The Charger is an American car produced by Chrysler and sold under the Dodge nameplate. The first Charger was introduced to the public for the 1966 model year with the intention of competing with the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda. Since that first car hit the streets, there have been multiple generations of the vehicle, each with distinct differences. The car has been a classic American muscle car, a subcompact hatchback and a four-door sedan.
The Early Years
The first Chargers carried a base price of $3,122 and came with a very unique feature: bucket seats both in the front and the back. The 1966 was a success for Dodge, with 37,344 vehicles produced. It was short-lived, though, as the 1967's production numbers fell to 15,788. The automaker quickly regrouped and was ready to launch a redesigned Charger for the 1969 model year.
Second Generation
The 1968 Charger received a major body restyling, with new rear quarter panels and front fenders. The front grille and tail lights were updated, and Dodge saw a slight increase in sales numbers. The car didn't really take off until 1969, when Dodge sold 69,000 Chargers, thanks in part to options such as a Special Edition luxury package. Dodge also produced two special Nascar editions, which offered better aerodynamics than the standard Charger. Stronger fuel economy and emissions standards in the 1970s contributed to a swift decline in demand for muscle cars. Dodge ceased production with the 1978 model when 2,800 Chargers were sold.
The Subcompact Hatchback
Dodge revived the Charger in 1983 as a subcompact hatchback. Unlike its predecessors, this Charger was front-wheel drive. Dodge enlisted the help of muscle car legend Carroll Shelby to market the Shelby Charger, which had a modified suspension and styling. Sagging sales numbers forced Dodge to pull the plug on the Charger for a second time after the 1987 model year.
Modern Charger
Dodge brought the Charger back in 2005 and returned it to a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, but converted it into a four-door sedan. It shares the same platform as the Chrysler 300. A variety of engines are available depending on the trim level, starting with the 190-horsepower base model and going up to the 425-horsepower SRT-8 model.
On the Small Screen
The General Lee is one of the most popular Chargers and is considered one of the most recognizable cars in the world thanks to its role in The Dukes of Hazzard television series. The car was orange with a Confederate flag painted on the roof and 01 painted on each door. The windows were always open, since the doors were welded shut. During each episode, the car would perform spectacular stunts, such as massive jumps. At least one Charger was destroyed during each episode while performing these stunts. One of the surviving cars is on display at Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois.
Tags: dodge, chargers, model year, each episode, four-door sedan, sales numbers
