The folks at Dodge take the functionality of a sedan and the command of a muscle car and combine it one excellent machine. The 2008 Dodge Charger storms into the market as the base SE trim, high performance R/T trim or in the SXT package. Whatever you choose, prepare to be dazzled.

The combination of a sporty coupe and a four-door sedan give the Charger a unique look that gives it a strong presence. Everything from the bold lines, broad hood, muscular arches and the crossbar grille screams authority. It also gives the Charger some exceptional aerodynamics.

This visually appealing machine runs on a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 250-horsepower. The base engine in R/T models is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 can make 340-horsepower; this engine can make 350-horsepower in the Daytona R/T model. The SRT8 model is treated with the most powerful 425-horsepower 6.1-liter V8 engine. The Charger engines alternate between two different modes of performance to boost fuel economy. All engines run on a five-speed automatic transmission that uses an AutoStick feature to get manual gear selection.

Five passengers can fit in the 2008 Charger interior and the 60/40-split folding rear seat allow for a versatile combination of people and cargo. Some standard features include cruise control, power features and remote keyless entry. Going up in trim level gets more features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power adjustable seats, illuminated mirrors and a higher quality Boston sound system. Some available features include a navigation system and a backseat video entertainment system, making this vehicle perfect for the sports car enthusiast or family man. The MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System doesn’t only put all of the controls for these technologies in one convenient place, but it also gives you 20GB of storage; it’s sort of like an onboard computer.

Safety in the Charger is nothing to be turning your nose up at at either. An Electronic Stability Program aids drivers by maintaining control of the vehicle based on readings of the current driving scenario. Antilock brakes and AWD give the vehicle a more secure feel while driving and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System—along with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center—keep the driver informed about the vehicle status. The front occupants are protected by advanced multistage airbags, everyone is secure with available side-curtain, and seat mounted airbags.

All of this combined creates a quiet, smooth and powerful ride. You’ll forget that you’re driving on occasion with the smooth transitions between gears and the excellent stability technologies. The 2008 Dodge Charger is worthwhile for multiple audiences.