more about this model
Pros Fast, yet refined; agile handling for its size; spacious cabin; comfortable ride; awesome V8 soundtrack.
Cons Automatic gearbox won't hold gears in manual mode; large size still an annoyance, both on the road and while parking.
Big power under a big hood, big seats and a bigger-than-life personality, that's the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Then again, that was the 2010 Challenger SRT8. Apart from this year's different engine badges and different paint/graphics schemes, they look the same, too. But they don't drive the same.
There's more power this year, but more important, there's more usable power at lower rpm. So you'll notice a stronger pull from the engine room in everyday driving, not just let-'er-rip blasts to the tachometer's redline. Likewise, the revised suspension and steering don't just make themselves known while dancing around little orange cones at a track event, because you can feel the difference just tooling along your favorite stretch of two-lane blacktop.
Compared to its chief rivals — the Chevrolet Camaro SS, Ford Mustang GT and Ford Shelby GT500 — the muscle-bound Challenger R/T and SRT8 have been fast in a straight line but somewhat lazy when thrown a curve. To be fair, the Challenger is a larger car than either the Mustang or Camaro. But a revised steering and suspension setup combine to make the 2011 Dodge Challenger feel far more composed and far more agile, so the new car actually drives more like a midsizer than a full-sizer.
Of course, all the past perks of the Challenger package remain, which include a higher-quality, more driver-friendly interior than the Camaro and a much more accommodating backseat than either the Chevy or the Mustang. And now that the Dodge boys have given the 2011 Challenger SRT8 some middleweight agility along with an even greater heavyweight punch, we're just knocked out.
Performance The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 carries a larger-displacement engine, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that replaces the 6.1-liter version. But check those badges — rather than "6.4-liter Hemi," they say "392 Hemi." Dodge has gone all nostalgic, choosing to express this larger-displacement engine in terms of cubic inches. This works out to 392 (well, using Dodge's math anyway), the precise displacement of the hallowed 392 Hemi V8 of the 1950s. (What a coincidence!)
Although the former 6.1-liter Hemi didn't exactly lack muscle, laying into the new 6.4-liter version V8 reveals an even more robust character, as we're shoved back in our seats with greater force than we recall. This engine makes 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. That's an increase of 90 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm, and it's accompanied by a deliciously rumbling, bellowing exhaust that sounds so good you'll leave the radio off and roll down the windows. (We did.)
Our car had the optional automatic transmission which provides crisp, fairly quick gearchanges if left to its own devices. In manual mode the transmission still shifts up on its own if the engine hits redline. And it doesn't have a rev-matching programming for downshifts, a feature that delivers quicker, smoother shift action.
At the test track the Challenger lays down some impressive numbers. The 0-60-mph sprint comes in 4.5 seconds from a standstill, while the quarter-mile passes in 12.6 seconds at 112.1 mph. That's scary quick by any measure. Notably, the engine is smooth and refined even when pressed hard, giving it an easygoing no-sweat sort of personality that's easy to like.
The SRT8's powerful Brembo brakes are fully up to the task of reining in the 4,257-pound Challenger. The firm, linear pedal action provides a reassuring feel, and the binders can bring the Dodge to a stop from 60 mph in just 114 feet, a number that would do a German sport coupe proud.
Yet the most notable difference between the previous Challenger SRT8 and the 2011 version is the way the new car feels when you're turning the steering wheel, not just spinning the rear wheels. A quicker steering ratio and a new wheel alignment deliver a more eager move into the apex of a corner and make the new, smaller-diameter steering wheel feel alive. Coupled with a retuned, buttoned-down suspension calibration and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar ultra-performance tires, all this helps this 2-ton behemoth feel more like a coupe and less like a two-door sedan. And when it's time to face those little cones in the Edmunds slalom test, the Challenger weaves through at 67 mph, a pretty respectable showing for a car this size.
Comfort With a fairly wide range of adjustment from the steering wheel and driver seat, the 2011 Dodge Challenger accommodates drivers both small and large with equal ease. As before, the front seats offer both comfort for long trips and ample lateral support for aggressive driving. The Skechers-like blue-and-white upholstery of this car comes as part of the 392 Inaugural Edition, an option package that includes other eye candy such as the exterior stripes, quad exhaust tips and polished wheels.
Even with this year's performance-minded suspension tweaks, the Challenger retains its relatively plush big-car ride. Combine the latter with the Challenger's effortless cruising ability and fairly low levels of road and wind noise and you can understand this car's excellent reputation for long-distance travel. If your road trip companions include some big boys, no worries, because a pair of broad 6-footers will fit in the backseat.
Function Unlike the Camaro and Mustang pony cars, the Challenger's cabin doesn't deliver the intimate feel of a cockpit. Indeed it feels more like sitting in your Uncle's Chrysler 300 (not a surprise, given that their platforms are much the same). But the upside is the way this more expansive front seat has not only plenty of room for you but also handy cubbies for your wallet, garage cards and cell phone. The instruments are large and easy to read, as are the knobs for the automatic climate control. The audio system uses both hard buttons and a touchscreen, but it's fairly intuitive to use (and has steering wheel controls), as is the navigation system.
Unlike the Camaro and Mustang, the Challenger boasts a generous trunk, and at 16.2 cubic feet it's about equal to that of a roomy family sedan. It swallows a set of golf clubs along with a large rolling suitcase with room to spare, though its lift-over is rather high. Should you need more space, you can always make use of the 60/40-split folding feature of the rear seat.
