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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  Beauty of the Beast - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Bob A - May 18 - 9:32 pm

  I cant wait to turn the key every morning. For the money, theres not another car on the road like it. Get comments almost every time I go somewhere. I have a problem with the six speed manual trans....occasionally goes from first to fourth gear. Minor rattle in the drivers side door. Get about 19 miles per gallon overall. Would still purchase this car if I had it to do over again.

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  Yep its got a Hemi - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By SEMORE - May 18 - 2:42 am

  Test drove the Challenger and had to own it. Its a head turner for sure. The Hemi-Orange is a real standout and gets attention. Acceleration is impressive be it gradual on surface streets after upshift, or stomping it on the freeway entrance. Slower than the old 426, but does get up and run. Excellent handling a joy to drive. Moderate pavement noise. Hope it doesnt get worse. This not a young persons car. First time in my life a vette picked a fight, they NEVER do that. I didnt even try, I knew better, and street racing is bad news period. This car is all about the look, feel, and pride of owning one. Glad Chrysler brought it back. Now if they would just retro the Charger....

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  I love my R/T and my R/T loves me - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Marisa - May 12 - 3:50 pm

  I was looking to trade up from my 2003 Honda Accord to either a BMW or a Lexus when I saw one of these magical cars on the road and my jaw dropped. I decided to take a test drive expecting the car to be rough around the edges and not refined enough for my taste. Boy was I wrong! This car has everything you could ever ask for...unmatched power and the most comfortable ride Ive ever experienced. It reminds me of my grandparents Caddy...super plush but this car is so stylish and soooo fast. Nobody has been able to keep up with me. The looks from people everywhere I go are priceless. Like others, Ive had people honk, take pictures, etc. Definitely get the R/T in the 6 speed! Love it!

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  Man oh man.... - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Eddie - May 12 - 1:56 am

  All I can say is "Wow." I LOVE this car. Im not a car man, per say, although Ive always had an appreciation for good-looking ones. And the first time I saw it, I just knew I had to have it. Several months later, Im picking mine up on my dinner break. I like to believe that I carry myself with modesty for the most part, but admittedly I do enjoy the attention she gets. Ask any Challenger owner. Its just such a beautiful car. I still turn several times to look at it as I walk away after parking it. To top it off, its a fantastic ride and the price is unbelievable for the package. Much more old-school than the Camaro.

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  AWESOME AUTO - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By catsmandan - May 9 - 1:52 pm

  We got the R/T with the automatic tranny. Great car for cruising with the family. Awesome power and drivability. Tried out a Mustang GT but the back seat was almost non- existant, so opted to try out the Challenger. Dodge really got it right with this car! Beautiful styling, great fit and finish, excellent power and handling! The 6 speaker sound system is great. The seats are very comfortable. This car is a blast to drive! A real HEAD TURNER!

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  Most fun Car Ive owned. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Mike W - April 30 - 4:19 pm

  I love the 6 speed manual transmission. The car is fun and comfortable.

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  Camaro? No thanks. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Troy - April 28 - 3:19 pm

  we 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.

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  Hemi Orange SRT8 6 speed Manual - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Eric G - April 26 - 5:41 pm

  WOW, 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

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  Still Smiling - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Mike - April 25 - 2:21 pm

  Ive 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

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  Love it! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Liz - April 14 - 2:06 pm

  I bought it as a Valentine gift for my husband. He loves it. Everybody in town stop and ask about the car.