Dodge Challenger Review

2010 Dodge Challenger SE Coupe

The Dodge Challenger was one of the more significant cars to come out of the 1960s and '70s muscle car era. A potent combination of big horsepower, sleek pony-car styling and a starring role in what is arguably one of the best gearhead films of all time -- "Vanishing Point" -- made the original Challenger an icon.

Four decades later, the Dodge Challenger is back. Featuring styling cues similar to the original model and an available 425-horsepower V8 engine 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 engine. Also unsurprising is its ho-hum handling, a virtually unavoidable trait in a car this large and heavy. The muscle car has seen a revival in recent years with the retro-ization of the Mustang and the resuscitation of the Camaro, but the Challenger certainly holds its own, particularly if style is more important than driving dynamics.

Current Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger features the exterior styling cues of its iconic '70s predecessor, such as a long hood and a short fastback roof-line profile. Underneath, however, the Challenger is based on a shortened version of the platform used for Chrysler's 300 and Dodge's Charger. Thanks to its generous dimensions and a split-folding rear seat, the Challenger has impressive cargo capacity.

The Challenger comes in three trim levels: SE, R/T and SRT8. The base SE features a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. Upping the ante, the R/T packs a 5.7-liter V8 with an estimated 375 hp. It's mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The top-of-the-line SRT8 model is a product of Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology division and comes armed with the 6.1-liter 425-hp V8 connected to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox. Other features of the Challenger SRT8 include a stiffer suspension, Brembo brakes, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and exterior enhancements such as the "Power Bulge" scooped hood.

All Dodge Challenger models come standard with antilock brakes, a full complement of airbags and stability control. Major options include a hard-drive-based navigation system with music and video file storage capability, and a sunroof.

In road tests, we've found that there's plenty to like about Dodge's newest muscle car. In R/T and especially SRT8 trim, the acceleration of the Challenger is impressive, with a throaty American V8 soundtrack to match. The SE, though, is thoroughly outclassed performance-wise. The Challenger remains laudably quiet at speed, with little road or wind noise. On twisty roads, the Challenger R/T and SRT8 handle adequately given their 2-ton curb weights, with the SRT8 offering noticeable handling improvements.

Used Dodge Challenger Models

The current Dodge Challenger was introduced in 2008 as the SRT8 only. The SE and R/T trim levels arrived a year later, as did manual transmission availability for the SRT8.

The Challenger's lineage started in 1970 on an all-new E-Body platform that it shared with its Plymouth cousin, the Barracuda. The base engine was a sedate 145-hp 225-cubic-inch slant-6. But since the Challenger was created to compete with the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang in the escalating hp war, it could be ordered with a variety of potent engines and trim levels, such as the legendary 426-cubic-inch Hemi, the 440-cubic-inch (triple two-barrel carbureted) Six-Pack, the Challenger R/T and the road racing-inspired Challenger T/A.

By 1974, however, the fuel crisis, stringent emissions standards and escalating insurance rates had choked hp levels, putting an end to the muscle car era and the original Challenger.

The second-generation Dodge Challenger was related to the first in name only. Introduced in 1978 and produced until 1983 for Dodge by Mitsubishi, this small sport coupe counted the Toyota Celica and Honda Prelude as its chief rivals. The optional engine, a 105-hp 2.6-liter SOHC four-cylinder, was a far cry from the neck-snapping V8s of the muscle car glory days. Yet this Japanese Challenger was a solid competitor in the four-cylinder sport coupe segment during this mileage-conscious era, when there were very few true performance cars.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.