2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 | Retro Review

As V8 powered SRT coupes and sedans are on their farewell tour, we thought it would be fun to go back to the beginning and see what a fresh '06 Charger SRT-8 looked like in a time when there was no replacement for displacement.
Show 2529 | Original Airdate 03-21-2006

[@kingkat8080]

2006 is retro, wow I feel really old now.

[@MrLlama-rc8nj]

That means I, by definition (only two years older than the SRT8s) am also retro

[@eatshit8907]

I felt that way when they started playing Nirvana on classic rock stations😢😂

[@Mid_Life_Adventurer]

I was just thinking the same thing

[@maclac48]

Man U & me both!

[@ACedricArmstrong]

Me too.

[@rootsmanuva82]

Who would've thought in 2006 that these, with updates, would still be in production in 2023 with upwards of 1,025 hp? (The Challenger Demon 170). Big props to Chrysler for not killing these off during the 2008-2011 Recession with the wisdom that they'll succeed in the long term.

[@JETZcorp]

One thing I think helped there is they released the Challenger right as the recession was hitting. That sounds like it'd be a bad thing, but the Challenger was so popular it flew off dealer lots, with markups, and they couldn't make them fast enough. It was probably the only profitable car from all of Detroit in 08. That sent a signal pretty loud and clear. Then when they released the Hellcat and Challenger sales as a whole doubled, that sent another clear message. In our times when manual transmissions are unsellable and crossovers are bought by the millions, it's nice that the buying public actually rewarded something interesting for once.

[@CJColvin]

Right, wish GM had the same discipline with Pontiac.

[@aaronwoodcock4715]

Dodge/Chrysler is now owned by a megacorperation called Stellantis.

[@charlessynowiec3876]

@@CJColvin miss pontiac so much. they didn’t even let anybody buy the company either 😢

[@CJColvin]

@charles synowiec Had they gave the 04-06 GTO more retro styling then it would've easily saved Pontiac for sure.

[@Phenom98]

2006 is as retro now as 1989 was in 2006. Crazy.

[@CaptainTonus]

I love that we can have a retro review of a car that's essentially still being built today. Hats off to Mopar!

[@DadMods]

I was thinking how little the car has changed. Even horsepower isn't much more.

[@CaptainTonus]

@@DadMods yeah, except for the Hellcat versions

[@DadMods]

They should have gotten the standard engine to over 500hp by now. It’s been 17 years. Feels like very little progress.

[@CaptainTonus]

@@DadMods they could have, but why would they when you can buy a Hellcat version with over 700hp? Doesn't matter anyway because they'll all be electric by next year

[@signsofthetimes886]

Soon majority of Dodge will electric

[@punemax]

Still looks good to this day

[@juusbox]

@@dr.jillalicecooper2587 the interior sucked sure but youd be lying to yourself saying this car doesnt look great on the outside

[@nwezetx1]

​@@dr.jillalicecooper2587 It was temporary. The product of DaimlerChrysler, nickle and diming USA branch on new 2004-08 models.

[@alirishad6516]

Well they are like fox mustangs I guess they have a versatile look meaning mustangs of today resemble the old ones but the fox did not and that way this charger does not resemble the original charger of the 60s

[@lancemannion4113]

These looked heinous then and barely any better now. Embarrassment to a once iconic name....4 doors 🤢

[@MrChillnaut]

@@lancemannion4113 family vehicles were pushed a lot at that time.

[@rapperintheend-time1867]

I've driven a 06 Charger srt8 with over 300,000 miles and it ran like a beast

[@flurpoid]

One of the best looking American sedans ever sold. These factory wheels also are so much cooler than any of the newer Mopar wheels.

[@fugginrambo]

It's insane to think they've doubled the ponies and then some since 06'

[@fugginrambo]

@The1stRealVR really? Not the Caravans too? Thanks I didn't know that

[@fugginrambo]

@@Freddy_Confetti Yeah buddy!

