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2009 Dodge Challenger Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

Editors from TheCarConnection.com have driven each and every model of the 2009 Dodge Challenger line. Our team has also studied trustworthy reviews of the Challenger to build this thorough review. Based on this research, TheCarConnection.com provides the following to help you make a smart purchase decision regarding these emotion-filled coupes.

Likes:

  • Evocative styling
  • Balanced ride and handling
  • Manual transmission available on V-8s
  • Acceleration of SRT8

Dislikes:

  • Droning V-8 exhaust
  • Power driver's seat does not tilt to provide rear seat access
  • No five-speed automatic transmission for V-6
  • V-6 lacks standard stability control

Buying Tips:


If you truly need a livable backseat, make sure to ignore Dodge's advertising claims about how roomy it is back there. While the claims are true, the Challenger's second row isn't huge. Try out the backseat before you buy.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger is a sporty coupe model; because the Challenger is based on the Dodge Charger sedan, it’s a size up from the Ford Mustang. The Dodge Challenger was introduced for 2008 as a limited-edition, high-performance SRT8 model aimed squarely at muscle-car enthusiasts.

For 2009, Dodge has brought out a full line of Challenger models that promises to meet the needs of a wider range of buyers. Most notably, with a new V-6 edition and a new six-speed manual, the 2009 Dodge Challenger gives a slight nod to fuel economy.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three distinct models: the SE, R/T, and SRT8. Major differences between them are powertrains, chassis components, and interior trim details. Despite these differences, the evocative exterior style of the new Challenger remains powerful across the entire line. With its bold nose and strong bodylines, there's no mistaking a Challenger for any other car. Furthermore, people of all ages like the car's look, not just old geezers who remember the original from 1970. The 2009 edition is thoroughly modern and manages to exude a bold presence even in the base SE trim level. With added graphics, rear spoilers, and larger wheels and tires, the more performance-oriented R/T and SRT8 editions look even tougher.

Inside, the 2009 Dodge Challenger sports a more conventional—but still sporty—style. The gauges are nestled in four pods, but unlike some similar designs, the Dodge's instrumentation remains easy to read regardless of lighting conditions. A center console is standard, and the pistol-grip shifter (on manuals) is a nice styling touch.

The performance delivered by the 2009 Dodge Challenger supports its styling. Three engines are available. The ultimate 6.1-liter HEMI, producing 425 horsepower, is the top powertrain and only available in the SRT-8 edition. The SRT designation identifies this Challenger as having been enhanced by Chrysler's in-house tuning gurus, the Street and Racing Technology group. New for 2009, the Challenger SRT8 can be equipped with a six-speed manual. Carried over from 2008, a heavy-duty five-speed automatic is available. Performance is impressive, with a top speed of more than 170 mph.

A step down from the SE is the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, which packs a 376-hp (standard six-speed manual) or 372-hp (optional five-speed automatic), 5.7-liter V-8. The 5.7-liter can get the Challenger to 60 mph in the mid-5-second range. The base Challenger SE’s 3.5-liter V-6 produces 250 horsepower and, with its standard four-speed automatic, delivers 0-60 mph times in the high 7-second range. This combination achieves EPA numbers of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com put some serious miles on an SE and found it plenty peppy and relatively refined.

Being cognizant of customer concerns regarding responsible fuel economy, the R/T's HEMI benefits from efficiency gains totaling 4 percent compared to the same engine used in 2008 Dodge products. Mileage with either transmission is 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

Comfortable bucket seats are standard up front, and there are three seat belts in the rear. While the rear seat of the Challenger is larger than you'll find in a Ford Mustang, that doesn't mean it's roomy like a limousine. Headroom is acceptable, but those in the front may have to slide their seats forward to provide ample legroom for those in the rear.

Most Challengers will come with an eight-way power driver's seat. The seat is comfortable (especially in concert with the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel), but when access to the rear seat is necessary, the driver's seat lacks a quick-release mechanism. The solution is to motor the seat forward or access the rear seat from the passenger side—very inconvenient. However, the folding rear seats (60/40 split) help give the Challenger excellent and flexible cargo-carrying capabilities.

Quality on all of the Challengers TheCarConnection.com have driven has been excellent, with no squeaks, rattles, or quivers. The cars felt well built, and materials felt and looked good compared to the much-maligned plastics used in Dodge’s cheaper models.

