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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  Get a CHALLENGER V8 - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By al kanchar - September 23 - 8:49 am

  Car is awesome!!!

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  2009 Challenger R/T - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Bob Schmidt - September 14 - 2:11 pm

  Amazing car! Just bought an R/T Challenger yesterday, Im still in shock!! But what a car. Ive owned Camaros and vettes in the past, but this car is impressive. The ride is almost as comfortable as my 4 dr Chrysler (but with a little more kick). Gas mileage is impressive. I went to the conv. store last night and the whole place emptied out. Folks were taking pictures and I ended up talking with people for a half hour. Highly recommend you go buy one. You wont regret it!

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  One Awesome Ride - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By John K - September 12 - 3:55 pm

  What an amazing car. The power, handling and comfort are unbelievable. Everywhere we go people are attracted to the pure beauty. I have clocked a 0-60 at 5.3 seconds although I hear 4.9 seconds has been recorded. Truly, one Awesome Ride.

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  Great car! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Paul Lieberstien - September 5 - 6:06 am

  I love my new challenger! I cannot say enough about the performance and build quality. I have always had performance cars in my garage, but this one is way better than anything else I ever had. I looked at the Nissan GTR and the 350Z. The GTR is just plain ugly in person and the dealers are marking them up way more than they are worth. The 350Z was slow and the few I saw on the lots had trim pieces falling off them already.

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  What a fun car to drive. - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By maryannhelgeson - September 2 - 9:38 am

  Wherever I go, my Challenger gets attention. People ask to take pictures of it, can they drive it, etc. The Challenger is a fun car to drive and handles great. The fuel mileage isnt bad either. Way to go Dodge

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  Make sure it has the "G" pkge! - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By L&G " 2009 " SE-G - August 29 - 6:00 pm

  We just picked up the new 2009 SE-G Challenger. Shes a sweet, boss looking ride. The 1st one off the rail car from the factory, and we got her! Inferno pearl red is a head turner at every light in town. The base MSRP, 09 Challenger is nice, but the dealers are still trying to sell them like the numbered SRT*8, 08s. The 3.5 high output V6 is not very quick off the line, but very quick to respond after youer out of 1st gear. The car feels well balanced and can scream around bends and turns like the best of them. Outstanding road feel and a rocket on the Hwy. The G package ( 26G )has larger rims, fog lights, all speed traction control, 4 wheels ABS disc brakes, electronic stability program

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  Better than you know what! - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By El Segundo - August 28 - 1:28 am

  There is simply no logical reason for a mature man to buy a car like this, except for the fact that it always brings a smile to my face each time I drive it. Its a time machine back to the 60s when we liked our cars big & bad. Something Im afraid todays "PC" & "green" crowd, driving their Prius will never understand. However, comparing the 60s muscle cars to this 2008 Challenger is like comparing a manual typewriter to a modern computer. The Challenger is more than muscle. Considering its size & weight, it handles like a dream you always feel like you have total control well, depending on how fast youre going. Its simply fun!

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  I love my Challenger - 2009 Dodge Challenger
  By Janie - August 25 - 2:06 pm

  Ive only had my red Dodge Challenger for 2 weeks but it is a blast. I wanted the fuel economy (25 mpg) of a 6 cyl so didnt go for the V8. But I have not been disappointed. It has the most comfortable leather seat Ive ever sat in and boy does it get the looks. The stereo is great and the retro dash is a joy to look at. I just love it!

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  monster muscle - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By schase - August 15 - 5:56 pm

  This car offers an exciting drive. Interior looks like a more modern car but has space similar to the old models.

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  70 Challenger Re-Born - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By Jeff - August 4 - 9:40 pm

  The 2008 Challenger experience can be summed up with a "WoW!" The acceleration is incredible, but better yet when you hit the turns it hugs them like a car built to road race. The speedometer and tach also have a built in gauge to help you measure your time from 0-60, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile. I love to be at the front of the line at a light !! This car turns heads like no other car on the road right now. People follow me around till I park it so they can get a closer look. Just take a close look at the lines on this car and you begin to see what I mean, get inside and look out....youll be hooked !!