[@KartKing4ever]

Also the base price, pretty much lol

[@slowspecv69]

After slapping on a supercharger, best to compare it with the 6.4 were it’s went up 60hp

[@mikeprice8307]

Most of all, it's even more In sane they've doubled even triples the prices!

[@bkglall798]

I always drop whatever I’m doing whenever there’s a new retro review to watch

[@dragon_balls4566]

Saturday Morning 10:00, shhhheeeiiiiittt!!!

[@Patriot1776-ju5ro]

This car is a masterpiece

[@JohnMachado24]

I remember when this was new and Motortrend did a comparison test Charger vs GTO, and GTO was a little faster. I remember 400hp being mind blowing at that time, so 425hp was really something!

[@CJColvin]

At least the Charger is more practical the Rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia mate.

[@KingCeee]

It's Need For Speed and Fast & Furious that motivated me to want one. 2006-2010 Charger SRT8 is what I'm looking for 💯👌🏾

[@resdes213]

Love my 2007 charger srt8! Was my childhood dream car from when i first laid eyes on it in 2006 then when i heard about the engine and specs i was hooked and i finally have the opportunity to own one!

[@xxgrimravenxx5172]

Same, my dad leased a new 06 charger R/T when I was 12, I loved it to death until the lease ran out, now I've had my 06 Daytona for 10 years with no plans to ever let it go

[@ys_a1659]

This is truly one of my favorite US Cars. I remember the advertisement when the Charger SRT drifts sideways like the king of the road. This Hemi V8 needed better tyres and interior materials. I was looking forward for the video of this car. Awesome.

[@enhancementtank5876]

Get the Chrysler, this car should have been a coupe or keep the magnim wagon. If you didnt want the creature comforts why buy Dodge go get the Buick or Chrysler. They lied and said sedans are on the way out but naggas wanted the sedan over the challenger. The journey should have been on this platform

[@FrankBullitt390]

@@enhancementtank5876 The 300 had no advantage over this, they were the same options

[@enhancementtank5876]

@@FrankBullitt390 you're making my point they should have had the 300 c as the sedan and the two door version of this from Nascar as the standalone charger. People want the amenities of a sedan should not go looking for the muscle or pony car as that does not uphold the integrity of either design. Expecting to get a posh cruiser but asking for a Dodge charger is unethical toward their intended purposes

[@FrankBullitt390]

@@enhancementtank5876 The charger was always "a personal luxury car". I had an SRT8, it was the perfect balance of muscle and luxury for the $$$. They killed off the magnum to make room for challenger, there's your coupe. But seems charger is back to being a coupe for 2024+ but they are still discussing

[@enhancementtank5876]

@@FrankBullitt390 I'd have to agree with you for the original charger it was bigger than the challenger/ barracuda and a personal luxury coupe or car

[@edwardsimmons3190]

I'm gonna miss these kinds of Chargers so much 😢.

[@dbc1dc]

They'll be around. Just buy one and hold on to it. Still have my 70 Challenger bought in 1980.

[@edwardsimmons3190]

@@dbc1dc I hope so one day

[@mikeprice8307]

​@@dbc1dc 😮

[@rcairforceone]

38K base in 2006.... and in 2021 I bought a 392 Scat Pack Charger for $38,691. Now THAT'S impressive.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Well...to be fair that was like the TOP end, not many gonna be sold, you have to wonder what are you getting when you are getting a decent deal. I mean, same chassis and a lot of parts for...the life of it. Got an 06 but Daytona rt, nice enough for a first car and beater lol

[@cooterbrown7681]

Just to think my 07 charger srt8 has everything a 2023 hellcat dose.

[@isaacmcquown]

Looking at getting this car

[@theelaffingman8776]

Even today....this is still a beautiful and tough looking car. I'd gladly buy one if it were in decent condition.

[@justinhopper5941]

You’d have better luck finding a 3 legged ballerina than one of these in decent shape lol ..fellas tended to bag the crap out of these

[@SRTBOAT]

@@justinhopper5941I got lucky. Mine was a barn find. Old man bought it new in 2007 and passed away in 2020. His wife sold it to me as a 1-owner immaculate condition car.

