Ok. I’ll admit it.  I like the Dodge Charger.  But then again, I’m an Italian girl from New Jersey who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s.  When musicians still wrote their own music, and families drove American cars.  I was almost born in a Ford Mustang…as my parents made it to the hospital with only minutes to spare.  During my grade school years, my Mom toted me around in our family’s Thunderbird and then later a Cadillac Eldorado.  So there’s a strong thread of American muscle in my fabric.

That being said, let’s talk about why the 2012 Charger makes this 40 something Mom to say, ‘I approve!’  For starters, there’s nothing like a solid, powerful car.  The model I drove was the SXT 3.6L V-6 with all wheel drive. Even more powerful is the 470-hp SRT8 version making a resurgence for 2012, but for a Mom-mobile, this one was perfectly fine.  The most notable new feature is an eight speed automatic transmission.  Something offered in very few high end cars, such as the BMW 7 series. How does this translate? Driving the Charger just got a whole lot better and is loads more fun.

The interior is surprisingly comfortable and spacious.  Every model comes with 8-way power seat and 4-way power lumbar support adjustments. The model I drove also had premium Nappa leather seats….well worth the added expense to cushion and comfort those overtired Mom muscles.  And electronically, this car is up to speed.   With a colorful eight inch touch screen display, dual zone automatic temperature controls, heated front and rear seats, and the most surprising feature…..cup holders with heating and cooling.  That’s right….I bought a shelf temperature vitamin water, turned the cup holder on cool and by the time I got home, it was cold.  Hmm….perhaps a way to warm milk or formula while driving?

Backseat space is also more than adequate. With three latch spaces for carseats.  The only minor drawback was the sport style seats in the back.  In order to install and tighten the rear facing car seat, the base sticks up and doesn’t rest fully on the seat cushion.  After several attempts I just couldn’t get as secure a fit as in other cars.  Trunk space is large.  Think American car big.

So I’ll be honest.  As a petite older mom carrying my little sweet pea around town, I wouldn’t run out to a Dodge dealership and start shopping for such a fierce looking muscle machine.  That’s just not reality.  But for the right customer, this is a well engineered, impressive family sedan that to me, offers the most important qualities of all…..heart and soul.

Some Basics
MSRP: $25,495 – $45,795
engine: 3.6L V6
hp/torque: 292hp / 260 ft.lbs.
drivetrain: RWD/AWD
fuel economy: 18 city / 27 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:   Good. Top Safety Pick
 

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
bold, solid, comfortable

What’s the best thing about it?
it’s a powerful, safe family sedan

What’s the biggest drawback?
could be considered too big and heavy for just scooting around town

Mom-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I’ve come a long way baby”