What year Dodge is 4th gen?
The 4th generation Dodge Charger was produced from model years 1975 to 1978. This article explains which years define that generation, how its styling and options changed over time, and what it signified in Dodge’s history.
The Charger’s fourth generation represents a distinct period in the model’s lineage. It followed the early muscle-era Chargers of the late 1960s and early 1970s and preceded Dodge’s later revival of the name. Built on Chrysler’s B-body platform, the 1975–1978 Chargers offered a more muscular, full-sized two-door profile with updated interiors and emissions-conscious powertrain options.
Model years that defined the 4th generation
The fourth-generation Charger spanned four model years. Here is a year-by-year snapshot.
- 1975 — All-new body styling on the Chrysler B-body platform; base Charger and the upscale Charger SE were offered.
- 1976 — Styling refinements and updated trim/options; the two-trim lineup continued with SE as the premium choice.
- 1977 — Emissions controls intensified; interior and equipment upgrades appeared across trim levels.
- 1978 — Final year of the generation; production began tapering as Dodge shifted its model strategy and market demands changed.
In sum, the years 1975 through 1978 constitute the 4th generation Charger’s lifespan.
What defined the 4th generation in terms of power and equipment
Across these years, the Charger maintained its two-trim strategy while adapting to late-1970s regulations and consumer tastes. The following highlights capture the core options and design shifts that shaped everyday driving during the era.
- Engine options commonly included larger V8s such as the 5.2 L (318 cu in) and the 5.9 L (360 cu in) for strong performance within emissions rules of the time.
- Transmissions were predominantly automatic (TorqueFlite), with manual options available on select configurations or markets, though automatics were the norm for most buyers.
- Trim lines were centered on the base Charger and the more luxurious Charger SE, with SE offering enhanced interior trim and equipment for a more premium feel.
These options illustrate how the 4th generation balanced performance potential with the era’s stricter emissions standards and a shifting market for midsize-to-full-size coupes.
Legacy of the 4th generation and its place in Dodge history
The fourth-generation Charger marks a transitional chapter in Dodge’s performance lineup. It moved the Charger away from the earlier, smaller, pure-muscle designs toward a bigger, more comfort-oriented coupe, reflecting late-1970s industry trends and regulatory constraints. The Charger name would later be revived in a new form in the 2000s, but the 1975–1978 cars remain a distinctive mid-1970s footprint in Dodge’s long-running two-door saga.
Design evolution
The fourth-generation Charger adopted a broader, more formal two-door coupe silhouette on the B-body platform, with a wide front end and more interior space compared with its predecessors. The styling changes reflected a broader industry move toward comfort and practicality in the wake of stricter safety and emissions regulations.
Performance vs. regulation
Emissions mandates and insurance costs constrained peak horsepower, yet Dodge kept the Charger recognizable as a performance-oriented nameplate, delivering satisfying torque within the era’s regulatory framework.
Summary
The 4th generation Dodge Charger spanned 1975–1978, marking a distinct era of styling, bigger body proportions, and emissions-conscious powertrains. It bridged the classic muscle-car era with the late-1970s market realities, setting the stage for Dodge’s later interpretation of the Charger name in the 2000s and beyond.
What year are 5th gen dodges?
Dodge Ram - 5th Gen (2019 to 2026)
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What year is a Gen 3 Dodge?
The 3rd generation Dodge Ram was produced from 2002 to 2009, with the specific model years differing slightly depending on the truck's half-ton (150015001500) or heavy-duty (2500/35002500 / 35002500/3500) classification. The 3rd gen Ram 1500 was produced from 2002 to 2008, while the 2500 and 3500 models continued production through 2009.
- 3rd Gen Dodge Ram 1500: 2002–2008
- 3rd Gen Dodge Ram 2500: 2003–2009
- 3rd Gen Dodge Ram 3500: 2003–2009
What is the best year for the 4th gen Cummins?
The best 4th gen Cummins years are generally considered to be the final years, 2017 and 2018, due to refinements and the continued availability of the manual transmission. However, 2018 is the last year without the CP4 fuel pump, which can be problematic, though 2018 requires extra steps for OBDII diagnostics. For those who want to avoid Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), the 2010-2012 models are a good option as they are pre-DEF.
This video discusses the best model years for the 4th gen Cummins, highlighting their strengths and potential issues: 51sOutpost CTDYouTube · Aug 11, 2021
Recommended years
- 2017-2018: These years are praised for having most of the kinks worked out from earlier models while still offering the manual G56 transmission. However, be aware that 2018 models require a special cable and PIN for OBDII diagnostics.
- 2013-2014: While these models introduced DEF and a coil-spring rear suspension on the 2500, they also had issues like a leaky third brake light and some interior component quality concerns.
- 2010-2012: These are a strong choice if you want to avoid DEF. They are more reliable than early 3rd gen models and have fewer complex emissions systems.
Important considerations
- Pre-DEF vs. post-DEF: Models from 2013-2018 require DEF for emissions, while the 2010-2012 models do not.
- Transmission: The manual G56 transmission was last offered in 2018.
- Common issues: Across the 4th gen, be aware of potential issues like the 68rfe transmission, leaking third brake lights, and 2017-2018 hydraulic control unit (HCU) failures.
- 2019 and beyond: Avoid 2019 models, as they switched to the CP4 fuel pump, which is more prone to failure.
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