[@javierflores9072]

I have mine 2006 in inferno red color for sale, mint condition like new in and out !! 😎 will se how much can I get for this beautiful beast 👉🚘

[@FrankBullitt390]

Fun fact, this car was designed before it even had a name. It was to be called the Dodge Interceptor, then Daimler did a focus group and asked all the people "who use to make the charger", 70% (not even car people) knew it was Dodge. They saved 200 million in marketing costs by calling it Charger. Then in 2011 and 2015 refreshes they made it look more like a charger.

[@sammyguapo407]

@@justinhopper5941 I just got one with 8k miles on it but yeah it’s rare

[@sdlausen1]

John Davis looks like a black guy in the thumbnail photo haha! Love it.

[@johnnymason3265]

This car is absolutely wonderful! Unfortunately, this video reminds me that 2023 will be the last year for both the Charger and the Challenger. Such a shame, really. These two cars are the best Mopars of the modern era.

[@nwezetx1]

V8 yes, but for ICE? No. Both have shown and will have Turbo I6.

[@kanchingyg]

​​@@nwezetx1 the hurricane 3.0 is a possibility but whether they will stuff it inside the new charger and challenger or not is nothing more than a rumor for now. I guess they might do it as they already have them in the parts bin but theres a big chance theyre going 100% ev.

[@nwezetx1]

@@kanchingyg I think I can link you to the source of that information, which I considered rumor before, seems to be fact now. It's gonna be like the BMW i7/7-Series. BEV or ICE with I6.

[@corvettez0695]

Yeah and considering when the majority of owners are doing on intersections… I really missed when a specific group of people didn’t buy these and they were cool not like how they’re now on recognized by the street takeovers

[@nwezetx1]

@@corvettez0695 It's a curse and a blessing. These Mopars appeal to younger guys thankfully and not just pale old boomers with pensions, the original stereotype of the late 2000s. However, even as a younger black guy, it sucks that the names Charger & Challenger now includes a huge chunk of criminal elements, a lot of whom are fellow minorities. And more specifically, Gen Z Latino and Black troublemakers, to the point I often have to second guess the idea of being behind the wheel of one. Then again, the blaxploitation era had plenty of us driving the most bold and brash Detroit muscle of the late 60s-early 70s. While there will always be criminals attracted to loud and powerful cars, the street takeover demographic is probably just a coincidence due to the history of these 50 years ago, being very popular to their grandparents'

[@noah_am_i]

Timeless design

[@coletrickle581]

The 17 years passed since 2006 seem highly unremarkable. By comparison, the 17 years from 1986 to 2003 seemed like a lifetime.

[@Vekurus]

Could not have said it better. Paintful to say, painful to hear but it's the truth. A toast to 1986-2003

[@anarky305]

That's because we haven't advanced much since then

[@tylernewton7217]

Wow I really love those original 06 lines! Super sharp without overdoing it. Wish I could find one in a time capsule.

[@Deuuuce]

Bought one new in 2006. Absolutely fantastic car.

[@zakanger8285]

I have the 07 srt8 charger. Full bolt ons, cammed, and supercharged. Open headers 😎

[@marcmcphee]

Pretty much never see these anymore which is unfortunate because those 6.1s sounded amazing 🤩.

[@Knight21030]

I was just talking to a buddy about this the other day. I was looking for a first gen Grand Cherokee SRT (with the 6.1) and couldn't find any.

[@nwezetx1]

Cool dudes hold onto em and trashy dudes total em.

[@marcmcphee]

@@Knight21030 I haven’t seen one in at least 3 years!

[@marcmcphee]

@@nwezetx1 absolutely true…hard to find one that hasn’t been abused.

[@nwezetx1]

@@marcmcphee And if you do find em, seem like haven of black ice and burnt menthol tobacco odor, with the requisite upholstery burns to show for it.