Because performance and style are the calling card for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, safety may be overlooked. But the 2009 Challenger has all the essentials, including four airbags (two front plus with side-curtain airbags that extend to the second row). Anti-lock brakes and dynamic stability control are standard on R/T and SRT-8 models but optional on the value-priced SE. The Challenger has not yet been crash-tested by the government or the IIHS.

In addition to the aforementioned performance and safety equipment, all the requisite options you'd expect are available, including satellite radio, leather seats, hard-drive media storage, and a navigation system.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Challenger, also consider:

Reason Why:

Sporty cars like the 2009 Dodge Challenger invite paper comparisons where horsepower, torque, and available performance options rise to the top of the priorities list. This focus on performance limits the Challenger's competition to its two historical competitors (Mustang and Camaro). Compared to these competitors, the Challenger's trunk is larger at 16.2 cubic feet, and it does have marginally more rear seat room, although none of these cars offers a truly roomy backseat.

The newly expanded Challenger line stacks up nicely against the Mustang, with the V-6 SE facing off against the base Mustang, the R/T against the GT and Bullitt, and the SRT-8 against the Shelby GT500. The SE and R/T outpower their respective Mustang competitors, but the mighty Shelby holds a major 75-horsepower advantage over the SRT-8.

While the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro isn't even on sale, Chevy has already announced some specifications. Currently, their V-6 and V-8 models outpower the Challenger by significant amounts (approximately 300 horsepower to 250 hp for the V-6 and about 400 hp to 376 for the V-8s). The 3.6-liter V-6 for the Camaro is an engine that TheCarConnection.com already knows and loves, and with direct injection, it will be considerably more refined and economical than the Dodge's aging 3.5-liter V-6.

The Bottom Line:

Let the burnouts begin! The Ford Mustang finally has another domestic competitor.

