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2009 Dodge Challenger Performance Review

October 30, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission ported from the Dodge Viper
Jalopnik

More Interstate/autobahn cruiser than mountain-road slalom champ
Motor Trend

Enormous thrust is available from any speed at any time on the SRT8
ConsumerGuide

To add to the mass appeal of the 2009 Dodge Challenger, the folks at Chrysler dilute the lineup's performance by offering the less-capable SE and R/T trims, but that doesn't take away from the virtues of the tremendously powerful engine available on the Challenger Dodge in SRT8 guise.

The three trim levels of the Dodge Challenger denote the engine housed underneath the hood—according to Jalopnik, the base SE gets "a 3.5-liter High Output V6 producing 250 hp and an equal number of lb-ft of torque," while the mid-range R/T offers a "5.7-liter Hemi engine" producing either "370 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque (when running on premium fuel) or 375 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque, depending on which transmission it's mated to." Returning unchanged from its model year 2008 introduction is the Dodge Challenger SRT8, which Cars.com reports is powered by "a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 willing to provide a blustery 425 horsepower." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the SE trim of the 2009 Dodge Challenger is more fun than many V-6 options, but the real enthusiast driving belongs to the V-8-powered Challengers. The uninspiring V-6 on the Challenger Dodge SE is, in the words of Motor Trend reviewers, "not slow; it's just not fast, either." Nobody will describe either of the V-8s that way though, and ConsumerGuide proclaims that the "R/T is quite potent, with ample passing reserves." The highest praise is saved for the very capable Dodge Challenger SRT8, which Cars.com describes as "a rocket booster strapped to your fanny" and Jalopnik says can achieve "a 0-to-60 time of five seconds."

One of the chief complaints about the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was the lack of any manual transmission option, so for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, the Chrysler bigwigs have decided to address those complaints, at least on the R/T and SRT8. Jalopnik is pleased to report that "both the R/T and SRT8 get an optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission ported from the Dodge Viper," although the SE still only offers "a four-speed automatic." In addition to the manual option, Cars.com says the V-8 Dodge Challengers can be fitted with "a crisp-shifting five-speed automatic." Both the five- and six-speed transmissions fare well with reviewers, with ConsumerGuide finding "the manual transmission has positive, mechanical shift action and a smooth clutch," while the "responsive automatic transmission shifts without harshness." The four-speed auto on the Dodge Challenger SE doesn't hold up quite so well to reviewer scrutiny, and Automobile Magazine observes that "you have to be willing to boot it because of the wide gaps between the gears."

The four-speed transmission also doesn't do much to help the Dodge Challenger SE's fuel economy, which isn't significantly better than the R/T's. The official EPA estimates for the Dodge Challenger lineup are 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the SE, while the Dodge Challenger R/T offers 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and the SRT8 a measly 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Road tests verify the SRT8's projected fuel economy, and ConsumerGuide reports that "an automatic-transmission SRT8 averaged 15.8 mpg."

There's a reason most modern sportscars tend to be on the smaller side—simply, smaller cars tend to handle better. Modern handling and traction control features can help somewhat, but Automobile Magazine says "for a sporting machine...the steering feels light and slow," and Motor Trend describes the 2009 Dodge Challenger as "more Interstate/autobahn cruiser than mountain-road slalom champ." On the positive side, the 2009 Dodge Challenger offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, which Cars.com calls "a nice blend of sport and comfort," and they note that "big craters and railroad tracks give Challenger only a slight jiggle." ConsumerGuide also raves about the "surprisingly supple" ride, "especially given this car's performance mission." Braking performance is also a pleasant surprise, especially for such a heavy car, and ConsumerGuide declares the "brakes provide sure-footed stopping control."

Conclusion

The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is all the performance most people will need, especially considering that the SRT8 gets slapped with a gas-guzzler tax.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission ported from the Dodge ViperJalopnikMore Interstate/autobahn cruiser than mountain-road slalom champMotor TrendEnormous thrust is available from any speed at any time on the SRT8ConsumerGuide To add to the mass appeal of the 2009 Dodge Challenger, the folks at Chrysler dilute the lineup's performance by offering the less-capable SE and R/T trims, but that doesn't take away from the virtues of the tremendously powerful engine available on the Challenger Dodge in SRT8 guise. The three trim levels of the Dodge Challenger denote the engine housed underneath the hood—according to Jalopnik, the base SE gets "a 3.5-liter High Output V6 producing 250 hp and an equal number of lb-ft of torque," while the mid-range R/T offers a "5.7-liter Hemi engine" producing either "370 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque (when running on premium fuel) or 375 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque, depending on which transmission it's mated to." Returning unchanged from its model year 2008 introduction is the Dodge Challenger SRT8, which Cars.com reports is powered by "a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 willing to provide a blustery 425 horsepower." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the SE trim of the 2009 Dodge Challenger is more fun than many V-6 options, but the real enthusiast driving belongs to the V-8-powered Challengers. The uninspiring V-6 on the Challenger Dodge SE is, in the words of Motor Trend reviewers, "not slow; it's just not fast, either." Nobody will describe either of the V-8s that way though, and ConsumerGuide proclaims that the "R/T is quite potent, with ample passing reserves." The highest praise is saved for the very capable Dodge Challenger SRT8, which Cars.com describes as "a rocket booster strapped to your fanny" and Jalopnik says can achieve "a 0-to-60 time of five seconds." One of the chief complaints about the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was the lack of any manual transmission option, so for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, the Chrysler bigwigs have decided to address those complaints, at least on the R/T and SRT8. Jalopnik is pleased to report that "both the R/T and SRT8 get an optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission ported from the Dodge Viper," although the SE still only offers "a four-speed automatic." In addition to the manual option, Cars.com says the V-8 Dodge Challengers can be fitted with "a crisp-shifting five-speed automatic." Both the five- and six-speed transmissions fare well with reviewers, with ConsumerGuide finding "the manual transmission has positive, mechanical shift action and a smooth clutch," while the "responsive automatic transmission shifts without harshness." The four-speed auto on the Dodge Challenger SE doesn't hold up quite so well to reviewer scrutiny, and Automobile Magazine observes that "you have to be willing to boot it because of the wide gaps between the gears." The four-speed transmission also doesn't do much to help the Dodge Challenger SE's fuel economy, which isn't significantly better than the R/T's. The official EPA estimates for the Dodge Challenger lineup are 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the SE, while the Dodge Challenger R/T offers 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and the SRT8 a measly 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Road tests verify the SRT8's projected fuel economy, and ConsumerGuide reports that "an automatic-transmission SRT8 averaged 15.8 mpg." There's a reason most modern sportscars tend to be on the smaller side—simply, smaller cars tend to handle better. Modern handling and traction control features can help somewhat, but Automobile Magazine says "for a sporting machine...the steering feels light and slow," and Motor Trend describes the 2009 Dodge Challenger as "more Interstate/autobahn cruiser than mountain-road slalom champ." On the positive side, the 2009 Dodge Challenger offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, which Cars.com calls "a nice blend of sport and comfort," and they note that "big craters and railroad tracks give Challenger only a slight jiggle." ConsumerGuide also raves about the "surprisingly supple" ride, "especially given this car's performance mission." Braking performance is also a pleasant surprise, especially for such a heavy car, and ConsumerGuide declares the "brakes provide sure-footed stopping control." ConclusionThe 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is all the performance most people will need, especially considering that the SRT8 gets slapped with a gas-guzzler tax. 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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