[@OldFordTaurus]

I always thought the 06-2010 was the best looking generation of charger and 300

[@dannyarchives]

me too i love them

[@jakebrake420]

That car has one of the most aggressive front ends that has ever been put on a car

[@alexander1485]

naw, the 1969-1971 Mercury Cyclone beats it

[@CJColvin]

Agreed

[@kid5042]

I like the front ends on the 2011-14 models too, the 2015 face life made the car look feminine

[@CJColvin]

@@kid5042 Right

[@MidnightPolaris800]

Agreed!!!

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

The front end of this charger is still my favorite, aggressive....beats all the current ones

[@draines9237]

Facts

[@CJColvin]

Agreed 100% brother

[@midnight347]

As a Ford guy I have to agree. This car in a 2 door would have been awesome.

[@jonmcclane7433]

Dodge really became a force with these.

[@FrankBullitt390]

I saw this car at a car show in either 05 or 06 and I vowed to myself that I was getting one, didnt matter what it would take ( was a flat broke college student at the time ). In December of 2013 I made one my first brand new car. Goals are power.

[@EricFortuneJr.]

This exterior styling looks better than the current gen. Chrysler’s interiors have always been cheap though with the exception of higher trim Jeeps and Rams. The current Charger and Challenger have been around since 2010-2011 with minimal changes and the platform is probably older than me, it’s been around since the 80s I think. These have been nothing but pure profit for the company and dealers. The Charger drives much smaller than it actually is. It’s very comfortable with a decent rear suspension. The old interiors were mostly cheap plastic and the new interiors are mostly black molded plastic with a rubberized finish. I’ve always loved this platform and exterior styling, just not a fan of any of the interiors.

[@kid5042]

The interior of the charger really do feel cheap asf but I like how simple they are , it makes them and the challenger feel more muscle and less luxury

[@anarky305]

You can swap the new interior into this, which is imo the way to go

[@ChillWill281]

Sooo 2006 is retro now as a 90s baby I’m conflicted I was 16 when this car came out 😭😭

[@MWBenDavis]

We consider anything before the iPhone as retro

[@ChillWill281]

@@MWBenDavis lol I’m only 33 but feels so different from back then I miss the 90s and early 2000s

[@eternalthread7846]

Damn you old

[@chargermaster586]

Am saying 2006 Retro

[@roddydykes7053]

Unfortunately yeah 15+ years old is retro-ish. I’ve imported a couple JDM cars when they became Canada legal, and I was disheartened when I saw Evo X’s and R35 GTRs are the current hot imports 😕 Feels like those both came out yesterday

[@prodyung829]

still a beautiful and timeless car. have this exact car and color in 1/8 scale. most definitely grew on me over the years. Now I want one in red or plum crazy.

[@noredcr]

always loved the look of these, actually still looks great today. didnt age to bad at all.

[@midnight347]

No it doesn't look that much different than modern ones lol. They revised the lighting front and back on the same ol car.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

@@midnight347 Funny how just like you said...its the same car. Same chassis and almost everything is identical. New engines, transmission, ect, they change door panels, bumpers ect...same stuff. Interior is a big one...which some people might mind...if the seat is comfortable whats the big deal with a nice interior.

[@paulmann5328]

I swear I know my city! 😂 I saw the marsh in the background and said "damn that looks like Savannah." 😅👍🏽

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

The start of greatness for Dodge! What a legend! Still badass today!👌🥰👍

[@allentoyokawa9068]

At least until Fiat got in the picture

[@ubeuonly]

Dodge had three times as many exciting cars through the late 60s and 70s then any other manufacturer. The coolest colors the best looking bodies and the biggest engines

[@MrHemi_]

I drive one of these everyday. I love this car

[@peterhaight6917]

I was a car-obsessed teenager when these first hit the streets, and I remember being mind-blown that they left the factory with over 400hp/400ft-lbs after what seemed like decades of production cars barely breaking into the high 300s. Granted these things were boats and probably needed all the power. My freshman year I dated a girl whose uncle had an R/T Daytona, those seemed to be reasonably rare and sounded amazing.

[@MrKormmodity]

At 28 seeing the word “Retro” next to an 06 charger it’s an eyebrow raiser. I vividly remember my aunt buying this new!

