When you think about classic muscle cars, only a few names come to mind. And if the Dodge Charger doesn’t come to mind, then sorry, but something’s wrong. Very wrong. Maybe you’ve been living under a rock for the past five and a half decades or so. But rest assured it is certainly top two, as far as we’re concerned. Perhaps sharing that top spot with the Ford Mustang.

The Charger started as a show car in 1964. The following year, a concept car was built. And finally, the vehicle was officially released in 1966 to the public. And boy did they eat it up.

It didn’t take long for the public to fall in love with this vehicle. As you’ll see in this article, we’ve found images that’ll make your collective hearts pound. As the vehicle — in all its model years — was built to impress. And at the same time, it stood the inevitable and difficult test of time itself.

15 1969 Dodge Charger RT

There it is. That familiar front end. Perhaps only the Mustang is as familiar with its emblem of the trusted steed. But the Charger, too, has left quite the imprint on the automotive industry. It is one of three vehicles most respected. Especially in the muscle car domain. And what's not to respect. It's a mean machine if ever there was one.

14 1968 Dodge Charger RT

Sitting atop the road like that, this 1968 Charger looks quite at home. It seems to be the boss of its own realm. And to those of us that respect what the Charger represents, we'd say that it earned its respect.

Many miles traveled. many satisfied customers. That's what it takes to build a legacy such as this. That's what it takes to become an icon.

13 2019 Dodge Charger

That's why after all these years, they're still making them. You don't see Dodge putting this much emphasis and time on the old Dart, do you? There's a specific reason for that, of course. But we're certain we don't need to go into specific detail on that.

This 2019 looks as powerful as the more recent year models. But there are those that feel the Charger has lost its old integrity. As we've seen at times with the Mustang, there are those who prefer the older models.

12 1971 Dodge Charger

Sitting by that rusted garage door, this 1971 Dodge Charger calls to mind the gritty hard work it takes to keep an old Charger running. For years, professional or even recreational mechanics have been working on old Chargers. It's the thing to do, really.

Certain models are preferably worked on more than others. This 1971 is a common model seen in many garages across North America.

11 1975 Dodge Charger Daytona

By the time the Charger was in its fourth generation, it had come a long way. There are many who feel this model was the worst. But we must say, we don't agree at all. We feel that this 1975 Dodge Charger Daytona has loads of character.

When it comes to the vehicles we love, sometimes character is all you've got. The front end changed drastically from previous models. Yet, those changes suited it just fine. Don't you agree?

10 Dodge Charger Daytona From The Fast & The Furious

The Charger, and many models of this fine vehicle, have also been featured in film and television. And quite extensively so, we might add. These days, perhaps its appearance in The Fast And The Furious franchise of films is most notable.

Many models appear in those films, especially Dominic Toretto's RT. But this Daytona from the sixth installment of the film had some pretty memorable moments on screen.

9 2014 Dodge Charger RT

The 2006 model sure has its critics as well. Can we compare it to the harsh critiques that the nineties era Mustang received? You know the one we're talking about... the coup. Perhaps this one wasn't all that bad. It did have it's good points, as most memorable vehicles do.

It was the 2006 that was first used as a police cruiser in many municipalities all over North America. Authorities have been using the Charger ever since, including this 2014, pictured here.

8 1984 Dodge Charger Shelby

Many probably wouldn't believe that this is a Charger. Let alone a Shelby of all things. But indeed it is. It came at a time when a lot of vehicles kind of started resembling one another.  Then again, when haven't vehicles resembled each other? Seems like auto manufacturers are always copying one another.

It bears a striking resemblance to the Ford Escort, the hatchback that was quite popular in the era. But it was what was underneath the hood that made all the difference.

7 2011-14 Dodge Charger

There it is, the seventh generation. In all its glory. The image is a glorious contrast of colors. But colors aside, the beauty of the vehicle sure comes through. We believe it would come through even if the image wasn't as spectacular as this.

Of course, the Charger has been touched up a tad, but hey, we have to leave room for artistic expression. Always leave room for that. Besides, as we all believe here at HotCars... auto work is certainly art.

6 1970 Dodge Charger

The simplicity of this photo reminds us that leaving things be is best. What we mean is, sometimes it's great just to see something in a natural habitat. In its natural state of being.

This 1970 Charger sure was worked on, but the image itself remains untouched. The impressive vehicle is made to just sit there, in all its glory. And what a glory it is to behold.

5 2019 Dodge Charger

Another shot of the new breed. And we've gotta say, it sure is growing on us. We can't help it, it just is. What can we say? After all, it is a Charger, isn't it?

It's amazing to think that this vehicle has gone through seven total generation models. The seventh generation, which includes this model, started in 2011. We'd say that it's the seventh generation that really made the most leaps and bounds forward in time.

4 1975 Dodge Charger SE

We couldn't help, though, but add another image of this great model. The 1975 Charger SE, which was a part of the fourth generation sure is a sight for sore eyes. It just speaks of a durability that isn't felt in newer models and generations.

Some favor it, and admittedly, that goes for yours truly - the writer of this list. What's not to love? You've got history, power, legacy and the Charger name, all in one. And the name sure does mean a lot in the end.

3 1972 Dodge Charger Custom

Many flock to Barrett Jackson events. If not to actually purchase some of the vehicles they see, then to at least take a look around. It's like window shopping for a fashionista, though. So many amazing cars, yet you can't buy anything.

If you do go, it's best to go with some cash. At least you'd be able to walk away with that car you've always wanted. But maybe you should save up first?!

2 General Lee From The Dukes of Hazzard - 1969 Dodge Charger

Like the many Chargers from The Fast And The Furious, so was this car quite famous. It was on the show, The Dukes of Hazzard. And although many likely remember Daisy quite a bit more, "General Lee" sure had its fans too.

Most memorable were the car chase scenes in which the audience could see the car in action. It's probably because of this prop car that many prefer the 1969 Charger to most.

1 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

The Daytona has cropped up quite a bit in this article. But a nice shot of the tail end is probably worth a mention. It's the spoiler that made this car famous. Okay, the mechanics of the car had something to do with it. And so did the overall design.

But so many shots of this car show its tail end, and we more than understand why. It's often the design features with the most flare that have us remembering certain vehicles. Which is perfect for a memorable car, eh? Fitting we'd say.

Sources: Flickr, AutoTrader, Barrett Jackson