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 161 through 170 of 288.00-
Most fun Car Ive owned. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Mike W - April 30 - 4:19 pmI love the 6 speed manual transmission. The car is fun and comfortable.
-
Camaro? No thanks. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Troy - April 28 - 3:19 pmwe went to the dealership just to rule out the Challenger, because we had every intention of getting the Camaro but I was very impressed and when I did finally see the Camaro, there was no doubt in our minds that the Challenger was it. This car rocks, orange w/black stripes,20inch wheels,manual,sunroof,leather seat,the looks everytime we go out, honks,stares,waves,thumbs up from people I have never met. My wife drove it home while I was at work, when I started it for the first time in my garage, I giggled like a little school girl when I heard the sound of the exhaust. We first tried to order a V6 and the deal fell through, Im so thankful it did, the 5.7 V8 Hemi is awesome.
-
Hemi Orange SRT8 6 speed Manual - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Eric G - April 26 - 5:41 pmWOW, Bring back the E-Body Mopars with all we loved Plus. Add stopping, turning, reliability, gadgets to my old 71 Cuda and you scratch the surface of what this car is. Although a little porky due to all the gadgets and safety equipment, this baby still performs well. The car gets more attention than anything out there and in case someone didnt notice stomp on it and the 6 speed version roars loauder than the auto since the suitcase muffler is deleted. The car handles well and the performance gauges show some of my roadcourse results with 0.99 lateral acceleration. Thew car seats 5 so my family of 5 can fit for some cruises or to shows without the need of a 2nd vehicle. Car is AWESOME
-
Still Smiling - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Mike - April 25 - 2:21 pmIve had my Challenger for 7 months now and I still grin when I get in it. The car always draws lots of attention Ive even had people take pictures of it at stop lights! The performance is stellar. I took it and my 540i BMW to the Miami Homestead Speedway for an all day race. My son drover the BMW and I drove the Challenger along with 20 or so other cars. I fully expected the BMW to out corner the Challenger but the reverse was true. The Challenger took the turns faster and more sure footed than the BMW and blew it away on acceleration. The brakes were truly awesome never fading in stopping this 4,200 beast. I passed several Corvettes and never once hinted of spinning it out. WOW
-
Love it! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Liz - April 14 - 2:06 pmI bought it as a Valentine gift for my husband. He loves it. Everybody in town stop and ask about the car.
-
my CHALLENGER - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Vince - April 13 - 12:14 amI love my new Challenger it is a very well put together car I have the r/t version it has plenty of get up and go and handles very well lots of looks from people everyone with any kind of sport car wants to race havent lost yet only dislike is the shift assist from 1 to 4 if you are not on the accelerator in 1st. Great car and I have owned a lot of muscle in the past such as z28,409/w3 duces in a 61 impala, 68 gto just to mention a few. Hang tough at the dealerships when buying they will come down if your strong.
-
Fun to drive - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By greggw34 - March 26 - 10:08 amI love this car, everyone stops me and wants to talk about this car, I went with the se model due to pricing.. Add dual cat back exhaust where I felt more power response. Getting the Windows tinted was not a good experience... Thinking about adding cold air intake down the road, I had one problem with mine at 500 miles had a problem with the engine? told me the flywheel was damaged? scary but the dealership fixed it, and had no problems since at least for now the car is great to drive, wish the v6 had a little more power...
-
Better than foreign Cars costing 2x more - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By MyBadBlackChallenger - March 18 - 10:18 pmThese so call expert "reporters" want to compare this car to Mustang but I disagree. I compare this car to any 2 door BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, and Aston Martin. Dollar for Dollar the Challenger Blows them all away. This car is beautiful in every way, drives like a car costing 2 to 3 times as much. Dodge did a great job with this vehicle, it may be one of the best looking cars available for any price. This car has it all Beautiful styling, excellent power, great fuel economy for a car of this horsepower, very comfortable functional and beautiful interior. If your looking for a coupe with space and power to match its looks (unlike say an accord) this baby is for you.
-
Love it - 2008 Dodge Challenger
By John - March 17 - 11:43 pmIve always owned american muscle cars and this is hands down the best Ive ever experienced. Perfect combination of classic styling with 21st century performance & features. I cant even stop for gas without having someone come over and drool on it for 5 minutes. I give fuel economy a 10 because it gets as good or better than I expect. I didnt buy it to get 20mpg! If it gets 10mpg, Im happy (Im getting about 16 or so average). And who cares if anyone is comfortable in the back seat, this is a 2 seater! The back seat is for your jacket or dog. Rides like its on rails, Ive gotten the lateral g-meter up to .75 on an offramp so far and thats not even trying hard. Dodge hit a homer!
-
Two tons of Fun! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Adam Morse - March 15 - 1:08 amChrysler nailed it when they built this baby! The retro styling and big engine take me back to when I had my old muscle cars. This car is not about economy, thrift, or "green" driving. This car says "I love to drive!" The acceleration is heart-thumping, the braking is excellent, the handling is very good and right down to the "thump" of the doors, everything is just as a muscle car should be. The only thing that I wasnt prepared for was the "rock star" treatment from people everywhere. People stop their cars beside mine, the give me the thumbs up, I have even had some guys ask me to pop the hood. I have met quite a few good people through this car.
