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2009 Dodge Challenger Safety Review

October 30, 2008

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Outward sightlines are hampered by thick pillars, fixed rear headrests, a low roof, and a long hood
Car and Driver

Available safety features include ABS, traction control
ConsumerGuide

The SE has four-wheel discs, but ABS is an option
Automobile Magazine

As of this writing, very few 2009 model-year vehicles have been crash-tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS, and the list of to-be-tested vehicles includes the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup. Although crash-test data isn't available, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the 2009 Dodge Challenger features an acceptable collection of safety equipment.

Unlike many car models, which tend to have standardized safety equipment lists across all trim levels, the Dodge Challenger offers different standard equipment between the SRT8, R/T, and SE trims. On the base Challenger Dodge SE, the standard safety equipment includes "four disc brakes," according to Automobile Magazine, but they are very disappointed to discover that "ABS is an option—a pretty shocking bit of cost-cutting in an otherwise well-equipped car." ConsumerGuide mentions that additional safety features on the Dodge Challenger SE include "dual front airbags, front side airbags, [and] curtain side airbags." ConsumerGuide reviewers add that moving up to the V-8-powered R/T version of the Challenger Dodge brings "antilock 4-wheel disc brakes" and "brake assist," along with an "antiskid system." The top-of-the-line 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 heaps on additional safety features, including "Hill Start Assist, which helps manual transmission cars launch more securely on inclines," as listed by Motor Trend, and upgraded Brembo brakes. Cars.com also reports that the Dodge Challenger "SRT8 has traction and stability control to avoid spinning the tires and [keep] you headed in the right direction," a valuable feature in a car as prone to wheelspin as the 2009 Dodge Challenger.

The new Challenger Dodge offers varying safety features across the trim levels, but all three suffer from less-than-ideal driver visibility. Several reviews read by TheCarConnection.com lament the poor visibility, with ConsumerGuide leading the way by reporting that the Dodge Challenger's "roof design severely limits visibility to the rear corners." Car and Driver agrees and expands upon that criticism, finding that the "outward sightlines are hampered by thick pillars, fixed rear headrests, a low roof, and a long hood."

Conclusion

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 comes with all of the expected safety gear, but you’ll have to pay extra for lifesaving ESC in the SE model.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Outward sightlines are hampered by thick pillars, fixed rear headrests, a low roof, and a long hoodCar and DriverAvailable safety features include ABS, traction controlConsumerGuideThe SE has four-wheel discs, but ABS is an optionAutomobile Magazine As of this writing, very few 2009 model-year vehicles have been crash-tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS, and the list of to-be-tested vehicles includes the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup. Although crash-test data isn't available, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the 2009 Dodge Challenger features an acceptable collection of safety equipment. Unlike many car models, which tend to have standardized safety equipment lists across all trim levels, the Dodge Challenger offers different standard equipment between the SRT8, R/T, and SE trims. On the base Challenger Dodge SE, the standard safety equipment includes "four disc brakes," according to Automobile Magazine, but they are very disappointed to discover that "ABS is an option—a pretty shocking bit of cost-cutting in an otherwise well-equipped car." ConsumerGuide mentions that additional safety features on the Dodge Challenger SE include "dual front airbags, front side airbags, [and] curtain side airbags." ConsumerGuide reviewers add that moving up to the V-8-powered R/T version of the Challenger Dodge brings "antilock 4-wheel disc brakes" and "brake assist," along with an "antiskid system." The top-of-the-line 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 heaps on additional safety features, including "Hill Start Assist, which helps manual transmission cars launch more securely on inclines," as listed by Motor Trend, and upgraded Brembo brakes. Cars.com also reports that the Dodge Challenger "SRT8 has traction and stability control to avoid spinning the tires and [keep] you headed in the right direction," a valuable feature in a car as prone to wheelspin as the 2009 Dodge Challenger. The new Challenger Dodge offers varying safety features across the trim levels, but all three suffer from less-than-ideal driver visibility. Several reviews read by TheCarConnection.com lament the poor visibility, with ConsumerGuide leading the way by reporting that the Dodge Challenger's "roof design severely limits visibility to the rear corners." Car and Driver agrees and expands upon that criticism, finding that the "outward sightlines are hampered by thick pillars, fixed rear headrests, a low roof, and a long hood." ConclusionThe 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 comes with all of the expected safety gear, but you’ll have to pay extra for lifesaving ESC in the SE model. 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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