Best Reviewed
Coupes
- Best compact coupe 2009 Honda Civic Coupe *Est. $15305
- Family-friendly midsize coupe 2009 Honda Accord Coupe *Est. $22405
- Top premium sport coupe 2009 BMW 3 Series Coupe *Est. $36500
- Modern muscle coupe 2010 Chevrolet Camaro *Est. $22245
- Value sport coupe 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe *Est. $22000
Get info about new reports and updates
- Retro muscle-car exterior styling
- Strong performance from Hemi V-8
- Good handling
- Ride comfort
- Roomy interior
- Boring interior design
- Heavy steering
- Lack of manual transmission for 2008 models
- Poor fuel economy
Reviews indicate that Dodge's resurrection of the Challenger is a resounding success. For the 2008 model year, production was limited to 6,400 top-of-the-line SRT8 variants, which come equipped with a Hemi V-8 engine putting out 425 horsepower. For 2009, less expensive V-6 and V-8 versions will be added. While initial Challenger coupes were equipped with automatic transmission only, a six-speed manual transmission will be available in 2009. While reviewers like the Dodge Challenger, most say it doesn't really break any new ground or offer any technology firsts. Writers say the Challenger is about image more than anything. The Challenger's steering is reported to be not particularly responsive and rather heavy, and its interior design is criticized as being too similar to the Dodge Charger sedan. The Challenger's primary competitor is the Ford Mustang coupe (*est. $19,650 to $27,420); comparison reviews give the nod to the Challenger for its refinement and its "fun" factor.
For the Dodge Challenger, mainly noncritical news articles are available rather than hands-on road tests. Informative evaluations are available from Road & Track and Car and Driver, each with include plenty of pros and cons. Motor Trend pits the Challenger against the Ford Shelby GT500, while Edmunds compares it to the Ford Mustang Bullitt. Cars.com also has a detailed review, while TheCarConnection.com has a longer, in-depth review based on the writer's own test-drive and opinions from other auto writers. Los Angeles Times auto critic Dan Neil provides an insightful review of the new Challenger.
Our Sources
1. Road & TrackDetails/Subscribe
The unusually large size of the Dodge Challenger is noted, in this review, as being even bigger than the 1970 original. The interior design is said to disappoint and the ride and handling are described as "competent and comfortable." Despite these shortcomings, the Challenger's performance leaves the writer "favorably impressed."
Review: Road Test: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Matt DeLorenzo, July 2008
2. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
In this road-test review, the Challenger's suspension is perceived as providing "amazingly flat cornering" and respectable skid pad numbers. Reviewer Steve Siler is not entirely pleased with the car's steering and brake feel, but he refers to the Hemi V-8 as a "glorious engine."
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 -- Short Take Road Test, Steve Siler, Apr. 2008
3. Cars.com
This 'lengthy and insightful road-test review touches on virtually every aspect of the Challenger. In particular, the Challenger's styling is described as "breathtaking." Several comparisons are made to the Ford Mustang.
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger, Joe Wiesenfelder, Apr. 30, 2008
4. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
This article compares the two most powerful muscle cars available: the 425-horsepower Challenger SRT8 and the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500. Although the smaller, lighter Ford is faster, the overall winner is the more sophisticated, satisfying Challenger.
Review: Comparison: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT500, Arthur St. Antoine, July 2008
5. Edmunds.com
The Challenger is described as "exactly what a modern version of an old muscle car icon should be," but criticized for its interior styling, poor rearward visibility and automatic-only transmission option for 2008.
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
6. Edmunds.com
The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is pitted against the Ford Mustang Bullitt in this comparison, which discovers that the more sophisticated Challenger does many things better. The Challenger's ride quality is called "fantastic."
Review: Comparison Test: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt, Chris Walton, Apr. 30, 2008
The Challenger's Hemi V-8 "is called "a thrilling, throbbing engine" in this review, which also lauds the 'six-speed automatic transmission." The car's exterior looks are praised, but the interior "doesn't go far enough."
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger Bottom Line, Rex Roy
8. NameBays.com
Los Angeles Times auto editor Dan Neil ponders the wisdom of introducing the "instant anachronism" Dodge Challenger at this time of expensive gasoline. The Challenger is said to have "excellent ride quality and more than adequate cornering."
Review: Dodge Challenger: A Blast From the Past, Dan Neil, May 14, 2008
Coupes Runners Up:
5 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
