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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  my CHALLENGER - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Vince - April 13 - 12:14 am

  I 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.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By greggw34 - March 26 - 10:08 am

  I 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...

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  Better than foreign Cars costing 2x more - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By MyBadBlackChallenger - March 18 - 10:18 pm

  These 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.

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  Love it - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By John - March 17 - 11:43 pm

  Ive 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!

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  Two tons of Fun! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Adam Morse - March 15 - 1:08 am

  Chrysler 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.

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  Fountain of Youth - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By LivingLarge - March 7 - 9:14 pm

  Dropped off my 300C for end of lease to trade in for another, and saw this beauty and fell in love. Employee pricing + 0% financing sealed the deal. Even the wife gave me an okay and my father in law gave thumbs up. Not middle age crisis, but middle age celebration. Full Disclosure: Never had a muscle car as a youth, only two stock 1980s Camaros, so this is filling a void for me - psychoanalyze that. Teenage son and friends are drooling, and middle aged guys come up to me at the laundry, gas station, parking lot, whatever, asking about it, and it is embarrasing since one wants to be humble. But in the end, its an Ego booster. Chryslers final mark and legacy if they dont make it.

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  2009 R/T w/6spd. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By ziapiper - March 7 - 8:59 pm

  it still garners a lot of attention when i take it out for a spin. it feels a little underpowered for a 4000 lb. car. my biggest concern is the problem i have sometimes shifting from 1st to second. it goes into fourth, and when i try to go into second, it prevents me and i end up shifting into third. but it puts the fun back into driving.

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  Spectacular American Muscle Car - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Ray - March 6 - 12:23 pm

  This car will impress you in ways you cant imagine. For years I have wished that Dodge would take the body style of a 1970s era Challenger and put in on a modern chassis. This car has the retro styling without the drawbacks. I have the 5.7L Hemi mated to the 6-speed manual. It was the only option I wanted or paid for. That made this car a bargain high-performance car, especially when you factor in the incentives being offered. It is a blast to drive. It has a tight ride without being too stiff. It turns everyones head. I love it.

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  Beyond my expectations - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Gringo - March 1 - 7:49 am

  Got the black on black R/T with the 6 speed track pak.I love to start this car and hear the pipes rumble. I ease that clutch and she bites a chunk of pavement and begs for more road to eat up.Second day I had it we went for a 3 hour ride across the state. With 6 gears the motor breathes and sips the gasoline for 22 mpg. On the street people stare at this car like they are watching a magic trick.

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  Heart throb car! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Dave - February 24 - 12:56 am

  I knew when I purchased the Challenger SRT8 in Hemi orange that I would get attention but I did not expect so much. It is a social experiment every time I take this car out. Part of the effect is on me as I feel my juices flow every time I take it out. But the bigger laugh is all the comments, thumbs up, and gawkers everywhere I go. I could have bought a car for six figures and it would not have grabbed so much attention as this Challenger does. I have even had the county sherriff deputies following me in their Charger and scoping out my Challenger. The best part is that it is as crazy fast as it looks and that Sherriff Charger would not have stood a chance.