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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A Lot of Car for the Money! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By JimfromNC - July 5 - 1:17 pmI traded in my Porsche Cayenne for the 2010 Dodge Challenger and I traded up! The Challenger rides smoother,is more comfortable, more fun to drive, and has knock out looks! I really feel that this car is as much a Luxury car as a sports car! It has sport car looks with a luxury car ride! I was surprised by the excellent build quality and the good gas mileage, also the six runs smooth and strong. I do plan on adding the cold air induction for a little more oomph and gas mileage but after driving the hemi, I preferred the six! I have owned some of the best cars made, a BMW 745, a S Class MBZ, a Jag, and the Cayenne, and I have to say that this car is among my favorites. You have to try it out!
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Great Car - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By blast of the past - June 15 - 7:29 pmThis is one of the best cars Ive owned and I must say we got a great deal that ford or Chevy could never match this car handles very well for its size and mpg is great too, we had a Mustang which was nice also but the ride was hard but again its a sports car and with no back seat you wouldnt want to sit in, this car has a nice back that you can sit in, everybody loves it and most of all the dealers are willing to deal , this is a good safe car I would buy again.
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SRT8 Challenger - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Tony - June 10 - 11:35 pmI have owned many vehicles, but this years Dodge Challenger SRT8 is absolutely one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned. Power handling, style from the gem of a Hemi engine, good suspension..comfortable seating even for rear passengers and a trunk that you can actually put luggage in, but the performance of this Hemi, sings with 425 horse power. I recommend this car to any driver who loves muscle cars that look good,handle very well, and love the sound of power, this is it! Cant wait for next year, 6.4 liter, 550 Horse power, yah baby!
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Emotional Choice, But No Regrets - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By veblenesque - June 8 - 11:56 amI was in the market for a manual transmission car to drive to work (I also have an older Boxster). I wanted something fun to drive and safe that provided some driving fun. I went to look at the new Mustang and found an 09 Challenger in the used lot. I drove both, and just couldnt shake the fact that the Challenger is just a better looking car that provides the perfect blend of retro muscle car thrills. Yes, it wont outhandle or outrun the mustang, but I smile every time I look at it and love listening to the sound of the engine and the smooth ride on my drive home. Navigation and bluetooth phone are much improved. Soft handling that still corners well when pushed. Love this car.
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Wow! I love this car! - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Steve - June 2 - 6:26 pmWell the only real mark down I can give this vehicle is on the gas mileage, but its got a HEMI! So who cares! I didnt buy it to be practical or rational or any other logic other than I had to have it and I waited long enough! I was not disappointed in the least, it goes like a bat out of hell when you mash the pedal! What else do you really want to know? Go to the nearest dealer, test drive one and you will have all of your answers, promise.
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40 years in waiting - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By radiodaz - May 29 - 6:17 amWanted one when I was discharged from the USAF in 1970, was planning on college and the owner encouraged me to wait until after college. I did, met a gal, got married, built our home, started a family, muscle car really didnt seems to fit nor could I really justify the cost of one. The itch never did go away and after my kids were grown and on their own, I revisited the dealer and drove home an orange hemi Dodge RT, didnt make me feel 22, but it did feel good. I believe Chrysler got this retro right, If I close my eyes I almost feel like Im in the dealer showroom back in 1970.
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Update to my review - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By overland - May 26 - 7:22 pmUpdating my earlier review now that I have more miles on it. The Challenger is a fantastic car. I just love driving it. The V6 is plenty fast, great retro styling, quiet and solid ride and a real head turner. The paint finish is deep and rich. The new Mustangs and Camaros are nice, but very small and tight inside. The Challenger is very roomy. Dodge did an incredible job with this car. I got mine at invoice and 1.9% so no complaints whatsoever. Would not hesitate to get another one as a stable mate to the SE - an R/T in the future.
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Awesome car if you have the means - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By Plum Carzy SRT8 - May 25 - 10:13 amI have driven SUVs all my life and suddenly got an itch for a muscle car. I did not care for the body style of the mustang GT so I decided to look at the Camaro SS or the Challenger SRT8. I test drove the Camaro SS first given the fact it cost about $10000 less than the SRT8. it had really nice features and a decent ride and the power was outstanding but the clutch on the SS was very sharp and had a strong manual (jerky) feel when accelerating. The SRT8 has a much smoother ride, no jerky feel when transitioning gears, the clutch was much more forgiving than the SS. The vehicle has a classic style look that always turns heads and you cant beat the performance of American muscle.
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Black Pearl SRT8 - 2009 Dodge Challenger
By Black Pearl - May 20 - 11:57 amI bought the 09 SRT8 in December of 09. This car is the best machine I have ever owned. I dont drive it daily usually bring it out on the weekends. Its not ever to cold to drive it in AZ so I can drive it year round. The 6.1 hemi runs like a wild animal. At full open throttle the exhaust sounds like music to my ears.
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smile every time i start it - 2010 Dodge Challenger
By wanderson - May 11 - 8:13 pmother then a few minor problems (witch the dealer fix with no issues) my frist non family car has brought me much enjoyment, i am curently adding extras to make it mine. very fun to drive, turns heads, and performs.