[@JGL98]

Dam your aunt was stunning

[@hellkitty1014]

Saw an '07 GoManGo Orange SRT the other day. They still look good! Can't believe its been 18 years since this car was available!

[@gibememoni]

I still want one. with a good exhaust system

[@vadim9342]

I remember 2006 as if it were yesterday!

[@pjwashington5818]

My favorite looking Charger SRT 8 especially in black

[@americantrucking6843]

Definitely my favorite SRT-8 car and my fav Hemi too

[@LSRG-YT--LandonSRobloxGaming]

2006, an old legend was born.

[@GT-43]

Just wait til the challenger comes out in 2008, you guys are gonna love it.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

The beginning of a legend

[@mega-hb4re]

I have a beautiful 09 R/T that still looks better than the new ones , the only thing that Chrysler miss at that time was a factory wide body kit like the new hellcat has to be the perfect timeless car from dodge

[@josiah987]

Oh the nostalgia. How we miss simpler times

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

Not any simpler. 2006 is just like yesterday!

[@josiah987]

@@kamrankhan-lj1ng lol I was 8 years old haha

[@The101Point1]

Drove one of these excellent and quick car still to this day

[@TimJoseph08031990]

I remember these back in high school. Too bad the Chargers and Challengers will be discontinued this year 2023.

[@eddieescobar4722]

I always liked how these looked ...bad ass machine ....Soper charger or turbo...and wow opened up ....💯💪🔥💣

[@nwezetx1]

I always had my eye on these, but I had to have a manual as my first car and even if that didn't happen (got a much cheaper car), I still had my eye on them. I remember when Dodge teased this in August 2004 or something with a green-black pre-production model to Car & Driver. I didn't like how it looked in those early image, but I definitely had no idea this was coming over 1 year later in 2005. That's already 18 years is what's wild and finally on the eve of a new Charger from scratch next year.

[@PhillyDee215]

If u had one of these back then u was the man.....

[@GMfwdSpence]

I had an 06 Daytona RT when it was only 6 years old and I felt SO COOL 🤣

[@PhillyDee215]

@@GMfwdSpence......💪

[@aydendaugherty9432]

Still the man if you got one

[@PhillyDee215]

@@aydendaugherty9432 Facts....

[@ubeuonly]

Yes back in the day when ebonics wasn't so popular or so acceptable

[@albear972]

That's a hell of a tan John Davis has going there.

[@nickgee7291]

I remember these came out when I was grade 6! I thought it was so cool! still cool looking

[@noaht5191]

I remember our neighborhood dealer (next door neighbor) bought one of these brand new....used to have some good times cruising around with him and even getting to drive it a few times. This thing felt like a rocket ship back then!

[@stefbro]

I look back thinking this car is only 7-9 years old and it’s on a retro clip, makin me feel old at 22 😂

[@jakethesnake4971]

You know you're getting old when this thing is retro

[@jasonz7788]

Great work motor week

[@Courtney1992]

That thing had a insane top speed of 180mph

[@racequad9]

Man, I remember I wanted one of these so bad when I was in high school

[@ubeuonly]

SOMETHING FORD AND CHEVY WOULD NEVER DO. PERFECT

[@brandonm5394]

The chargers always had a beautiful look. (SRT models)

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

Seems as if in a couple a years, 2016 will also be retro!!!

[@roddydykes7053]

Anything Pre-Covid is already a fond and distant memory

[@hailstorm1986]

I love the music they used during this time on Motorweek.

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

Retro!!! Anything after late 90s seems like yesterday

[@ricardolee461]

Still looks good I was 13 when this came out

[@patrickwong6912]

2006 felt like yesterday, im almost 30 jeez

[@mrch33sehed93]

This is more appealing now than it was back then.

[@cevinmoore8428]

It's funny to hear people who hate on dodge and never owned one but has so much to say. I've owned many chargers and never had an issues with them. Looks better than majority of the cars in 2023.

