2010 Dodge Charger

Launched in 2005 as a 2006 model, the Dodge Charger and its Chrysler 300 sibling are among the dwindling few rear-drive, full-size sedans on the market, and from what we understand, the Charger will continue to be rear-drive in the future, with a new model expected before 2012.

The aggressively-styled Charger has an imposing presence on the road, especially when used as a police car, which has gained it plenty of fans. Though none of its four engines are offered with a manual transmission, the Charger can be had with a big Hemi V-8 to give it appeal with enthusiasts. Plus, for those worried about traction in the wet or in the snow, the Charger can be had with all-wheel drive to mitigate those concerns.

Styling and rear-drive layout aside, the Charger does have a number of shortcomings. The entry-level SE is a rental-lot special that packs an underpowered engine and an obsolete four-speed automatic transmission, the navigation screen is low-resolution and needs to be upgraded, and there's a shortage of tech features like a rear-backup camera.

Bodystyles: SedanEngines: 2.7L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic Models: SE, SXT, SXT AWD, R/T, R/T AWD, SRT8

With a new model due out soon, the 2010 Charger received only the following changes: all models get body-color sill cladding and side-curtain airbags plus SE models get a chromed grille with black inserts.

The Charger is easily the most aggressively-styled sedan on the market. Most variants receive 17- or 18-inch wheels, but R/Ts with the Road/Track performance package get jumbo-size 20-inch wheels plus a large rear spoiler.

Simple but roomy, the Charger's interior is hampered by a low-resolution navigaton screen. A 276-watt, six-speaker stereo is standard on R/Ts and optional on SXTs. A DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system is available.

The base 2.7-liter V-6 is that makes a mere 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque and should be avoided. The SXT's 3.5-liter V-6 makes 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, while the R/T's V-8 makes 368 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, both can be had with all-wheel drive. SRT8's 6.1-liter V-8 makes 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet.

The addition of side-curtain airbags as a standard feature has made the Charger safer than before. All models also get dual-stage front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners. Stability control is standard on all models except the SE.

SE: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highwaySXT: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highwaySXT AWD: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highwayR/T: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highwayR/T AWD: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highwaySRT8: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway

• Aggressive exterior styling

• Bland interior design
• Poor rear visibility

The intimidator of big sedans

• Chrysler 300
• Ford Taurus
• Chevrolet Impala