2009 Dodge Challenger Consumer Reviews Page 3

First Muscle Car Owner

Written by: Scott Caldwell on 07/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2dr Coupe (6.1L 8cyl 5A)

Review

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is an absolute BEAST!!! I was first drawn to the Challenger by its incredible retro- styling. The broad sholders and intimidating front grill (much different from any other Dodge grill pattern) just made this car stand out and grab your attention. Although the car looks great, what really sold me on the car was the way it drove. Once I sat behind the wheel and drove the SRT8 (with the 6 speed manual transmission) I was simply blown away. The car growled and rumbled with sheer power and accelerated like nothing I have ever driven before. The 6.1 Hemi with the 6 spd transmission convinced me that I would enjoy the Challenger for years to come.

Favorite Features

the 6.1 Hemi and 6 speed transmission sells this car. The sheer acceleration and growl of the powerful engine is its best feature. The car's navigation and blue-tooth sync system is also very nice. Feels like a luxury car more than a rugged Muscle Car inside.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage and an additional push to talk button for the bluetooth system on the sterring wheel are the only improvements I can think of for this car. Gas mileage is hard to improve without sacrificing the power that sells the car in the first place.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Close to Perfect

Written by: BootCamp on 07/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2dr Coupe (6.1L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Saw the Concept car in late 2006. Hadn't bought a new car since 1986 - nothing worth getting excited about - until I saw the Challenger. Ordered my SRT in March, got it in November. It was worth the wait. 6 speed is tight, limited slip 3.92 gearing is great. 425 HP from 370 cu in is better than the original 426 cu to hp ratio. Handles like a car half its weight. The styling is amazing. The Pacifica Studio folks did a great job! Hit the retro look nail on the head in every way! Can't go anywhere without someone wanting to chat about the car - and look under the hood. Huge trunk and back seats - compared to Mustang and Camaro. The car has been flawless under all conditions. AMAZING RIDE!

Favorite Features

The styling, power, Kicker Audio System, fit and finish, GREAT bolstered seats (heated and embossed leather), comfort are ALL great! Best feature is how retro it looks. It;s like owning a classic '70's Challenger, but without the demand of regular repairs and adjustments. Just start it and GO!

Suggested Improvements

Address the heat-related "keyless go" "fob not detected" problem. Change out the rear bushings to help with the "wheel hop" issues launching from a standing start on the 6 speeds. Ditch the 1st to 4th gear skip shift if theres a legal or financial way around it.

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Love my B5 Challenger!

Written by: djpatrick35 on 06/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2dr Coupe (6.1L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Over the years, I've owned three Corvettes and while I loved those cars, nothing compares to the Challenger. As a 20-something driving an '07 Corvette, most of the attention I was getting was negative whereas the Challenger gets nothing but positive attention. The car is plenty fast for its size and the interior is large and comfortable. At 6'6" few cars can fit me, but the Challenger is very comfortable and I can actually fit three people with me - something I couldn't say with a Camaro or Mustang. The shifts are a little long and the skip-shift, while annoying, is something I'm already used to with my Corvette's Tremec 6-Speed. Overall, I love the look, the character, and speed of my SRT.

Favorite Features

The looks, bar none. I've wanted a Challenger since I saw the concept in 2006 and the production car looks even better than the concept did. The 6.1 isn't nearly as fast as my old Vettes, but with about 700 pounds more heft, that's expected. The pistol grip is to die for and I LOVE my B5 Blue color.

Suggested Improvements

The Tremec is notchy just like it was in my C6, but hey, that's not Chrysler's fault. It could use some weight loss or power gain and the gas mileage is rightfully atrocious, but other than that, it's a masterpiece! I love my SRT!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Fun Car With Glitches

Written by: moparfool on 06/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Generally a great car. I have always really liked the late 1960s Dodge B body (Charger) and E body (Challenger) cars. The new Challenger distills the old E body car design without the noise, handling, body flex, and 10 mile per gallon issues of the older muscle cars. The acceleration and handling are great, IMO. I picked the 5.7 liter R/T as the best compromise on engine power, cost, and gas mileage. There have been two glitches; at 3500 miles the airbag light came on for a few seconds while cruising. And at 4000 miles the alternator / battery light came on and stayed on until I shut the engine off and restarted. The dealer checked all wiring and found nothing.