[@ubeuonly]

I encountered this as a Ford technician for 30 years then I drive a Ram truck and this is my third in a row with no major issues, but that's not typical of Ford

[@mrp9498]

I have a 2014 it’s fun car and very comfortable

[@kardopipes4598]

I still want this car bro the scats and cats are cool but it's just something about this body style I absolutely love

[@walterarroyo5220]

You just don’t see these on the road anymore. Most got crashed, clapped and junked.

[@zythr9999]

Lol

[@hatebreed79]

When this came out, America had nothing like this. Really only the mustang, which was pretty much lackluster. With this and challenger, the competition had to put up or shut up. And things escalated gloriously

[@thethomasj1795]

So, 2006 is "retro"? Wow! Now I feel old.

[@ItzTakurazz]

This beast is a beauty, I honestly love this generation more than newer generation models. Proud owner of a 2009 Dodge Charger :)

[@Jack-yw7bq]

Lucky…I have an ‘06 Mustang GT :(

[@ItzTakurazz]

@@Jack-yw7bq the major flaw is a transmission for Charger they last around 150k or 200k mileage, and the first signs are rattle noise coming from the transmission. So it's not worth it to get a high mileage but if you're lucky to find low mileage Charger at decent price

[@atlanticaveereaper]

I want this car it’s always been my dream car since I was a kid

[@AlphaJDM]

Damn dude, kids were literally playing PS3s when this was filmed

[@peterjamieson2441]

This Charger is now Retro? Wow! 🤔

[@mikeprice8307]

2.5 years shy of 20

[@dadelives1]

Crazy to think that same exact platform made it to 2024 with minimum updates 😂 love MotorWeek!

[@kid5042]

Definitely not. The 2011-23 charger sit on a different Chassis/ platform. Most people don’t know tho that the 2011-14 version is still basically the same car as the post 2015 ones

[@Chris-ur7mp]

My dream car

[@onlyfins3421]

Me and my cousin used to roll around in a 09 6.1 Manual Challenger. 0-130 that thing was a beast. But as soon as you got about mid way through 4th it would fall on its face LOL needless to say we got away from the cops multiple times and won many street races. Good times

[@zroowala2833]

I still want this car

[@1Guason3]

This is gonna be retro in 2029. See ya'll there.

[@loualiberti4781]

What a Beautiful Beast.

[@zohaib876]

Too bad the end of the road is coming up soon for the Challenger/Charger. Glad I got my Scat shaker when I did. I ❤ Dodge.

[@TP-mb8jg]

Salute to the 05 300c SRT8 that started it all for all the chargers and challenges of today. The Brotherhood of Muscle 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@spaceoven8788]

1969 hemi started it but i get it

[@rambosandman4088]

Everyday I miss my charger rt 2013

[@taylorcameronvfl]

Still a beautiful vehicle

[@grantmccoy6739]

I think if the car was wider and flatter I would've really liked it. I was never really much of a fan, but this was very interesting. Cars have really changed alot.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Me with an 06... RETRO. Damn brother.

[@NSXTypeRGTRLM]

Crazy how Dodge and Chrysler have been making basically the same unchanged product for decades.

[@XxCrazedEvolutionXx]

OG SRT

[@wiliamsmash453]

Let's freaking go!!

[@juanledesma6418]

Still have my 06 SRT8 been 8 years with her, shes sitting on stock SRT8 300 wheels

[@jpete3027666]

wow 425hp and 5 second 0-60 was damn impressive for the time period

[@GTIngold]

Not really my mustang with over 100 less hp did it

[@baileyhatfield4273]

@@GTIngold My body strapped to a wheelchair with a turbine could get there much faster. Less weight is free power. What's the point you're trying to make.

[@GTIngold]

@Bailey Hatfield my point is that this charger is slow. Your point? Your fat? I mean power to weight no sh.. point 2006 charger srt8 slower than a 2006 mustang gt.

[@jpete3027666]

@@GTIngolddamn you must be loads of fun at parties 🙄

[@GTIngold]

@jpete3027666 ah yes parties go get drunk yea that's great

[@jtc1964x]

I have this exact car and I currently have 346,000 miles on it!