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2009 Dodge Challenger Quality Review

October 30, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Horrifyingly plastic interior
Jalopnik

Enjoy the sounds of a uniquely tuned dual exhaust
Motor Trend

The interior is quite comfortable, if dark
Car and Driver

The 2009 Dodge Challenger's interior seats are what all automakers should aim for: comfortable, supportive, and spacious. Unfortunately, not all aspects of the Dodge Challenger's interior are as well received in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com as those plush front buckets.

The folks at Chrysler would like you to think that the Challenger Dodge can seat five (hence the five seatbelts), but in reality, this sporty coupe is better suited to four. Leading the way in the 2009 Dodge Challenger are a pair of front bucket seats that reviewers rave about. Cars.com holds nothing back when talking about the "excellent leather seats with good side and back support" that they feel are "easily the best [they've] seen in a Dodge." On the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Car and Driver reports that the "thick, high-backed Alcantara-and-leather performance seats...glue the driver in place regardless of lateral forces," while the Dodge Challenger "R/T and SE models also feature comfortable and nicely bolstered bucket seats." In terms of space, Cars.com attests "head and leg room also are great up front, but foot room is more moderate in back." Automobile Magazine agrees, claiming that "pushing the front seats too far back causes rear legroom to disappear in a hurry," and noting "anyone beyond booster-seat age will be too big for the middle rear spot." The one mark against the 2009 Dodge Challenger comes from ConsumerGuide, where reviewers find that rear-seat "entry and exit are sporty-coupe awkward."

Many reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate great surprise at the overall level of practicality afforded by the 2009 Dodge Challenger. The Dodge Challenger's trunk is particularly noteworthy, and ConsumerGuide says "for a sports coupe, Challenger has impressive trunk space" that "offers more room than many midsize sedans." Automobile Magazine also mentions "the generous trunk space (16.2 cubic feet) and fold-down rear seatbacks…impart some genuine practicality into this sports machine." Cars.com feels compelled to tell "the practical muscle car buyer" that the 2009 Dodge Challenger's "rear seats split and fold down," which improves overall storage capacity at the expense of seating capacity.

One frequent gripe with domestic cars is that their overall quality lags behind that of competing imports. While this has changed markedly in recent years, the Challenger Dodge still suffers from a disappointing lack of overall refinement. The materials quality is lambasted more than fit and finish in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, as ConsumerGuide feels that the "Challenger's cabin houses plenty of cheap plastic, but everything is nicely assembled." Jalopnik's reviewer also slams the "horrifyingly plastic interior," while Car and Driver says that the Dodge Challenger SE's "mostly black interior features some silver-painted plastic that does less to warm up the interior than to reflect its cheapness." Fortunately, ConsumerGuide points out that Dodge Challenger "R/T and SRT8 are available with chrome, faux carbon fiber, and suede accents that help dress up the interior a bit."

One area where above-average build quality and engineering shines through noticeably is cabin quietness, and in this category, many reviewers are impressed by just how quiet the Dodge Challenger is. ConsumerGuide calls the Dodge Challenger SE "surprisingly refined," and says it's "nearly silent when cruising." Motor Trend also refers to the Dodge Challenger as a "refined car" with a "much quieter" ride than the competing Ford Mustang. Of the noises that occasionally invade the cabin, one of the most prominent is the note from the "tuned exhaust system" that Jalopnik declares "sounds great in the lower gears."

Conclusion

The front seats on the 2009 Dodge Challenger are top-notch, but calling the plastic interior even mediocre is a stretch.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Horrifyingly plastic interiorJalopnikEnjoy the sounds of a uniquely tuned dual exhaustMotor TrendThe interior is quite comfortable, if darkCar and Driver The 2009 Dodge Challenger's interior seats are what all automakers should aim for: comfortable, supportive, and spacious. Unfortunately, not all aspects of the Dodge Challenger's interior are as well received in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com as those plush front buckets. The folks at Chrysler would like you to think that the Challenger Dodge can seat five (hence the five seatbelts), but in reality, this sporty coupe is better suited to four. Leading the way in the 2009 Dodge Challenger are a pair of front bucket seats that reviewers rave about. Cars.com holds nothing back when talking about the "excellent leather seats with good side and back support" that they feel are "easily the best [they've] seen in a Dodge." On the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Car and Driver reports that the "thick, high-backed Alcantara-and-leather performance seats...glue the driver in place regardless of lateral forces," while the Dodge Challenger "R/T and SE models also feature comfortable and nicely bolstered bucket seats." In terms of space, Cars.com attests "head and leg room also are great up front, but foot room is more moderate in back." Automobile Magazine agrees, claiming that "pushing the front seats too far back causes rear legroom to disappear in a hurry," and noting "anyone beyond booster-seat age will be too big for the middle rear spot." The one mark against the 2009 Dodge Challenger comes from ConsumerGuide, where reviewers find that rear-seat "entry and exit are sporty-coupe awkward." Many reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate great surprise at the overall level of practicality afforded by the 2009 Dodge Challenger. The Dodge Challenger's trunk is particularly noteworthy, and ConsumerGuide says "for a sports coupe, Challenger has impressive trunk space" that "offers more room than many midsize sedans." Automobile Magazine also mentions "the generous trunk space (16.2 cubic feet) and fold-down rear seatbacks…impart some genuine practicality into this sports machine." Cars.com feels compelled to tell "the practical muscle car buyer" that the 2009 Dodge Challenger's "rear seats split and fold down," which improves overall storage capacity at the expense of seating capacity. One frequent gripe with domestic cars is that their overall quality lags behind that of competing imports. While this has changed markedly in recent years, the Challenger Dodge still suffers from a disappointing lack of overall refinement. The materials quality is lambasted more than fit and finish in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, as ConsumerGuide feels that the "Challenger's cabin houses plenty of cheap plastic, but everything is nicely assembled." Jalopnik's reviewer also slams the "horrifyingly plastic interior," while Car and Driver says that the Dodge Challenger SE's "mostly black interior features some silver-painted plastic that does less to warm up the interior than to reflect its cheapness." Fortunately, ConsumerGuide points out that Dodge Challenger "R/T and SRT8 are available with chrome, faux carbon fiber, and suede accents that help dress up the interior a bit." One area where above-average build quality and engineering shines through noticeably is cabin quietness, and in this category, many reviewers are impressed by just how quiet the Dodge Challenger is. ConsumerGuide calls the Dodge Challenger SE "surprisingly refined," and says it's "nearly silent when cruising." Motor Trend also refers to the Dodge Challenger as a "refined car" with a "much quieter" ride than the competing Ford Mustang. Of the noises that occasionally invade the cabin, one of the most prominent is the note from the "tuned exhaust system" that Jalopnik declares "sounds great in the lower gears." ConclusionThe front seats on the 2009 Dodge Challenger are top-notch, but calling the plastic interior even mediocre is a stretch. 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 (13 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.

  13. By Tony lazz #13, Posted: 11/25/2009

    I just bought the 2010 Challenger SRT8 from Zeigler in Schaumburg IL. They had put the cold air intake and the magnaflow exhaust on the car for me. The hourse power is about 520. The Challenger drives just as nice at 140mph as it does at 40mph. This is the best car I have ever owned. the interior is so nice. Every one i pass cant stop looking at the car. Great job Dodge.

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