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2009 Dodge Challenger Features Review

October 30, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Challenger SE with the Popular Equipment Package forms a respectable but not class-leading package
Motor Trend

Keyless engine start is available, as is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite
ConsumerGuide

There's also a power sunroof ($950 option), push button start and power seats
Cars.com

By now everyone knows the 2009 Dodge Challenger offers competitive performance at a very reasonable price. What might not be so obvious is that the Dodge Challenger comes equipped with a lengthy list of desirable standard features, even in base SE trim, and moving up to the SRT8 only adds to the interior goodies.

There are certain creature comforts that today's consumer has come to expect in any new vehicle, and the 2009 Dodge Challenger doesn't disappoint. ConsumerGuide is impressed that the base Challenger Dodge SE offers a "tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control," an "eight-way power driver seat," full power accessories, and an "AM/FM/CD/MP3 player," all as standard features. Most of the price bump that comes with upgrading to the R/T trim of the Dodge Challenger is due to the extra two cylinders under the hood, but ConsumerGuide does note that a "leather-wrapped steering wheel" and "illuminated visor mirrors" are added to the standard features list. Opting for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 brings even more creature comforts, which ConsumerGuide lists as "heated front seats, keyless access and starting, remote engine start," and a "Boston Acoustics sound system" with "satellite radio," for those who crave an improved audio experience.

The standard features across the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup are respectable, but to keep base costs down, Dodge piled most of the uber-desirable features into available options packages. For those looking for the middle-of-the pack power of the Dodge Challenger R/T but the features loadout of the SRT8, you'll be pleased to hear that Motor Trend says a "popular equipment package gets you such SRT standards as leather interior, Boston Acoustics six-speaker, 276-watt amp, satellite radio, heated front seats and Keyless Go." The Challenger Dodge in R/T trim also offers another appealing package: the "$995 'Track Pack' manual package" that Jalopnik states brings "a Hill-start Assist...a limited-slip differential," and "a tuned exhaust system," which the Dodge Challenger SRT8 gets as standard. ConsumerGuide reviewers mention that those buyers opting for the V-6-powered Dodge Challenger SE have the option of adding a Quick Order Package that brings mostly safety features, but also adds a "leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio," and "illuminated visor mirrors." The options list doesn't stop there, however, as Motor Trend mentions that "even rear distance parking sensors" are available on the Dodge Challenger, and Cars.com says a "power sunroof" is available for an additional $950. The aforementioned options are all nice to see on the Dodge Challenger's options list, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show the real gem is the available MyGIG Multimedia system. That system, according to ConsumerGuide, includes a "navigation system" with "traffic information," as well as "in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer" and a "hard drive" that can store thousands of songs, an incredibly convenient feature for anyone who doesn't want to haul around and sift through hundreds of CDs.

Conclusion

It would always be nice to see a longer standard features list, but the 2009 Dodge Challenger leaves lots of room for personalization with its available options.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Challenger SE with the Popular Equipment Package forms a respectable but not class-leading packageMotor TrendKeyless engine start is available, as is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suiteConsumerGuideThere's also a power sunroof ($950 option), push button start and power seatsCars.com By now everyone knows the 2009 Dodge Challenger offers competitive performance at a very reasonable price. What might not be so obvious is that the Dodge Challenger comes equipped with a lengthy list of desirable standard features, even in base SE trim, and moving up to the SRT8 only adds to the interior goodies. There are certain creature comforts that today's consumer has come to expect in any new vehicle, and the 2009 Dodge Challenger doesn't disappoint. ConsumerGuide is impressed that the base Challenger Dodge SE offers a "tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control," an "eight-way power driver seat," full power accessories, and an "AM/FM/CD/MP3 player," all as standard features. Most of the price bump that comes with upgrading to the R/T trim of the Dodge Challenger is due to the extra two cylinders under the hood, but ConsumerGuide does note that a "leather-wrapped steering wheel" and "illuminated visor mirrors" are added to the standard features list. Opting for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 brings even more creature comforts, which ConsumerGuide lists as "heated front seats, keyless access and starting, remote engine start," and a "Boston Acoustics sound system" with "satellite radio," for those who crave an improved audio experience. The standard features across the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup are respectable, but to keep base costs down, Dodge piled most of the uber-desirable features into available options packages. For those looking for the middle-of-the pack power of the Dodge Challenger R/T but the features loadout of the SRT8, you'll be pleased to hear that Motor Trend says a "popular equipment package gets you such SRT standards as leather interior, Boston Acoustics six-speaker, 276-watt amp, satellite radio, heated front seats and Keyless Go." The Challenger Dodge in R/T trim also offers another appealing package: the "$995 'Track Pack' manual package" that Jalopnik states brings "a Hill-start Assist...a limited-slip differential," and "a tuned exhaust system," which the Dodge Challenger SRT8 gets as standard. ConsumerGuide reviewers mention that those buyers opting for the V-6-powered Dodge Challenger SE have the option of adding a Quick Order Package that brings mostly safety features, but also adds a "leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio," and "illuminated visor mirrors." The options list doesn't stop there, however, as Motor Trend mentions that "even rear distance parking sensors" are available on the Dodge Challenger, and Cars.com says a "power sunroof" is available for an additional $950. The aforementioned options are all nice to see on the Dodge Challenger's options list, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show the real gem is the available MyGIG Multimedia system. That system, according to ConsumerGuide, includes a "navigation system" with "traffic information," as well as "in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer" and a "hard drive" that can store thousands of songs, an incredibly convenient feature for anyone who doesn't want to haul around and sift through hundreds of CDs. ConclusionIt would always be nice to see a longer standard features list, but the 2009 Dodge Challenger leaves lots of room for personalization with its available options. 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.

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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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