Design/Fit and Finish Though it incorporates the aggressive design cues of the 1970 Challenger, such as the kicked-up character lines, round quad headlights and a hood with dual scoops, the new Challenger still manages to not look like a rolling anachronism. The shape of the dash and instruments likewise pay homage to the original, yet function just fine in a modern context.
The Challenger's cabin uses a fair amount of high-quality, soft-touch materials that provide (literally) a luxurious touch. The available blue-and-white upholstery makes for a rather shocking contrast to the otherwise somber cabin. This treatment tends to polarize opinions, but as only 1,492 of the "392 Inaugural Edition" Challengers will be made for North America, this car will be a rare sight anyway. Overall, the build quality is very good, with tight panel gaps all around inside and out.
Who should consider this vehicle With its classic styling, strong performance and relatively generous passenger/cargo-carrying ability, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has appeal that goes beyond single 40-something guys with stacks of old Car Craft and Hot Rod magazines in the garage. A docile commuter during the daily grind, roomy and comfortable enough to carry four adults and a hoot when the road opens up, this dynamite Dodge offers a lot for more practical car enthusiasts.
Others To Consider
Chevrolet Camaro SS, Ford Mustang GT, Ford Shelby GT500.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Used 2011 Dodge Challenger listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2011 Dodge Challengers for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 336 used and CPO 2011 Challengers listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 12,888 and mileage as low as 24,121. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2011 Dodge Challenger. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 300 on a used or CPO 2011 Challenger available from one of 2,631 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2011 Dodge Challenger ?
Save up to $300 on one of 11 used 2011 Dodge Challengers for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $12888 as of Apr 24, 2018, based on data from 11 dealers and 63 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 1.5 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2011 Dodge Challenger trim styles:
The used 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is priced around $23958 with average odometer reading of 49757 miles.
The used 2011 Dodge Challenger Base is priced around $15462 with average odometer reading of 70893 miles.
The used 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T is priced around $17338 with average odometer reading of 66097 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2011 Dodge Challenger?
Available Dodge Challenger 2011 Submodel Types: R/T Scat Pack, 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker, T/A 392, SRT Hellcat, SRT 392, Coupe, SRT Demon, SRT8, SRT8 392, R/T Scat Pack Shaker, SRT8 Core
Available Dodge Challenger 2011 Trims: SXT, R/T Scat Pack, SXT Plus, 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker, T/A 392, GT, R/T Plus, SRT Hellcat, R/T Plus Shaker, T/A Plus, SE, SRT 392, T/A, R/T Shaker, Base, SRT Demon, R/T, SRT8, SRT8 392, R/T Scat Pack Shaker, SRT8 Core
Exterior Colors: Pitch Black Clear Coat, Granite Pearl Coat, Destroyer Grey Clear Coat, Torred Clear Coat, White Knuckle Clear Coat, Billet Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Octane Red Pearl Coat, Go Mango, Yellow Jacket Clear Coat, Indigo Blue, Bright White Clear Coat, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, F8 Green, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Redline Red Tri-Coat Pearl, Black Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat, B5 Blue Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat, TorRed, Phantom Black Tri-Coat Pearl, Green Go Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat, Sublime Pearl Coat, Black Clearcoat, Bright White Clearcoat, Deep Water Blue Pearlcoat, Hemi Orange Pearlcoat, High Octane Red Pearl Coat, Contusion Blue Pearl Coat, Plum Crazy Pearl Coat, Plum Crazy Pearlcoat, Blackberry Pearlcoat, Blue Streak Pearlcoat, Dark Titanium Metallic Clearcoat, Ivory White Tri-Coat Pearl, Stone White Clearcoat, Toxic Orange Pearlcoat, B5 Blue Pearlcoat, Green with Envy, Header Orange Clear Coat, Ivory 3 Coat, Phantom Black Tri-Coat Pearl Coat, Redline 3 Pearlcoat, Torred, Tungsten Metallic Clearcoat
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Black leather, Black leather/suede, Dark Slate Gray cloth, Black premium leather, Black/Ruby Red leather, Black/Ruby Red leather/suede, Black/Pearl leather, Black/Sepia premium leather, Dark Slate Gray leather, Black/Ruby Red premium leather, Dark Slate Gray/Foundry Black leather, Black/Tungsten premium cloth, Dark Slate Gray premium leather, Dark Slate Gray/Radar Red premium leather, Black/Demonic Red leather, Black/Demonic Red premium leather, Dark Slate Gray premium cloth, Dark Slate Gray/Radar Red leather
Popular Features: Automatic Emergency Braking, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Back-up camera, Keyless Entry/Start, Parking sensors, Mobile Internet, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Cooled Seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision safety system, AWD/4WD, Lane Departure Warning, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Bluetooth, Heated seats, Leather Seats, USB Inputs, Upgraded Stereo, Alarm, Upgraded Engine, Upgraded Headlights, Navigation, Remote Start, Sunroof/Moonroof
Engine/Mechanics: 8, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), premium unleaded (required), premium unleaded (recommended), regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Used 2011 Dodge Challenger Overview
The used 2011 Dodge Challenger is offered in the following submodels: Coupe, SRT8. Available styles include 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A), R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M), and SRT8 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M). Pre-owned Challenger models are available with a 0-liter flex-fuel (FFV) engine or a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2011 Challenger comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual.