Favorite Features

Hemi Orange color sure gets attention. People love the car and how it looks. Twenty inch wheels look great; nice growl from the exhaust pipes; excellent boulevard and freeway ride. Has a wind noise free and quiet ride, and a great sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Turn signal indication location is very poor. Getting into the back seat is not for the faint of heart.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Why Wait?

Written by: Glenn R on 06/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Fantastic Auto! Got the 6speed manual been geting 29.5 mpg here in New Hampshire on the highway. the average mpg is around 25mpg. this mpg does drop when I show off or when speeds exceed 75mph car handles well even at speeds in excess of 100mph (straight line that is) fun to drive on twisting Vermont roads. over 9300 miles now engine and drive train great car cant say enough about it. If you want one buy it now. dont what the goverment will have you driving around in the "the people's car" they will all look the same performance will be some thing we will dream about (remember the Yugo?)

Favorite Features

Trak Pack, 6 speed manual, 345cid Hemi, sound system, out side style

Suggested Improvements

lower reverse gear. get rid of hood prop rod.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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It doesn't get any better...

Written by: 98neonrt on 05/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Trading in my 2008 Caliber R/T AWD for this beautiful peice of Muscle was the best thing I have ever done. This car has everything...Power, comfort, looks, reliability, and FUN! My girl is a Hemi Orange, 6 speed manual with stripes. We turn heads everywhere we go. I work at a large retailer, and customers actually ask who owns the car and seek me out to tell me they love it:) (& are usually surprised I'm female) I've had no issues with the car during the 1st 3500 miles. I get about 17mpg in town and about 21mpg on highway trips. The trunk is huge, and the extra spot where the spare tire would be is very useful to store small items (like her own little vacuum)out of sight with no rattling.

Favorite Features

Leather, POWER!, smooth ride, retro styling, huge trunk, comfort, radio w/satellite info available, mpg, sunroof, did I mention POWER??? I am now quite used to the hill-start assist, and even think I like it.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of auto shift to 4th from 1st...it is very irritating. Plum Crazy...really, it would be perfect (my husband is SO happy it was not available), a little more leg room in the back would be great - the trunk is huge- I think they could have adjusted something there.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love the Challenger

Written by: matt on 05/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I have always owned Mustangs ever since high school and boy did that change when I saw the new Challenger. I had just got a 2004 Cobra the car of my dreams, or so I thought. One thing I never really cared for was that Mustangs were so small and had no room for family, they also rode a little ruff after a while, definitly not a dailey driver or for road trips. We went to the dealership and they had one left, they wanteed 42, but I talked them down to 34, wich is good considering I live in Cali. My wife was hesitent but after we took it to Oregon to break it in, she fell in love with it. As much as it weighs, this thing is still fast, and so smooth at the same time. Such a head turner.

Favorite Features

Retro look, I fell like I am driving an old muscle car, interior is awsome and roomy too, most comfortable car I have ever driven. Tourque and fast.

Suggested Improvements

Make it a little lighter,and exhuast a little louder, thats about it though.

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muscle with attitude

Written by: john webb on 05/27/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

If you want a car that can blow by a mustang on the highway with ease. If you want a angry muscle car to put those lame import owners with there silly racing pipes to shame. Get this car! The only problem is the my cars' blood lust to destroy every car in it's path. haahaahaa

Favorite Features

the way dodge has brought back the classic look and feel , while adding modern improvements, and not screwing it up

Suggested Improvements

move the parking brake off the floor.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My first Dodge/Hemi

Written by: dodgenewbie on 05/26/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Nothing like getting behind the wheel of a true American Muscle Car to put a smile on your face. I love driving this car. Makes the adrenalin flow.

Favorite Features

It's a Hemi come on!

Suggested Improvements

better quality interior

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Lovin It!

Written by: BearsFanInKansas on 05/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 Dodge Challenger SE 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought the smaller engine to drive this car to work every day. Would not change a thing about that purchase decision. Others I have spoken with who purchased the larger engines are parking theirs at home rather than enjoying this great new throw-back design from Dodge. Sure, you get to rev the big engines at the light, but that will only happen when it comes out of the garage. I will take the look over muscle on this new Challenger!

Favorite Features

Retro look of the complete design.

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any right now.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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