The Dodge Challenger is ready for you to take it on a long cruise and start turning heads wherever you may roam. This sexy supercar has a look that almost reminds some car collectors of the old Mustang fastback with a flat nose that comes to a peak like it is ready to cut right through the air when you put your food into it. The Challenger comes in a coupe and a sedan model. There is little use for the sedans extra doors because the back seats are so small they will most likely never be used.
This is a real competitor to the newly released Chevy Camaro and at $22,945 it is priced almost identically. The Challenger has been receiving rave reviews for its powerful features and big time horsepower. The base model Challenger comes with a small V-6 engine that only produces 250HP, but if you grab the top of the line Challenger and the biggest 5.7L V-8 Hemi engine, you will be able to see upwards of 425HP and 400 foot pounds of torque from this midsized sports car.
The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe
Engines: 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Models: SE, R/T, SRT8
What's New
The Challenger was introduced in 2009, so the 2010 model receives only minor changes. Stability control becomes standard on SE models, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls become packaged with UConnect MultiMedia and UConnect Navigation packages, while R/T models receive automatic headlamps, LED-lighted cupholder, and door handle lights.
Exterior
The Challenger will get looks wherever it goes, especially when brightly-colored, thanks to its accurate recreation of the design of the 1970 original. R/T Classic package adds cool accent stripes on the sides
Interior
There's plenty of room inside for four passengers thanks to the Challenger's large size and the seats are quite comfortable, but design is largely monotone and somewhat bland. Navigation screen needs to be updated.
Performance & Handling
The Challenger SE's 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 pound-feet of torque isn't much to talk about and can't even be had with a stick. Challenger R/T's 5.7-liter V-8 makes 372 horsepower and 400 pound-feet, but the SRT8's 6.1-liter puts out 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet. The car's large size and hefty curb weight make it more of a highway cruiser than a canyon carver.
Safety
Stability control is standard throughout the lineup plus all models get dual-stage front impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and seatbelt pretentionsers for the driver and front passenger.
EPA Fuel Economy
SE: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
R/T Automatic: 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway (manual); 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway (automatic)
SRT8: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Retro style
- V-8 sound
- Spacious interior
You Won't Like
- Poor rear visibility
- Hefty curb weight
- Bland interior design
- Low-res nav screen
Sum Up
The pinnacle of retro-cool
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Ford Mustang