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The first Charger was a 1964 show car, based on the Dodge Polara and fitted with a 426 Wedge V8 engine. The first production Charger, based on the Dodge Coronet, was introduced as a 1966 model. In 1999, Dodge introduced a new Charger R/T concept car. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers, sharing their long nose and rearward cab, but was much shorter at 187 in (4,750 mm), compared to 203 in (5,156 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also 650 lb (295 kg) lighter. Although it had four doors where the earlier models had two, the rear doors were intended to be blended unobtrusively into the body.

Both the SXT and R/T models were also available as AWD (All Wheel Drive) starting in 2007. The All-Wheel Drive system is derived from the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC technology. From 2007-2008, the AWD system is engaged all the time, routing approximately 60% of the power to the rear wheels and 40% of the power to the front wheels. The 2009 Charger AWD utilized the Torque-on-Demand system manufactured by Borg Warner which disconnects the front axles until extra traction is needed. This results in a slight boost in fuel economy while retaining the same maximum power split to the front wheels.

After three years of production, an update for 2009 models was made. This included moving the decklids "CHARGER" badge from the left to the right, making way for "DODGE" at the left. Tail lamps were also revised.

The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T debuted at the Chicago Auto Show.Featured with a 5 speed Automatic (Triptronic) Transmission. It featured a high output 350 hp (261 kW) version of the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi as well as an updated suspension and tires. Visual additions included a special front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler. In a retro touch, the Daytona R/T featured black "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fender and retro high impact colors.

In 2007, larger 20-inch chrome-clad wheels were introduced. In 2008, a revised stripe package was adopted. In 2009, horsepower was increased to 372 hp (277 kW) by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing.

An SRT-8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 425 hp (317 kW) version of the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi, it also featured upgraded Brembo brakes, and interior and exterior updates. The engine produces 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque. The 425 net horsepower of the modern 6.1 L Hemi makes it even more powerful than the legendary Chrysler Hemi engines of the muscle car era, the biggest of which was rated at 425 gross horsepower. This makes the 6.1 L Hemi engine the most powerful V8 engine that Chrysler has ever put in a production vehicle with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

A new Super Bee version of the Charger debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model year. It shared the SRT-8s 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi engine, but was available in a special "Detonator Yellow" paint with black decals. It is a limited edition with only 1,000 being produced. A B5 Blue version of the Super Bee was shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in early 2008, also with a limited run of 1,000. A total of 425 Hemi Orange Super Bees were built in 2009. In 2011, it was announced that the Super Bee will be returning as a 2012 model on the redesigned Dodge Charger with the 392 HEMI engine in "Stinger Yellow" and "Pitch Black"

Created with DUB Magazine, this version is based on the Charger SXT. It includes a body-colour spoiler and fog lamps, 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R20 tires, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 13-speaker PUNCHER surround-sound system, a 322w KICKER amplifier, and a 100w KICKER subwoofer. Exterior colors are red, black, silver, cool vanilla, and dark titanium.

A total of 2,180 Charger DUB Edition cars were produced for the U.S. market. They carried a MSRP of $30,999.

Although NASCAR stock cars bear only a slight resemblance to actual street cars, Dodges 2005 and 2006 NASCAR entries were based on the Charger silhouette, replacing the previous Dodge Intrepid. Unlike the Intrepid, the Charger shares rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine with its NASCAR counterparts.

During the 2007 NASCAR season the Charger was used in all non Car of Tomorrow races and the Dodge Avenger was used in all Car of Tomorrow races. The Car of Tomorrow was used exclusively in 2008. However, the Avenger Car of Tomorrow was redesignated as a Charger R/T through the use of different decals. The decals have been revised again for 2011 to reflect the updated nose and tail styling of the production Charger, including the full-width taillight panel.

The Charger SE and SXT are equipped with Chryslers 3.5 L V6. The 3.5 L V6 produces 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) of torque. In Canada, the base model Charger has a 2.7 L V6, which produces 190 hp (142 kW) and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque. In 2006, the 2.7 L V6 was also available in the U.S. for fleet sales only. For 2007, the SE package could be had with the 2.7 L engine for all buyers. The Canadian SXT model included the 3.5 L V6.

The R/T version uses the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8. From 2006-2008, this engine produced 340 hp (254 kW) and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) of torque. For 2009, Variable Camshaft Timing was added, raising power levels to 368 hp (274 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque respectively.

The SRT-8 model comes with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi V8. The 6.1 L Hemi produces 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Charger five stars on passenger, driver, and rear passenger crash test ratings and four stars in regard to side impact rating.

All models come standard with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (except in 2.7 L V6 cars where it is optional) with ABS and all speed traction control.

The 2011 Charger underwent both exterior and interior changes. It features a completely new body with the most striking changes being the redesigned fascia and hood section, modified taillights and a new dashboard. It also takes some styling cues from the 1968-1970 model. It will be built alongside the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 and 300C. The Charger SRT-8 returns as 2012 model, which was previewed at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. Chrysler began putting the Dodge logo with slanted red rectangles on the grilles of 2012.5 Charger models.

Engines are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission. From 2012 model year the 3.6 L engine is available with an 8-speed automatic that improves fuel economy by 4-mpg on the highway. The 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 produces 292 horsepower (218 kW) and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) of torque, the 5.7 liter V-8 delivers 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque, and the new 6.4 liter V-8 produces 470 hp (350 kW) and 470 lb·ft (640 N·m). of torque. According to the October 2011 issue of Motor Trend, the Dodge Charger SRT-8, weighing 4,361 lb (1,978 kg), sprints from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, and clears the quarter mile (~400 m) in 12.8 seconds at 110 mph (180 km/h). Its mechanically identical to the Chrysler 300 SRT-8. The base price of the Dodge Charger SRT-8 is $46,795.

In early 2006, DaimlerChrysler released a new police version of the Charger. It made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Unlike the civilian version, the police version features upgraded heavy-duty brakes, a severe-duty cooling system, police-performance Electronic Stability Program, police performance-tuned steering, and a gear shifter that is mounted on the steering column instead of in the center console. In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with an aluminum plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment, computers, and controllers for lights and sirens. The vehicles electrical system is specifically designed for integration of siren and light controls, and other police vehicle accessories. The Charger is in use with many American police departments,including the LAPD and NYPD.

The 340 hp (254 kW) Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.0 seconds and to a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h). In Michigan State Police testing, the Charger V8 easily outperformed all other pursuit vehicles in acceleration, cornering, and braking (except the Dodge Magnum and V6 Charger, which stopped slightly faster in some tests) in the first five years since its introduction.

Chargers are in use with numerous police agencies in North America as both marked and unmarked patrol cars. Law enforcement agencies outside of the US have also purchased the Charger, including police services in Canada, Mexico, Chile, the Czech Republic and the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon.Both V6 and V8 models are being adopted, with highway patrols favoring the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 engine and cities more likely to purchase the base police package with the 3.5 L V6 fuel-efficient engine. The Charger is also in service with U.S. Federal and military police services.

For 2009, the base Charger police car came with the 3.5 L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The rear is slightly updated, moving the "CHARGER" badge to the right, and replacing the left with the badge reading "DODGE." The V8 version uses the Charger Daytona R/T engine, rated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque.

On May 7, 2012, a recall announcement was made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding loss of anti-lock brakes and stability control as a result of an overheated fuse in the PCD. This failure could lead to loss of vehicle control, which increases crash risk. Over 127,350 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers are recalled.