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2010 Dodge Challenger Review

October 6, 2009

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

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

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

With all three Detroit automakers now offering different models, the muscle-car wars are back on—at least for a few more years. The expanded 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup competes with the equally retro Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro, each with their own style statements.

Most reviewers agree that among the three Detroit muscle cars, the 2010 Dodge Challenger plays the retro card to the highest degree. Automobile Magazine calls it a "head turner," while Cars.com refers to its "Hot Wheels" styling.

Motor Trend is pleased to report that "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 says 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."

What's not available, appearance-wise, as a factory option is bound to be available as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory. Motor Trend points out that "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."

While the interior isn't nearly as edgy and retro-extreme as the exterior, it gets mostly favorable reviews from a wide range of sources read by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide reviewers love that "the Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach," and while "the navigation system absorbs most audio functions" it does so "with good results." TheCarConnection.com's editors also appreciate how the gauges in the Challenger are very readable despite following the retro theme. Motor Trend asserts that the Challenger benefits from "a healthy dose of retro-modern style."

It's not all positive, though. 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."

Conclusion

Squint just right, and the 2010 Dodge Challenger looks a lot like a '70 model, but it has just enough modern for broad appeal.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Visually, the SE is closest to the 1970 modelCar and DriverThe R/T is no less a head-turner than the SRT8Automobile MagazineStandard with a healthy dose of retro-modern styleMotor Trend With all three Detroit automakers now offering different models, the muscle-car wars are back on—at least for a few more years. The expanded 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup competes with the equally retro Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro, each with their own style statements. Most reviewers agree that among the three Detroit muscle cars, the 2010 Dodge Challenger plays the retro card to the highest degree. Automobile Magazine calls it a "head turner," while Cars.com refers to its "Hot Wheels" styling. Motor Trend is pleased to report that "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 says 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." What's not available, appearance-wise, as a factory option is bound to be available as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory. Motor Trend points out that "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." While the interior isn't nearly as edgy and retro-extreme as the exterior, it gets mostly favorable reviews from a wide range of sources read by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide reviewers love that "the Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach," and while "the navigation system absorbs most audio functions" it does so "with good results." TheCarConnection.com's editors also appreciate how the gauges in the Challenger are very readable despite following the retro theme. Motor Trend asserts that the Challenger benefits from "a healthy dose of retro-modern style." It's not all positive, though. 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." ConclusionSquint just right, and the 2010 Dodge Challenger looks a lot like a '70 model, but it has just enough modern for broad appeal. 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER STYLING | [9 out of 10] 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" Motor Trend: "Standard with a healthy dose of retro-modern style" With all three Detroit automakers now ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The muscle-car revival is still in full force, with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro replaying an old rivalry. Only this time, all three cars are a lot more practical and day-to-day livable. The 2010 Dodge Challenger has the most usable backseat of the three, but none of them are particularly spacious. Relative to the Mustang and Camaro, the Challenger has a bit more space for front-seat occupants and would likely be more comfortable for a road trip. The V-6 SE model matches reasonably well against the Mustang V-6, but the Camaro’s V-6, now with more than 300 horsepower, easily beats them and is a step above in refinement. At the top of the range, the Camaro SS and Mustang GT match up nicely with the Challenger SRT8, but the powerful Shelby GT500 Mustang holds a huge horsepower advantage over the SRT8. One other new model to consider is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, an all-new rear-wheel-drive coupe that has a completely different flavor but takes on V-6 models of the Mustang and Camaro.

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See the Dodge Challenger in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (2 total)

  1. By NJB #1, Posted: 10/8/2009

    Your review is incorrect - no 2010 Challengers use the 4 speed transmission, it was replaced with an automatic 5 speed in the 2010 SE.

  2. By chuckie #2, Posted: 10/25/2009

    I agree with the first post. The 2010 Challenger has a 5 speed automatic standard. The 4 speed was last year. That is a major point to get wrong in a review. Maybe you should print a revision.
    Also, if you’re going to give the Challenger a 7 for quality because of interior plastic, you should also give the Camaro a 7 instead of an 8.
    My muscle car loving daughter needs a new ride. I want decent gas mileage, and a low sales price. I would get the V6 1LT Camaro, but my daughter likes the bodylines of the Challenger. After looking at the comparably equipped 1LT Camaro with automatic and the base SE Challenger with automatic, this is our opinion:
    The Challenger is better in:
    Interior space, rear seat space, trunk space, trunk opening, exterior visibility, and price.
    The Camaro is better in:
    Horsepower, 0 to 60 time, a 6th gear, highway gas mileage, and wider tires.
    I like the price of the SE Challenger $23,460 verses the 1LT Camaro $25,725. I’m not a fan of the Camaro speedometer / tach look.

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