Overview & Reviews
The Dodge Challenger was one of the more significant cars to come out of the 1960s and '70s muscle car era. Four decades later, Dodge's buff Challenger is once again laying stripes on America's pavement. Featuring styling cues similar to the original model and, for the most part, brawny engines driving the rear wheels, the new Challenger is a true street fighter. But unlike its bare-knuckled brawler of an older brother, this Challenger is loaded with modern-day refinement and safety features.
It's no surprise that the current Challenger offers strong acceleration with either available V8, but even the base V6 is no slouch. Also unsurprising is its bulky feel in tight corners, though its luxurious character on the highway more than compensates. The muscle car segment has seen a revival in recent times with the retro-ization of the Mustang and the resurrection of the Camaro, but the Challenger certainly holds its own, and strikes us as the most pleasant to drive on a daily basis.
Current Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger features the exterior styling cues of its iconic '70s predecessor, such as a long hood and a semi-fastback roof line. Underneath, however, the Challenger is based on a shortened version of the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger platform. Thanks to its generous dimensions and a split-folding rear seat, the Challenger has ample passenger space and impressive luggage capacity.
The Challenger comes in four levels: SXT, R/T, SRT8 392 and SRT8 Core. The base SXT features a 3.6-liter 305-horsepower V6 matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Upping the ante, the R/T packs a 5.7-liter V8 churning out 372 hp with the five-speed automatic or 376 hp with a six-speed manual transmission. It's also packaged with a recalibrated steering system and a limited-slip differential. The SRT8 392 and SRT8 392 Core models come armed with a 470-hp 6.4-liter V8 connected to either a standard five-speed automatic or an optional six-speed manual. Other features of the SRT8s include a stiffer suspension, revised steering, Brembo brakes and 20-inch wheels.
All Dodge Challenger models come standard with antilock brakes, a full complement of airbags and stability control. Major options include a sunroof and hard-drive-based navigation system with music and video file storage capability, although the latter is controlled by an antiquated touchscreen head unit that can be irritating to use. The R/T can be equipped with a couple of optional performance packages, such as the Super Track Pak, that improve its handling and braking. The SRT8 392 comes with most of the Challenger's available equipment, while the SRT8 Core has the same performance items but is equipped more like a base SXT.
In road tests, we've found that there's plenty to like about Dodge's modern muscle car. Acceleration is acceptable with the V6 and truly impressive with the R/T and SRT8. The Challenger remains laudably quiet at speed, with little road or wind noise, and offers an impressively comfortable highway ride regardless of trim level. On twisty roads, the Challenger feels big and heavy, which isn't surprising considering the car's 2-ton curb weight. But the SRT8 and R/T (when fitted with the optional suspension upgrades) still do a pretty respectable job of keeping that mass under control. At the same time, its size makes the interior and trunk far larger and more useful than those of its competitors.
Used Dodge Challenger Models
The current Dodge Challenger was introduced in 2008 as the SRT8 only. The SE (now named SXT) and R/T trim levels arrived a year later, as did manual transmission availability for the SRT8. For 2009-'10, the SE came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 making just 250 hp. The transmission was either a four-speed automatic (2009) or a five-speed automatic (2010). As you can imagine, the SE left much to be desired from both a performance and fuel economy standpoint, so we'd avoid it. From 2008-'10, the SRT8 came with a 6.1-liter V8 good for 425 hp.
For 2011, things improved considerably across the Challenger lineup as the base engine became the current, 305-horsepower V6, and the SRT8 adopted the current 6.4-liter monster. The latter also resulted in "392" being added to the car's name (the engine's historically significant, cubic-inch displacement). Upgrades also took place for the suspension, steering and brake systems, resulting in a more rewarding car to drive. That year also brought more standard equipment along with redesigned seats and steering wheel. Since then, changes have been minimal, consisting chiefly of trim level and equipment shuffling.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 288.00-
Love Love Love this car! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Kristin - May 10 - 10:21 amI love my 2010 Challenger. I cannot say enough good things about it. The style on the outside, the style on the inside (take a look at a 70s interior...)this car gets plenty of compliments and stares. If a 1970 was a practical everyday car...i might have gotten one of those...but a 2010 works just fine! When it was time for me to buy a car...i refused to get anything other than this. I saved for months and months and finally got my "dream car" I never want to own anything other than a Challenger. I am IN LOVE with this car. Oh...and Im a 23 yeard old lady )
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Boy Oh Boy - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Lou Calandros - May 4 - 10:11 pmI specifically wanted the B5 Blue Pearl when I ordered my 2010 R/T Challenger Feb. 2010. The car is fantastic to drive. It handles better than nice and will set you back in your seat on acceleration even at highway speed (65 MPH). I took it to work to show my friends and complete strangers would stop to look at the car right off the street. I dont worry about the MPG I didnt buy it for that. This car is no slouch. The 5 spd auto is fun to bump-shift and shifts are crisp up and down. 3rd gear is nice for the around-town throaty sound. This car was a long time coming. Im glad its here.
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Awesome car! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By FERNIE - April 21 - 7:25 amThis car is one of the best cars I have ever driven during the past 35 years. Super smooth, sexy and always turns heads. would recommend.
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This is a Great American Car! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Cyndi - April 17 - 5:03 pmRoomy comfortable seats, quiet smooth engine (v6) and a lot of eyeball, this car is going to be a classic!
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Fine ride - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By ROY63 - April 10 - 9:45 amI love my car. Dealer was great to deal with and car is fun to drive with a great ride. Handles good , I just dont think I could ask for any more.
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Real American Muscle - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Mike - April 6 - 8:00 pmThis car drives like a dream. With the added performance cat back exhaust and the cold air intake, it only gets better and the sound is second to none.
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Silver Bullet - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Tony Skells - April 5 - 11:48 amI bought a new 1970 challenger se and kept it for 8 years until the family outgrew it. it was a great car and in the time i owned it i did nothing except do oil changes and tune ups. my 2009 rt is a better performing car than the original. i like the mds tranny as a gas saver. compared to ford and gm Chrysler got the retro challenger looking right. the fit and finish is a-one. my wife gets to drive it more than i do. she is a driver and loves the car. there are a lot of auto suppliers on line that have a lot of upgrade items for this car.since 2009 Chrysler has also put out a catalog of accessories.
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Time machine - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Overland - April 2 - 5:21 pmStunning car that really does turn heads. The SE is not too fast, but fine for city traffic. Mine has the G package and rally package. Very solid ride. Very quiet on the road. Good interior - comfortable with good materials. Back seat OK for kids, but on the tight side for adults. Great trunk - ever bigger with the fold down rear seats. Makes me feel like Kowalski. Anyone know what Sirius station Super Soul is on?
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Awesome! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Andres - March 31 - 9:52 pmI like the power, the feel, the styling. People stare at the car. Mine is the b5 blue with side stripes.
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Dodge Challenger RT - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By toyak - March 31 - 5:06 pmMy first car was a 1970 beater Barracuda I had in the army. Always wanted to rebuild it but never had the money until 29 years later. The car gets the look 95% correct (including the interior). The car is very fast, competent on the road including ice and snow (we live in Alaska) and extremely comfortable (for me at 511" my 54 wife does not not share my opinion on comfort). For a 4100 pound car its performance is great. I have the 6 speed which is fun (1/4 miler faster with an auto). I average 19 mpg. If you are gentle on acceleration milage is all right, if not the Hemi is fast and thirsty. My worst tank average 11 mpg and best 23. I have a 7 year old and a 4 year old, back seats fine
