The last car I ever talked my mother into buying was a Rally Red 1970 Dodge Challenger with the gutsy 340 V-8, slap stick TorqueFlite transmission, hood scoops, spoilers, mag wheels and black bucket seats. I hoped the hot Challenger would eventually makes its way into my sweaty hands, but that dream died at a Volvo dealership during the first gas crisis.
I’ve always thought the 1970 Challenger was one of the best looking Dodges, so I was very pleased that the revived Challenger remained so faithful to the original. The 2009 Challenger is instantly recognizable as a Challenger even though Challengers didn’t enjoy the longevity of Mustangs and Camaros.
Walkaround: The new Challenger is surprisingly big, but perfectly proportioned. The Challenger shares the same platform as the four-door Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. The updated retro styling works extremely well. The Challenger was positively received everywhere we went. No one suspected that the SE model was powered by a modest V-6 and the tremendous muscle of the SRT8 disappointed no one.
Interior: The super size theme carries over into the interior. The exterior size is obvious as you look out over the large hood. Interior size is excellent for front seat occupants, but the same can’t be said about the supposedly three-passenger back seat. Once you finish struggling to get into the rear you’ll find little room for adults. It’s OK for kids, but front seats compromise legroom and sunroof-equipped cars lose valuable headroom.
The front seats are deeply bolstered and quite comfortable. Front legroom is of the stretch-out variety. The thick steering wheel is a plus as is the nice sound system. Storage bins/nooks are small to medium sized.
Under The Hood: What’s under the hood makes a huge difference in the Challenger’s personality. We drove the two powertrain extremes — the 250 hp 3.5-liter V-6 and the 425 hp 6.1-liter Hemi V-8. An excellent middle choice is the 376 hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The Challenger SRT8 with the 425 horsepower V-8 and optional 6-speed manual transmission is what the Challenger is all about. The 5.7 Hemi can also be had with the 6-speed manual.
The V-6 Challenger SE has the same great looks, but it’s all show and not much go. Improved fuel economy is touted as V-6 plus, but we only managed 16.3 mpg in mixed driving. The EPA rating is 17/25. A 4-speed automatic is the only V-6 transmission.
Behind The Wheel: The Challenger SE is pleasant to drive as long as you don’t have high performance expectations. The SRT8 is a thrill ride reminiscent of the 1970 Challengers, but at a quality level unimagined in the original car.
Whines: The trunk is relatively large, but the lift over is quite high and the opening is noticeably recessed from the bumper. The split rear seats are steeply sloped when folded, which limits cargo capabilities.
Bottom Line: The Challenger SE provides lots of style at a very reasonable cost, but if you want the go to match the show spend the extra dough for one of the two Hemi Challengers.
