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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  In a class by itself. - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By jchivington - June 9 - 9:49 am

  Took deliveryJune 10th. This car exceeds all my expectations. The manual is very short throw and has excellent feel. Dont even consider getting the automatic in a car like this. The clutch pedal is light with absolutely no chatter. The leather upgrade ($1,750) is well worth the money. The German brands have nothing on this car--except maybe panel fit. My only very small complaint is the radio sound quality not bad but could be better. Feels extremely solid. No wind noise. No rattles. Handles great even in street mode.

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  Just an awesome vehicle - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By jayinwv - May 28 - 9:11 pm

  Just traded in a 13 charger RT for the tri coat red 8 speed challenger srt 392 with black racing stripes. In 2 days the transmission has already begun to adapt to my driving style. I am using it as a daily commuter and it is a joy to drive. I loved my charger but the 6.4L and the 8 speed is just flat out awesome. The sound is nostalgic as is the acceleration. Everything about this car is catering to the driver. MPG is not why you get such a car but in 2 days of mixed city/highway I am averaging nearly 19. That is nearly what i got with the charger in the 5.7L and does include having ample fun too. This car is not for everyone but beats the snot out of overpriced euro imports.

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  2015 Challenger R/T - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By nelson826 - May 11 - 12:48 am

  I have been having problems with the 6 speed manual. Im having problems shifting into second gear. I took the car back to "Anderson Dodge" in Rockford Illinois. I told them it wont shift into 2nd gear very easy. All the other gears are fine but 2nd is having difficultys. The transmission is also winding at constant speeds. They called me and said that they had 3 people drive the car put couldnt duplicate the problem and refused to fix it. The car only has 2500 miles and should not have these kind of problems. The problem is very obvious and happens every time I drive it. I guess they just dont want to fix it. Not sure what to do about this. The car is great other than the transmission.

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  Thrilled with the car - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By Terrence Devlin - April 10 - 1:11 pm

  I traded a 7000 mile 2010 SRT8 for the R/T Scat Pack and couldnt be happier with the decision. The car is comfortable, powerful, good looking, and sounds amazing.

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  This car is an amazing machine. - 2015 Dodge Challenger
  By elt2jv - March 29 - 1:38 pm

  Dodge really hit the perfect blend of retro styling and modern performance. Aesthetics are always subjective you either like the looks or you dont. Empirically, the interior is very nicely driver-centric and easy to access all functions and features. The 8.4 Uconnect system is great and easy to use. Ride and comfort are sporty, even in "Street" mode, but still very comfortable. Performance is, of course, breath-taking. Absolutely beastly power at your command, but still can get 23 MPG on the freeway (manual). Summary: A true muscle car with all the modern conveniences of a luxury coupe. Not for everyone, but for those who want one, you will not be disappointed.

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  Sold C5 Corvette for this Car! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By dando1 - June 4 - 11:03 am

  I have had ALOT of cars.. 55 Chevys including a Nomad. GTO, Trans Ams, Etc... I sold the Corvette to buy this car.(Actually looking for a 300 srt8. The corvette was so uncomfortable, and noisy and a hard ride I felt like I was beat up after riding in it for a few hundred miles. I also had a 70 Challenger. The 70 in no way can compare to the new version. This car is so darn comfortable. NO WIND NOISE, or barely any road noise at all. It soaks up road imperfections so nicely. I have read about how the camaro this and how the mustang that. I dont care. First I dont race my cars. Second, there is no way they can have this type of a ride. The heavy car feel is something I love.

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  Lots of problems - 2011 Dodge Challenger
  By spedly - May 20 - 1:08 pm

  I bought my 11 SE model with less than 7000 miles on it. (It turned out being wrecked). I have had two recalls (which came after the problems started and the dealers didnt know how to fix). Just recently, my alternator died and I couldnt find an aftermarket one, so the mopar alternator cost over $500. The radio was not at all powerfull so I had to put in an aftermarket amp which may have lead to the Alt. breakdown. Lots of frustration and disappointment! The blind spot is huge and is hard to back up to park. On the bright side I love my car when it is running. Haha! I always get compliments on it and I think it rides better than the CTX Caddie.

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  Modern Muscle, Vintage Vibe - 2013 Dodge Challenger
  By ivaskaj - April 28 - 12:28 am

  R/T base with the 6spd manual, Sound Group II stereo, HID headlights, and a sunroof. This thing is quick. So far, Ive seen an avg. of 4.85 seconds on the 0-60 timer in the info center. The transmission shifts smooth and precise, excellent for stock. Love the pistol grip. The torque curve is as flat as Montana, and twice as big. This thing sounds amazing for a stock exhaust, nice growl under acceleration, but barely audible at highway speeds. Excellent ride quality, and its library quiet at 70 mph. HID headlights are amazing, both low & high beams. The stereo is also excellent, plenty of bass. Never seen less than 19 mpg, and a peak of 23 so far.

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  R/T Classic GWE - 2011 Dodge Challenger
  By rcatta - April 1 - 3:23 pm

  Love this car. Green with envy color. I live in NYC and get people taking photos all day long. It is just beautiful. And when I am on the highway, the engine just purrrrrs. No problems. Plenty of power, torque, plenty of room inside. My only real complaint is the steerting wheel is not the most comfortable, like they are in most modern cars.

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  Great car, bought new, currently at 58k miles - 2010 Dodge Challenger
  By noboringcars - March 10 - 3:42 pm

  This was the first American car I have purchased and I havent regretted it. Its reliable, well supported by the dealer and aftermarket, attractive, comfortable, and has a great owner community. Dont buy this car is you want to remain anonymous. Owning a Challenger is instant rock star status. Ive only had 2 issues with the car: 1. the headliner dropped from a bracket behind the sunroof, fixed under warranty. 2. a piece of interior window trim cracked, I replaced it myself in 15 minutes. All in all, its been a great ownership experience. Parts and service are inexpensive. Lots of opportunity to customize for more performance and/or convenience.