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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  2008 Challenger review - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By KingKustoms505 - July 28 - 4:25 pm

  Got the silver one w/a sunroof. I cant really rate the performance yet (program made me pick one) because Im still breaking it in (only has 212 miles on it, manual says it needs 500 for proper break-in). The passenger muffler tip hangs lower than the drivers side. The steering wheel does not adjust downward enough for short guys to ride "low".

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  Just Bought It - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By Dave Carcaise - July 8 - 12:07 am

  This is a excellent car to drive. I love my new SRT8. Hemi orange, 6.1 Hemi, Auto Stick, Kicker stereo system w/nav and Sirius sat radio. This is a must have for the car enthusiast.

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  Great Car - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By Dan - July 5 - 10:43 pm

  I own a 2007 C6 Corvette, a 2008 GT 500 Shelby a 2007 Mustang GT and now a 2008 SRT8 Hemi Orange Dodge Challenger. I have to say that I LOVE every one of these cars but the Dodge Challenger really sticks out. The car is just great. Waited 6 months for delivery and it was well worth it. This car of all the new American muscle cars will definitely remind you of the original more than the vette or the Shelby. People will stop me on the road to look at it. Some get confused if it is a 1970s restored car or a new car. It is that similar to a 70s car. The car definitely looks better in person than the pictures. Way to go Dodge. Be proud of building a real American car. Would love to see a "CUDA

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  Such a great car for fun and commuting! - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By Lucas - June 8 - 4:06 am

  I traded in my 2015 Tacoma TRD Off Road for a 2017 SXT Plus. I LOVE IT!!! It handles amazingly and has such great acceleration. Throw it into sport mode and have even more fun with the paddle shifters. I have never been a fan of paddle shifters, but with this car, I make do! The ONLY complaint I have and thing I would change is the brakes feel much softer than I would like for such a high performance car. The only negative I have so far.

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  Overrated - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By steve - May 13 - 9:16 pm

  Well I can honestly say not worth the 70 dollars per tank per fill that last oh say 2,3 days. As if the car isnt expensive enough i.e. Payment, insurance, Mobil 1 oil changes etc. Now my defense I had no idea that gas would go this high. Well who did. Still a great car sweet sound love it. But its kind of like dating that girl who is so hot you cant get enough of but damn shes killing ya with how high maintenance she is. I would tell anyone who wants one save your money. Save it. Trust me or better yet if you really want mopar glory and have this kind of loot to blow then just go buy a used viper gts. Same money, much attention by the lady friends! Word to Dodge you missed the boat! You got me .

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  Face-lift for the American Auto Industry - 2008 Dodge Challenger
  By ABauer03 - April 16 - 3:12 am

  The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the sexiest new models on the market right now. It had an immediate impact from the time it was unveiled as a concept car in 2006 and continues to be one of the most anticipated cars of the year. Dodge needs to capitalize on the endless opportunities with this model and set the pace for reinventing the modern American muscle car. Dodge should play off two versions of this car. Have one "Big Baller" V8 model with an MSRP of just under $40,000 and a more affordable "Economized" version with a V6 at around $25,000. Dodge can capitalize on the SRT8 if they realize the popular demand for this car...

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  Faster n hell - 2013 Dodge Challenger
  By Eric Dehaan - December 10 - 11:25 am

  Awesome car. Looks good,drives good,total package.

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  scat pack shaker 6m - 2016 Dodge Challenger
  By scott t - November 1 - 2:53 pm

  the sound power ride handleing braking infotainment system everything about this car is awsome if you are thinking about getting this car just get it my wife bought sxt plus with 6 cylinder and most of the options you could get with it with the 8a auto transmission it can smoke them tires transmission shifts smoothly and aggresivly when you get on it i liked it so much i bought a scat pack shaker with a 6m tranny this car is a beast touch the gas and you go touch the brake and you stop it is hard to drive this car slow it just wants to go the sxt gets great gas milage for such a big car the scat pack shaker is getting average 12.5 mpg still on first tank of gas but i did not buy the sp shaker for everyday use the sxt my wife uses as a daily there is a challenger modle for all tastes take one for a test drive and you will see

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  come back of the America muscle car - 2017 Dodge Challenger
  By EWjr - March 19 - 2:31 am

  Is a great car, fast and furious...for sure...just love it...Thank you Off lease-Orlando...Thank you S. Hackett, Vince and Shany...you are a great team...

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  1500 miles - 2018 Dodge Challenger
  By Carlos Reyes - November 1 - 5:33 pm

  I love my 2018 Challenger. I love all the technology and it is a powerful car. It is easy on the wallet when it comes to miles per gallon. No regrets, so far. I am a Challenger fan now. Wish me luck!