2008 Dodge Models

The Dodge Avenger shores up DaimlerChrysler's midsize sedan lineup. Introduced for 2008, the Avenger succeeds the Stratus, and like the Stratus it plays a sportier second fiddle to Chrysler's Sebring sedan. The Sebring was redesigned for 2007, and it shares underpinnings with the Avenger. Both cars compete against best-sellers like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. 

The long-awaited return of Dodge's classic muscle car comes this April in the form of the 2008 Challenger SRT8, a performance version akin to the Charger SRT8 sedan. Dodge will build 6,400 for 2008, only in the high SRT8 trim level, and will add more affordable and modest versions in the 2009 model year. The two-door's competition includes the Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z and upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. 

Dodge is launching an updated version of its Dakota midsize pickup truck for the 2008 model year that features new exterior and interior styling and a more powerful version of the optional 4.7-liter V-8. Offered in extended and crew cab body styles, the Dakota hits dealerships in August. 

Shortly after GM canceled plans to revamp its minivans, Dodge took the wraps off its fifth-generation Grand Caravan. Dodge hopes to retain or gain in its share of the van pie with fresh styling, new drivetrains and innovative seating arrangements in two trim levels: the SE and SXT. What you won't see is the short-wheelbase Caravan, which has been discontinued.  

Car buyers who can't get enough horsepower will want to thank Dodge for introducing a revised version of its Viper SRT10 sports car. Not content with merely 510 horsepower, the Viper SRT10 now makes 600 hp from an enlarged V-10 engine. Isn't America great? 

Dodge introduced the Caliber, a five-seat four-door hatchback, last year in a class that included the Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Impreza wagon and Toyota Matrix. For 2008, Dodge added an SRT4 high-performance model to a lineup that already included the SE, SXT and R/T. 

Dodge brought back a famous model name from its muscle-car past for the 2006 model year with the launch of the Charger. From 1966 to the early 1970s, Charger coupes were among the most potent and most recognized muscle machines on the market. The Charger competes with other revived muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Prix. For 2008, Dodge redesigned the instrument panel and added more standard features to the R/T and SXT models. 

The Dodge Durango offers a wide variety of engines: a V-6, two Magnum V-8s and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The new E85-capable 4.7-liter V-8 engine produces more horsepower than the previous 4.7-liter V-8. A backup camera option is also new. The Durango competes with the Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition. 

Plenty of observers were surprised when Dodge introduced its Magnum for 2005. Instead of a front-wheel-drive sedan like its Dodge Intrepid predecessor, the Magnum is a rear- or all-wheel-drive wagon. With the same V-6 and Hemi V-8 engine choices as the Chrysler 300, the Magnum also competes with the Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Passat wagon. For 2008, the Magnum gets a new grille and some interior tweaks, including new cloth seat surfaces and a redesigned instrument panel. 

Introduced for 2007, the Dodge Nitro SUV enters the 2008 model year with three new exterior colors and a few new features, including rear ParkSense parking sensors. Nitro competitors include the Nissa Xterra and Suzuki Grand Vitara. 

Available in half-, three-quarter- and one-ton capacities, Dodge's full-size pickup trucks continue to flaunt the look of ruggedness. For 2008, there's a more powerful engine for the Ram 1500, and a new SXT version of the 2500 and 3500 offers more features. A Power Wagon version of the 2500 handles demanding offroad tasks, and a Mega Cab model is also available. Heavy-duty Rams can have a more-powerful 6.7-liter diesel engine, and an electronic stability system is optional for 1500 models. The Ram competes with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. 

Available in half-, three-quarter- and one-ton capacities, Dodge's full-size pickup trucks continue to flaunt the look of ruggedness. For 2008, there's a more powerful engine for the Ram 1500, and a new SXT version of the 2500 and 3500 offers more features. A Power Wagon version of the 2500 handles demanding offroad tasks, and a Mega Cab model is also available. Heavy-duty Rams can have a more-powerful 6.7-liter diesel engine, and an electronic stability system is optional for 1500 models. The Ram competes with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. 

Available in half-, three-quarter- and one-ton capacities, Dodge's full-size pickup trucks continue to flaunt the look of ruggedness. For 2008, there's a more powerful engine for the Ram 1500, and a new SXT version of the 2500 and 3500 offers more features. A Power Wagon version of the 2500 handles demanding offroad tasks, and a Mega Cab model is also available. Heavy-duty Rams can have a more-powerful 6.7-liter diesel engine, and an electronic stability system is optional for 1500 models. The Ram competes with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. 

Initially assembled by Freightliner, the full-size Sprinter van adopted a Dodge nameplate in early 2003. The van now competes in a class with the Chevrolet Express, Ford Econoline Wagon and GMC Savana. For 2008, the 12-passenger van includes an emergency exit window. An electronic sliding door is available on cargo and passenger vans. 

Initially assembled by Freightliner, the full-size Sprinter van adopted a Dodge nameplate in early 2003. The van now competes in a class with the Chevrolet Express, Ford Econoline Wagon and GMC Savana. For 2008, the 12-passenger van includes an emergency exit window. An electronic sliding door is available on cargo and passenger vans.