2010 Yenko Camaro Announced with Details and...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Dodge Challenger Review

October 30, 2008

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Standard with a healthy dose of retro-modern style
Motor Trend

Visually, the SE is closest to the 1970 model
Car and Driver

The R/T is no less a head-turner than the SRT8
Automobile Magazine

Styling trends come and go, but for now, retro is all the rage in Detroit. The expanded 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup competes with the equally retro Ford Mustang and upcoming Chevy Camaro for the crown of king pony car.

The latest generation of the Ford Mustang kicked off the yesteryear styling trend among the Big Three, but the 2009 Dodge Challenger cranks it up to 11. The new Challenger Dodge is a "head-turner" that Automobile Magazine says is available in three different trim levels: a "top-spec, SRT8" and "considerably less expensive" R/T and SE models. Externally, all three share what Cars.com calls "Hot Wheels" styling. The visual appearance of the Dodge Challenger varies somewhat across the lineup, but not as much as on some other vehicles. Motor Trend, for instance, is pleased to report "the Challenger SE isn't completely stripped of Challenger R/T and SRT exterior jewelry and doesn't scream 'rental car.'" As for the other trims, Car and Driver contends that "the SE is closest to the 1970 model that was the clear inspiration for this new generation" of Dodge Challengers, while the "R/T adds fog lamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels" and "a body-color rear spoiler," and the SRT8 is distinguished by "faux-carbon-fiber hood strips, xenon lights...a matte black deck spoiler, and a deeper front air dam with functional brake ducts." A moderate amount of customization is available with the Dodge Challenger's exterior, as Motor Trend points out "Mopar can accommodate with everything from a Ram air hood to a coil-over suspension kit that drops the car up to 1.625 inches."

The interior styling of the Challenger Dodge, while not quite as exciting as the sheetmetal work, gets passing grades in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide reviewers love that "the Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach," and though "the navigation system absorbs most audio functions," it does so "with good results." TheCarConnection.com's editors also rave about the gauges on the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which are some of the most readable on the market. Among the less favorable reviews, Automobile Magazine feels that "the cabin is nowhere near as stylized as the Ford Mustang's, and the overall look is very muted." Car and Driver also points out that the interior is "dark" and "spooky," and in their opinion, it "absolutely requires the huge optional sunroof to cheer things up." Despite those few criticisms, reviews tended toward the positive end of the spectrum, and most reviewers agree with Motor Trend when they report that the 2009 Dodge Challenger benefits from "a healthy dose of retro-modern style."

Conclusion

Old is in, and the 2009 Dodge Challenger is here to capitalize on the newfound nostalgia of the American car shopper.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Standard with a healthy dose of retro-modern styleMotor TrendVisually, the SE is closest to the 1970 modelCar and DriverThe R/T is no less a head-turner than the SRT8Automobile Magazine Styling trends come and go, but for now, retro is all the rage in Detroit. The expanded 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup competes with the equally retro Ford Mustang and upcoming Chevy Camaro for the crown of king pony car. The latest generation of the Ford Mustang kicked off the yesteryear styling trend among the Big Three, but the 2009 Dodge Challenger cranks it up to 11. The new Challenger Dodge is a "head-turner" that Automobile Magazine says is available in three different trim levels: a "top-spec, SRT8" and "considerably less expensive" R/T and SE models. Externally, all three share what Cars.com calls "Hot Wheels" styling. The visual appearance of the Dodge Challenger varies somewhat across the lineup, but not as much as on some other vehicles. Motor Trend, for instance, is pleased to report "the Challenger SE isn't completely stripped of Challenger R/T and SRT exterior jewelry and doesn't scream 'rental car.'" As for the other trims, Car and Driver contends that "the SE is closest to the 1970 model that was the clear inspiration for this new generation" of Dodge Challengers, while the "R/T adds fog lamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels" and "a body-color rear spoiler," and the SRT8 is distinguished by "faux-carbon-fiber hood strips, xenon lights...a matte black deck spoiler, and a deeper front air dam with functional brake ducts." A moderate amount of customization is available with the Dodge Challenger's exterior, as Motor Trend points out "Mopar can accommodate with everything from a Ram air hood to a coil-over suspension kit that drops the car up to 1.625 inches." The interior styling of the Challenger Dodge, while not quite as exciting as the sheetmetal work, gets passing grades in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide reviewers love that "the Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach," and though "the navigation system absorbs most audio functions," it does so "with good results." TheCarConnection.com's editors also rave about the gauges on the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which are some of the most readable on the market. Among the less favorable reviews, Automobile Magazine feels that "the cabin is nowhere near as stylized as the Ford Mustang's, and the overall look is very muted." Car and Driver also points out that the interior is "dark" and "spooky," and in their opinion, it "absolutely requires the huge optional sunroof to cheer things up." Despite those few criticisms, reviews tended toward the positive end of the spectrum, and most reviewers agree with Motor Trend when they report that the 2009 Dodge Challenger benefits from "a healthy dose of retro-modern style." ConclusionOld is in, and the 2009 Dodge Challenger is here to capitalize on the newfound nostalgia of the American car shopper. 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER STYLING | [9 out of 10] Motor Trend: "Standard with a healthy dose of retro-modern style" Car and Driver: "Visually, the SE is closest to the 1970 model" Automobile Magazine: "The R/T is no less a head-turner than the SRT8" Styling trends come and go, but for ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Dodge Challenger from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Dodge Challenger

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Dodge Challenger

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Dodge Challenger near you

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.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy