Are you looking for a reliable used sedan built by an American automaker? In production since 2006, the Dodge Charger is one excellent option. But it’s far from the only one. In fact, when UsedCars.com ranked the most reliable decade-old vehicles both the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala landed near the top of their list. Some buyers will love their dependability and low price. But for others, their FWD-based drivetrains may be a non-starter.
2010-2017 Buick LaCrosse
2017 Buick LaCrosse | General Motors
Just like the Dodge Charger, you can find a Buick LaCrosse with a V6 engine and AWD. Unlike the Charger, you cannot find this luxury car with either a V8 or RWD. The Buick’s other configurations include a 2.4-liter “EcoTec” I4 and FWD. But the 3.6-liter V6 is the engine Buick had been building for longer, and is probably our more reliable option. In addition, its 280 horsepower is better suited to keeping up with highway traffic.
The 2010-2017 Buick LaCrosse was the second generation of this sedan and General Motors threw some advanced features at it. So unlike the contemporary Charger, every LaCrosse came with a seven-speaker satellite radio. Power locks, power windows, and air conditioning were also standard. A used Buick LaCrosse CXS is an especially good deal because it adds leather seats and a Harman/Kardon premium stereo.
2006-2013 Chevrolet Impala
2013 Chevrolet Impala | General Motors
The LaCrosse shares its front-engine, FWD chassis with the Chevrolet Impala. But the Impala was oriented at either vehicle fleets or performance car enthusiasts. For this reason, Chevrolet didn’t bother building this ninth-generation Impala with an I4. V6 options included the 211-horsepower 3.5-liter and a 230 horsepower 3.9-liter. If you want Charger R/T levels of power, opt for the Chevrolet Impala Supersport (SS) with its 5.3-liter V8 engine.
The V8 Impala SS made 303 horsepower and can reach 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. So even though its a FWD sedan, it is a very quick Charger alternative. To sweeten the deal, the Impala is the most reliable decade-old sedan you can buy, according to UsedCars.com.
Other used Dodge Charger alternatives
2007 Mercury Grand Marquis | Ford Motor Company
The Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse are some of the most reliable used sedans around. With high-performance and well-optioned trims available, they make compelling Dodge Charger alternatives. But as FWD/AWD sedans, they might not be for everyone. This is because a front-engine, RWD car offers a different driving experience.
If you want a used front-engine, RWD sedan from Detroit with four doors you have relatively few options. Chrysler Corporation also builds the Chrysler 300 on the Dodge Charger chassis, and this is an excellent option. In addition, Ford built the Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis/Lincoln Town Car until 2011. These were all four-door sedans with a V8 engine up front and RWD. This makes them a clear choice for drivers seeking something similar to a used Dodge Charger.
Keyword: 2 Reliable Used Dodge Charger Alternatives Built by Detroit