2009 Dodge Challenger Review

PROS  Powerful engine, Great handling, Arresting good looks

CONS  Poor fuel economy, Small rear seat, Large exterior dimensions

Ford it set the automotive world ablaze when it introduced the Mustang in March of 1964. Mustang was a breed unto itself, the first pony car. General Motors quickly responded with the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, and Chrysler Corporation joined the fray when it introduced the Challenger in 1970.

Pony cars are best identified as affordable, compact, highly styled vehicles with a sporty or performance-oriented image. The original pony cars enjoyed wide popularity until the late 1990s when rising fuel costs and mounting insurance rates pushed the impractical but emotional vehicles out of favor.

As competitors faded off into the sunset, Ford's Mustang stuck it out and was reborn in 2004 with retro styling and modern fuel-efficient engines. Again Chevrolet and Dodge rushed to catch up. While the new Camaro is set to debut in 2010, Dodge introduced its retro pony car in 2008. Again dubbed the Challenger, it made use of the Dodge Charger chassis, only in two-door form.

While the Mustang remains compact in size, the new Dodge Challenger is more of a two-door midsize car. It seats five on twin front buckets and a three-place rear bench seat. Challenger is three inches shorter than the Charger, but a full ten inches longer than the Mustang. Three models are offered: SE, R/T, and SRT8. All have rear-wheel drive.

The SE gets a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission. R/T models get Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which is rated at 372 horsepower. The line-topping SRT8 comes with a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V8. Both V8s mate to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual includes a hill-holder clutch that is designed to ease launch on inclines, and the five-speed automatic comes with a separate shift gate for manual operation.

Standard safety equipment includes a tire-pressure monitor and dual-front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. Optional on the SE and standard on other models are four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist and stability control.

The SE lists for $21,320 and comes standard with air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment, eight-way power driver seat, center console, split-folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear defogger, floormats, theft-deterrent system, 215/65R17 tires, and alloy wheels.

The R/T lists for $29,320 and adds leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated visor mirrors, rear spoiler, fog lights, sport suspension, and 235/55R18 tires. The limited-edition SRT8 starts at $39,320 and adds limited-slip differential, uprated brakes and suspension, heated front seats, keyless access and starting, remote engine start, heated power mirrors, Boston Acoustics sound system, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, Bluetooth cell-phone link, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, HID headlights, and 245/45ZR20 tires.

Key options include leather upholstery, sunroof, and Chrysler's uconnect multimedia package. It consists of navigation system with traffic information, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, 30-gigabyte hard drive, and digital-media player connection. All Challengers are assembled in Canada and carry a $675 destination charge.

Get Up and Go  Taco Bell fans will appreciate the fact that Dodge offers Challenger in three flavors: Mild, Hot, and Fire. The mild one of the bunch, the SE, accelerates smartly from a stop and has reasonable passing power. However, the engine runs out of punch on the highway due to the fact that it is mated to a four-speed automatic.

R/T models pack quite a punch and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about six seconds. The five-speed automatic shifts firmly between gears and pauses a trifle too long before downshifting when more acceleration is needed. The six-speed manual has stiff-but-positive throws and a hitch-free clutch.

The Fire model is obviously the SRT8. SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology and is Chrysler Corporation's tagline for enthusiast-orientated products. The Viper, for example is an SRT product. In the Challenger, SRT means a fire-breathing 6.1-liter V8 that thrusts Challenger from zero to 60 mph in about five seconds. As you might expect passing power is exceptional and the engine willingly revs to redline.

Regardless of model, traction can be a problem. SE models have useful all-season tires, but traction control is an option and it should be standard. It is standard on R/T and SRT8, but those models have aggressive touring and performance tires that aren't well suited to Chicagoland's snowy winters. So buyers of those models should consider purchasing a set of snow tires for the winter months.

Fuel economy mirrors the performance numbers. SE models net EPA ratings of 17/25 mpg. R/T models drop slightly to 16/25 mpg. The SRT8 pulls up the rear with 14/22 mpg with manual and 13/19 with automatic. Dodge recommends mid-grade fuel on the SE and R/T and says that the SRT8 requires premium-grade fuel.

No Challenger is going to win over the hearts of eco-friendly environmentalists. The car is just too big and heavy to garner better fuel-economy numbers. In routine driving expect to average close to 20 mpg with the SE. Mileage falls off quickly in R/T and SRT8 models. Owners of those models will likely see less than 18 mpg.

On the Road  From its aggressive stance, you'd think Challenger would ride with the composure of a Conestoga wagon, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Dodge's pony-car sports a long-for-the-class 116-inch wheelbase and that helps offset the firm suspension. Of course, the SE has the best impact absorption. The R/T is considerably firmer but not harsh. SRT8 models ride firmer still and can annoy on badly broken roads. Interestingly, R/T and SRT8 suffer from side-to-side oscillations that are most commonly found on SUVs.

The Challenger is too heavy and wide to ever be called nimble. In fact, the Mustang feels much more agile on twisty roads. However, SE and R/T have plenty of grip and firm, accurate steering. Body lean is kept in check on both models and the brakes have ample stopping power.

SRT8 models hold the road with tenacity. Body lean is minimal and the stiffer suspension and stronger brakes are evident from the get go. On city streets, the SRT8 is a bit like a bull in a china shop, but on the open road it truly shines.

Wind noise is kept in check on all models. The SE cruises quietly at any speed. R/T and SRT8 have lots of tire rumble and noticeable exhaust growl that grows tiring on long trips. SRT8 adds a lumpy idle, which is befitting a '60s-era muscle car.

Behind the Wheel  Challenger's interior doesn't carry any retro styling cues that are so prevalent outside.  Switchgear is modern and materials trump the current Mustang. Though appropriate for the class, the overall feeling is dark and Dodge engineers went heavy on molded hard plastic.

Gauges are deeply inset into the dashboard. Subdued lighting and widely space numbers make them difficult to read at a glance. Climate and audio system controls are conventional and placed for easy access. The optional navigation system incorporates some audio controls, making operation of both a bit muddy.

Front seat riders are treated to ample head and leg room. Seating comfort depends on model. SEs have the softest seats. R/T and SRT seats incorporate aggressive bolstering that holds occupants in place when the road gets twisty but might not be to everyone's liking.

Outward visibility is hampered by the low roofline and thick rear pillars. Getting in and out can be complicated by the long doors.

Rear seats are roomy by sporty coupe standards, but still not suitable for long-trip adult comfort. Head room is acceptable, but knee room vanishes if the front seats are pushed all the way back.

At 16.1 cubic feet, the trunk is impressively large for the class and big for a midsize car. In addition the split-folding rear usefully expands cargo space. The opening is a bit small and has a high lift over, however. Interior storage is good with a couple of open bins in the center console and deep door map pockets.

Bottom Line  There's no doubt Challenger is a looker, but can the car's mechanical make up back up its stunning retro styling? In a word, yes. Challenger is fun to drive, gets plenty of looks, and, in the right hands, has impressive performance potential.

Though Challenger suffers from traditional coupe shortcomings, it's large enough to function as an occasional four seater. However, that largeness is also a detriment. It's too big to park easily, too wide to be agile, and not very fuel efficient.

Prices are slightly higher than Mustang so make sure you shop around and don't forget the new Camaro is right around the corner.