Editors from TheCarConnection.com have driven each and every model of the 2009 Dodge Challenger line. Our team has also studied trustworthy reviews of the Challenger to build this thorough review. Based on this research, TheCarConnection.com provides the following to help you make a smart purchase decision regarding these emotion-filled coupes. Likes:Evocative stylingBalanced ride and handlingManual transmission available on V-8sAcceleration of SRT8Dislikes:Droning V-8 exhaustPower driver's seat does not tilt to provide rear seat accessNo five-speed automatic transmission for V-6V-6 lacks standard stability controlBuying Tips: If you truly need a livable backseat, make sure to ignore Dodge's advertising claims about how roomy it is back there. While the claims are true, the Challenger's second row isn't huge. Try out the backseat before you buy. The 2009 Dodge Challenger is a sporty coupe model; because the Challenger is based on the Dodge Charger sedan, it’s a size up from the Ford Mustang. The Dodge Challenger was introduced for 2008 as a limited-edition, high-performance SRT8 model aimed squarely at muscle-car enthusiasts. For 2009, Dodge has brought out a full line of Challenger models that promises to meet the needs of a wider range of buyers. Most notably, with a new V-6 edition and a new six-speed manual, the 2009 Dodge Challenger gives a slight nod to fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three distinct models: the SE, R/T, and SRT8. Major differences between them are powertrains, chassis components, and interior trim details. Despite these differences, the evocative exterior style of the new Challenger remains powerful across the entire line. With its bold nose and strong bodylines, there's no mistaking a Challenger for any other car. Furthermore, people of all ages like the car's look, not just old geezers who remember the original from 1970. The 2009 edition is thoroughly modern and manages to exude a bold presence even in the base SE trim level. With added graphics, rear spoilers, and larger wheels and tires, the more performance-oriented R/T and SRT8 editions look even tougher. Inside, the 2009 Dodge Challenger sports a more conventional—but still sporty—style. The gauges are nestled in four pods, but unlike some similar designs, the Dodge's instrumentation remains easy to read regardless of lighting conditions. A center console is standard, and the pistol-grip shifter (on manuals) is a nice styling touch. The performance delivered by the 2009 Dodge Challenger supports its styling. Three engines are available. The ultimate 6.1-liter HEMI, producing 425 horsepower, is the top powertrain and only available in the SRT-8 edition. The SRT designation identifies this Challenger as having been enhanced by Chrysler's in-house tuning gurus, the Street and Racing Technology group. New for 2009, the Challenger SRT8 can be equipped with a six-speed manual. Carried over from 2008, a heavy-duty five-speed automatic is available. Performance is impressive, with a top speed of more than 170 mph. A step down from the SE is the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, which packs a 376-hp (standard six-speed manual) or 372-hp (optional five-speed automatic), 5.7-liter V-8. The 5.7-liter can get the Challenger to 60 mph in the mid-5-second range. The base Challenger SE’s 3.5-liter V-6 produces 250 horsepower and, with its standard four-speed automatic, delivers 0-60 mph times in the high 7-second range. This combination achieves EPA numbers of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com put some serious miles on an SE and found it plenty peppy and relatively refined. Being cognizant of customer concerns regarding responsible fuel economy, the R/T's HEMI benefits from efficiency gains totaling 4 percent compared to the same engine used in 2008 Dodge products. Mileage with either transmission is 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Comfortable bucket seats are standard up front, and there are three seat belts in the rear. While the rear seat of the Challenger is larger than you'll find in a Ford Mustang, that doesn't mean it's roomy like a limousine. Headroom is acceptable, but those in the front may have to slide their seats forward to provide ample legroom for those in the rear. Most Challengers will come with an eight-way power driver's seat. The seat is comfortable (especially in concert with the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel), but when access to the rear seat is necessary, the driver's seat lacks a quick-release mechanism. The solution is to motor the seat forward or access the rear seat from the passenger side—very inconvenient. However, the folding rear seats (60/40 split) help give the Challenger excellent and flexible cargo-carrying capabilities. Quality on all of the Challengers TheCarConnection.com have driven has been excellent, with no squeaks, rattles, or quivers. The cars felt well built, and materials felt and looked good compared to the much-maligned plastics used in Dodge’s cheaper models. Because performance and style are the calling card for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, safety may be overlooked. But the 2009 Challenger has all the essentials, including four airbags (two front plus with side-curtain airbags that extend to the second row). Anti-lock brakes and dynamic stability control are standard on R/T and SRT-8 models but optional on the value-priced SE. The Challenger has not yet been crash-tested by the government or the IIHS. In addition to the aforementioned performance and safety equipment, all the requisite options you'd expect are available, including satellite radio, leather seats, hard-drive media storage, and a navigation system. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Challenger, also consider:Ford MustangChevrolet Camaro (2010, available spring 2009)Reason Why:Sporty cars like the 2009 Dodge Challenger invite paper comparisons where horsepower, torque, and available performance options rise to the top of the priorities list. This focus on performance limits the Challenger's competition to its two historical competitors (Mustang and Camaro). Compared to these competitors, the Challenger's trunk is larger at 16.2 cubic feet, and it does have marginally more rear seat room, although none of these cars offers a truly roomy backseat. The newly expanded Challenger line stacks up nicely against the Mustang, with the V-6 SE facing off against the base Mustang, the R/T against the GT and Bullitt, and the SRT-8 against the Shelby GT500. The SE and R/T outpower their respective Mustang competitors, but the mighty Shelby holds a major 75-horsepower advantage over the SRT-8. While the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro isn't even on sale, Chevy has already announced some specifications. Currently, their V-6 and V-8 models outpower the Challenger by significant amounts (approximately 300 horsepower to 250 hp for the V-6 and about 400 hp to 376 for the V-8s). The 3.6-liter V-6 for the Camaro is an engine that TheCarConnection.com already knows and loves, and with direct injection, it will be considerably more refined and economical than the Dodge's aging 3.5-liter V-6. The Bottom Line:Let the burnouts begin! The Ford Mustang finally has another domestic competitor. Editors from TheCarConnection.com have driven each and every model of the 2009 Dodge Challenger line. Our team has also studied trustworthy reviews of the Challenger to build this thorough review. Based on this research, TheCarConnection.com provides the following to help you make a smart ...

Other Choices:

Sporty cars like the 2009 Dodge Challenger invite paper comparisons where horsepower, torque, and available performance options rise to the top of the priorities list. This focus on performance limits the Challenger's competition to its two historical competitors (Mustang and Camaro). Compared to these competitors, the Challenger's trunk is larger at 16.2 cubic feet, and it does have marginally more rear seat room, although none of these cars offers a truly roomy backseat.

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See the Dodge Challenger in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (12 total)

  1. By  Blake Testa #1, Posted: 1/30/2009

    My review on the 2009 challenger SE

    I just got a 2009 Challenger SE for my first car.
    I love the car, its fun to drive, drive up in, and show friends. having a v6 challenger is still awesome compared to a SRT 8 or R/T challenger. The acceleration is good, its great on gas, and looks just like an SRT 8 & R/T Challenger. I would give it a 9 out of an overall rating for everything.

