes good torque (250 lbs.-ft.) at relatively low engine revs (3,800 RPM), which just happens to be in the "sweet spot" of the powerband. You can access full torque without flooring it - and without having to spin the engine to 5,000 RPM and beyond - which makes a racket and probably means a shorter life as well as lowers fuel efficiency.

The standard 5-speed automatic does a fine job of matching the gear you need to the demands your inputing with your right foot. Automatics do their best work behind larger, high-torque engines - and this is no exception.

Bottom line: The V-8 R/T may be King of the Quarter Mile and Master of the Smokey Burnout - but when cooler heads prevail, the Charger V-6 with AWD (especially with the new SXT package) may be the better Street Hero.

========

www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.