dodge challenger review

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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dodge Challenger - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Dodge Challenger ranks 3 out of 4 Muscle Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Challenger, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Dodge Challenger is an aggressive retro-styled street machine that, in its R/T trim, lives up to its muscle-car heritage. In fact, Road and Track says it's "[a]rguably the most well-executed retro-style pony car on the market..."

In an effort to meet consumer demands for a more practical alternative to the high-performance Challenger SRT8, Dodge introduced two new trims -- the 250-horsepower SE and 372-horsepower R/T -- in 2009. These carry into the 2010 model year mostly unchanged.

Today's Dodge Challenger is hailed for its attractive retro design, roomy cabin and practical cargo room. And while most test drivers report that the SE trim lacks sufficient power to do its muscle car heritage justice, the R/T garners praise for its classic and powerful straight-line performance. "Based on the Dodge Charger, this retro coupe embodies the classic looks and tire-shredding power of the 1970s original, yet with modern-day sophistication," writes Car and Driver. "While not as dynamic as the Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro, the Challenger's presence on the road is pure muscle car."
                                                    dodge challenger review
                                                    dodge challenger review
dodge challengerIf you're in the market for an old school muscle car with more agility, consider the 304-horsepower Ford Mustang GT. The Challenger trumps it in terms of sheer power, but test drivers report that the Ford is more athletic on windy roads. Plus it's available as a convertible. Another great choice is the all-new 304-horsepower Chevy Camaro. Although it's less powerful and roomy than the Challenger, it has the privilege of being the new kid on the block -- which, if it's your thing, will surely make onlookers gawk. Those willing to sacrifice the Challenger's retro design, interior room and horsepower for better all-around sports performance should shop in the class of affordable sports cars for a hot tuner like the Nissan 370Z.

                                                    dodge challenger
                                                    dodge challenger
                                                dodge challenger
                                               dodge challenger review
                                                dodge challenger
                dodge challenger review

Though most test drivers find that all models of the 2010 Challenger handle well, most also favor the R/T's powerful HEMI engine and driver-involved manual transmission over the base SE. "The R/T really likes burnouts, chirping tires and doing all the things muscle cars are famous for," writes Road and Track. "It does them easily, too, with no wheel hop or great drama. Just burp the throttle, drop the clutch and smile." Read More

Challenger Exterior - 9.5 (Excellent)
Reviewers report that Dodge's modern take on the old school Challenger is a success. "Unlike the Charger sedan, which borrowed only a name from the muscle-car era, the Challenger was designed after the 1970 model, and it is unmistakably the Challenger from any angle," writes Cars.com. Read More

Challenger Interior - 7.1 (Good)
Critics like the Challenger's roomy, comfortable cabin and vast amount of cargo room, but take issue with its lackluster interior design. "Unlike the Dodge Challenger's distinctive-looking exterior, the interior is quite bland," writes Edmunds. "A few styling cues are reminiscent of Challengers past, like the large beveled dashboard and distinctive shifter knobs, but overall the interior design and experience aren't much." The Challenger's optional navigation system, however, is a reviewer favorite.

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