  2. By Michael #2, Posted: 3/12/2009

    Mr.

    We just bought the 2009 Dodge R/T Challenger (in Tor Red) and we have not been so inspired since 1993 when we bought our 1968 Camaro. The horse power is unheard of and the torque is insane!! The interior is similar to the Chrysler 300 and very user friendly. We have the slap shift transmission that will snap your head back if you dare to get on it! Highly recommended!! 11 out of 10 easily!!! See you at the stop lights!

  3. By matt policano #3, Posted: 3/25/2009

    car owner

    I just bought the srt8 in red with the air induction and the spoiler intakes for the brakes. I gotta tell you that they got this one right. Though I haven't been able to do the 0-60 in 4.8 I am still trying. The on board computer which tells what my 1/4 and half mile times can be is fascinating. It can tell me the g-forces and track speeds. I am going to marry this car!

  4. By matt #4, Posted: 5/21/2009

    R/T Challenger

    I have a 2009 challenger r/t. The power is crazy i just have a cold air intake and re tuned the computer and the car is amazing 1st, 2nd,and 3rd the car goes sideways. I have a G tech and it reads out 13.5 @107 in the 1/4 mile test. Best bang for your buck is the challenger rt.

  5. fb_1115150225 avatar by Alma Sam #5, Posted: 6/25/2009

    I absolutely love this car! We have the 2009 challenger R/T 6 speed in TorRed. It is beautiful. It drives like a dream. It is a heavy car and you can feel the power as you drive it. I dont think Im just being partial but, we may have admired the "other new old thing to come along", but we would not have spent money on it. There is a blind spot so you do have to always be carefull, but then again you should be anyway. The back seat is comfy but hard to get in and out of. Thank goodness my children are of decent size or they would never fit. ha ha! Its a wonderful car and so worth the money.

  6. By patricia #6, Posted: 7/3/2009

    im 16 and my mum and dad gave me an black (striped) 2009 SRT8 for my coming bday and i must say, it makes girls look so fine with just the car.drove about 60 one night with the windows down, the rush was so...unexplainable.this car is fantastic and i absolutely love this!this is my 1st car! :) im thinking about changing the mags tho.

  7. By Mark #7, Posted: 7/5/2009

    I just purchased a black SRT8 and you talk about sweet! I wanted to buy a new Camaro and I'm glad I didn't! You need to travel south if you want to buy a Camaro and that was a turn off. I could have ordered one (an SS of course) but production numbers are low and hard to find so I bought the Dodge Challenger 6.1 Hemi and they are getting hard to find.

  8. By GLK CORPORATION #8, Posted: 7/28/2009

    We purchased a 2009 R/T Hemi Orange in Feb and had it sent out to the local race track and had it all lettered out like a race car to raise money for The American Diabetes Association. WOW.........What a Car!! we have over 8,000 miles on it going to events around the country, I have owned over 50+ car's but never a Mopar....... Gota tell ya GM / Ford Dodge did this one RIGHT!!
    Best Regards, Keith GLK Corp

  9. By carol_houtx #9, Posted: 8/12/2009

    I bought a black one this march 2009, a v6 for my 20th birthday, I AM IN LOVE!!!, I love to show it off...

  10. By Teddy #10, Posted: 8/26/2009

    The camaro has NO BACKSEAT!!!!!! dummy not even close!!!!! When you write an article get the fact straight!! Dummy This is BY FAR he best out of the 3 cars!!!!!!!! HANDS down!!!!! Only dumb peopel would buy the camaro!!!!!!!!!!!!! It small and has so many problems!!!! How do i know i work for a chevy Dealership!!!!!!!! Every camarmo we sold came back for something!!!!!!!!! PURE junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  11. By Don M. #11, Posted: 8/29/2009

    Got a 6.1 red 6 speed off the truck and have been having a ball ever since. I always wanted a HEMI, and this is IT! Never had a car that actually jumped when you pulled it into 2nd and 3rd the way this Challenger does! This car is outragous! There are a couple Mustang GT's that have thier tails between thier legs for messin' with that 425hp 6.1! MOPAR rules the road again!

  12. By Al P. #12, Posted: 8/30/2009

    Just bought an 09 SRT8 Orange 6speed. Wow! Have had 40+ GM performance cars, and am restoring 2 big block chevelles; GM missed the mark so bad with the Camaro I could not pass up this piece of history.

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