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- Throwback retro styling
- Strong performance from Hemi V8
- Commendable handling
- Comfortable ride
- Roomy interior
- Interior design lacks excitement
- Heavy steering
- No manual transmission available
- Poor fuel economy, gas guzzler tax
Critics like the retro Dodge Challenger, which for 2008 was a limited-production sports car. Full production begins for the 2009 model year, with a 250-hp V6 base SE model and 370-hp V8 R/T model added to the high-end SRT8 version, along with an available 6-speed manual transmission. Reviewers seem to celebrate the launch of this throwback muscle car, and they enjoy its thrilling power and competent handling. That said, critics add that the Dodge Challenger isn't innovative in any way. Rather, writers acknowledge the Challenger as more of an image-enhancing machine.
Reviews mention the Dodge Challenger's heavy curb weight, but note that the car doesn't feel too heavy; its handling is nimble and power is abundant. Steering is heavier and less responsive than many writers would like. Cockpit design is criticized for lacking excitement, seemingly too similar to the Dodge Charger sedan's, on which the Challenger platform is based. Fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/18 mpg hwy come with a $2,163 gas guzzler tax. The Challenger's natural competitor is the Ford Mustang (*est. $19,650 to $32,245) and its high-performance variant, the Shelby GT500 (*est. $42,330 to $47,155), although comparison tests give the nod to the Challenger for its higher level of refinement and driving enjoyment.
As a brand-new model that has been hyped like few other cars, there are plenty of articles about the Challenger. But many of these are non-critical news or enthusiast-oriented articles rather than true road tests. Road & Track and Car and Driver magazines have the best coverage so far.
Our Sources
1. Road & TrackDetails/Subscribe
This road-test gives plenty of background information, and provides good coverage of the 2008 Dodge Challenger's strengths and weaknesses. Writer Matt Delorenzo thinks the interior design is too understated, but overall, the car's performance leaves the writer "favorably impressed."
Review: Road Test: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Matt Delorenzo, July 2008
2. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
There are a few Dodge Challenger articles on Car and Driver's website, but this road-test review is a good editorial combined with test-track results. The writer says the suspension provides "amazingly flat cornering" and respectable skidpad numbers, but curb weight is a drawback.
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 – Short Take Road Test, Steve Siler, Apr. 2008
3. Cars.com
Cars.com summarizes the 2008 Dodge Challenger along with a staff-written general descriptive review, plus editor Joe Wiesenfelder's lengthy and insightful road test where he touches on virtually every aspect of the Challenger.
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger Review, Joe Wiesenfelder, Apr. 30, 2008
4. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
In this head-to-head comparison, Motor Trend matches the 425-hp Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. the 500-hp Ford Shelby GT500. Although the smaller, lighter Shelby is faster, the overall winner is the Challenger, credited with a more sophisticated fully independent suspension and more satisfying drive.
Review: Comparison: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT500, Arthur St. Antoine, July 2008
5. Edmunds.com
In this balanced review, editors call the Challenger "exactly what a modern version of an old muscle car icon should be -- comfortable, athletic, stylish, fast." Criticisms include the car's interior styling and poor rearward visibility.
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
6. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com compares the Dodge Challenger with the 315-hp Ford Mustang Bullitt both on public roads and at a race track. It's a close competition, but the more sophisticated Challenger does many things better.
Review: Comparison Test: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt, Chris Walton, Apr. 30, 2008
This multi-part report is based on other published reports as well as the writer's own test drive of the 2008 Dodge Challenger. Editor Rex Roy says applauds the Hemi V8 and six-speed auto, but is less enthusiastic about the Challenger's interior.
Review: 2008 Dodge Challenger Bottom Line, Rex Roy
LA Times auto editor Dan Neil writes an entertaining editorial about the wisdom of introducing the "instant anachronism" Dodge Challenger at this time. He says it is no sports car, but rather "a big, muscle-bound road car, with excellent ride quality and more than adequate cornering."
Review: Dodge Challenger: A blast from the past, Dan Neil, May 14, 2008
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