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:

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  Ford,Chevy Watchout - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Mopar Guy - November 28 - 7:43 pm

  After numerous hours on the Internet the Descion was a No brainer. The Challenger SRT8 is hands down the Best car I have ever owned, the HP/TQ is Unbeatable all the way up to the redline, the ride was outstanding ,as is the the throw you back in your seat Torque. I am looking forward to long years of Enjoyment with this car......

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  Way better than old Nissan 370 - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By George Kipper - November 23 - 5:52 am

  Man I love this car! I had a Nissan 370Z that was just plain aweful. The interior bits were falling off it daily. This new Challanger is tight. I love the outside looks compared to the bland "upside down bathtub 370" too.

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  A Helluva Car!!!! - 2016 Dodge Challenger
  By Nate - November 22 - 4:01 am

  Well after reading all of the reviews and listening how people were raving over there RT Plus, or Shakers, Hellcats etc, I decided to do a review on the SXT which is what I have. Not everyone can afford $40+k for a car, so I decided to go for the base model SXT in white, with Blacktop package, 20" wheels, black aluminum rims, 8.4" Uconnect with Nav, and premium speakers. First off for being the base model even with just a V6, its awesome. The entire care is white and black which together go beautifully. But the fact that the car is white, rims, spoiler, stripes and fuel door are black, just makes it look amazing!!! Then you have the inside with the huge 8.4" screen, the beautiful instrument cluster, awesome sound system, I mean you cant go wrong. Yeah it is just the base model with extra ad ons, but it suits me just fine!! Im tired of reading all the reviews and how people are slamming the base model saying it doesnt offer much. BS!!!! For someone wanting a muscle car, but who is on a budget like myself, its an awesome model to get, especially if you opt to get some of the ad ons like I did, which kept it at around $31k. The V6 engine at 305hp is nothing to be disappointed at, and realistically where are you gonna use more horsepower than that??? 305 gets the job done for me!!! I wish there was a way I could post pictures of my baby!!! She definitely gets a great deal of looks and compliments, and again, is only the base SXT model which I am extremely happy with!!!

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  Wow! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Sherah - November 20 - 11:28 am

  All I can say is WOW! I have a BLACK BEAST and its awesome! What a beautiful car! I am so glad I waited to purchase a new car. Originally, I had my eye on the Charger but then a friend informed me about the Challenger which I did not knew existed until Spring 09. Then it was love at first sight! The RAM really knew how to do it this time. It has a more comfortable interior than rival Camaro - and to be honest, I feel its better than the new Camaro.

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  On the Cover - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Danny - November 14 - 11:01 am

  On the outside, the Challenger looks like it has nailed the retro styling. however, there is no manual tranny offered. If standard transmission is important, look to the Mustang over he Camaro.

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  My Toy - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By Champ - November 12 - 3:18 pm

  This car was built for us baby boomers in mind. Total comfort, and great performance for the money. Not as fast as a Camaro, but a better ride. The six speed is the way to go. It handles better than the auto trans. The R/T is the best bang for the buck. Thanks Dodge for a great job.

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  I LOVE MY B5 BLUE CHALLENGER!!! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By JJ - November 7 - 10:38 pm

  The challenger is not as fast as the camaro or mustang but I could care less. I purchased the car for the body style, color and comfort. Every time I take her to the road, many people cannot help but stare with excitement.

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  Everyone loves this challenger! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Loved by All - October 31 - 10:40 pm

  R/T Classic in B5 Blue. I get comments from people of all ages (young and old)on this car Most comments are about loving the blue color, the cragar look-alike wheels and the 70s style of the car. Some people think its a 70s car that was restored. The car performs well and economy has been as high as 23 to 26 mpg on the interstate. The trunk is very roomy. The interior is extremely quiet and the front seats are very comfortable. The back seats are also roomy enough for adults but like any 2 door car are difficult to enter and exit. I find the challenger great looking and fun yet much more practical than a Corvette, Camaro or Mustang.

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  Best so far - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Joe - October 29 - 1:51 pm

  Just traded a mustang gt 09 for my silver with fender strips RT. What a difference. No comparison. Automatic with remote start, auto stick is great. Two tone leather seats and plenty of interior room. I cant believe how many people stop and stare. You really feel like you are a rock star. The power is plenty, I welcome all "challengers", none successfull yet. Best riding muscle car out there. May not be the fastest, but combining power, looks and room it is well worth the money. All the experts think a half second is enough to rate this vehicle below the camaro..What do they know..And it handles great and gets great gas mileage

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  What a GREAT 1st New car - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Spice - October 24 - 9:46 am

  I bought a B5 Blue Pearl right off the showroom floor. My wife walked in with me and said Are you serious, you like this car? I said if you dont like it, lets go. And she said Are you kidding me? Its beautiful Two hours later, I drove it away with only 3 miles on it. What a nice ride. Performance way better than the Corvette I used to have. Looks that turn heads even when sitting still. Very comfy inside, with easy to read gauges and all radio/heat controls at hand. The slap-stick tranny is nice, witch your tach and bump it to the right,...and boom, your flying at 80 MPH and still in 3rd. Nice job Dodge, you did it right!!