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2008 Dodge Challenger Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Dodge Challenger Review:
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Dodge Challenger Full Review
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2008 Dodge Challenger Review
The 2008 Dodge Challenger is a revival of a classic Chrysler Corporation name, meant to compete with Ford's Mustang and the soon-to-be reborn Chevrolet Camaro. This sporty/performance car will initially be available in SRT8 trim, which features a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with an available manual transmission is due in late calendar 2008 as a 2009 model. A V6 model is scheduled to arrive shortly after that. The retro-styled Challenger is rear-wheel drive and seats five. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. A navigation system and keyless access and engine start are available, as is Chrysler's MyGIG Multimedia system with a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures and digital music files. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
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2008 Dodge Challenger Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Enormous thrust is available from any speed at any time. Dodge claims Challenger SRT8 will do 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds, which feels reasonable to us. Though not subtle, the responsive transmission shifts without harshness.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 9 | 6.6 |
Enormous thrust is available from any speed at any time. Dodge claims Challenger SRT8 will do 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds, which feels reasonable to us. Though not subtle, the responsive transmission shifts without harshness.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure. Challenger SRT8 requires premium-grade gas.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 2 | 5.3 |
No opportunity to measure. Challenger SRT8 requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Challenger's ride is surprisingly supple, especially given this car's performance mission. Even small bumps and ruts are felt, but only major impacts can be described as harsh.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.1 |
Challenger's ride is surprisingly supple, especially given this car's performance mission. Even small bumps and ruts are felt, but only major impacts can be described as harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Accurate steering is marred to a fault by excessive power assist. A shame, because Challenger is an otherwise sharp handler, with impressively controlled lean in corners and abundant, usable grip.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 |
Accurate steering is marred to a fault by excessive power assist. A shame, because Challenger is an otherwise sharp handler, with impressively controlled lean in corners and abundant, usable grip.
Quietness
Sound levels are not excessive, but are in keeping with this car's high-performance character. Engine, exhaust, and road noise are omnipresent, even in relaxed highway cruising.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.2 |
Sound levels are not excessive, but are in keeping with this car's high-performance character. Engine, exhaust, and road noise are omnipresent, even in relaxed highway cruising.
Controls
Major gauges are deeply recessed and plainly marked, making them easy to read, even in bright daylight. The Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach. The navigation system incorporates most audio functions, but mostly with good results.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 5.6 |
Major gauges are deeply recessed and plainly marked, making them easy to read, even in bright daylight. The Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach. The navigation system incorporates most audio functions, but mostly with good results.
Details
Challenger's cabin is assembled with care, though feels as if materials were chosen with an eye on keeping costs down--not cheap looking, but certainly not special, either.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.8 |
Challenger's cabin is assembled with care, though feels as if materials were chosen with an eye on keeping costs down--not cheap looking, but certainly not special, either.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
There's ample space for even larger and taller drivers. The aggressively bolstered seats provide long-trip comfort. The large doors are a pain in close parking situations, but offer easy entry and exit.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 5.3 |
There's ample space for even larger and taller drivers. The aggressively bolstered seats provide long-trip comfort. The large doors are a pain in close parking situations, but offer easy entry and exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Compared to the similar-mission Ford Mustang, Challenger's rear-seat accommodations are palatial. In reality, smaller adults may tolerate short trips, while kids will fit fine.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 1.4 |
Compared to the similar-mission Ford Mustang, Challenger's rear-seat accommodations are palatial. In reality, smaller adults may tolerate short trips, while kids will fit fine.
Cargo Room
For a sports coupe, Challenger has impressive trunk space. Compromised somewhat by a high liftover, the usefully deep trunk offers more room than many midsize sedans.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 2.9 |
For a sports coupe, Challenger has impressive trunk space. Compromised somewhat by a high liftover, the usefully deep trunk offers more room than many midsize sedans.
Value within Class
With fuel prices foremost on many shoppers' minds, Challenger's (re)introduction seems ill timed. That said, Dodge's muscle machine comes off as more practical than Ford's Mustang, and is less expensive than Chevy's Corvette. Prices are high now, as a top-line SRT8 model is the only version offered for 2008. We look forward to moderate prices when the planned 5.7-liter R/T and V6 SE models arrive for the 2009 model year.
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 |
With fuel prices foremost on many shoppers' minds, Challenger's (re)introduction seems ill timed. That said, Dodge's muscle machine comes off as more practical than Ford's Mustang, and is less expensive than Chevy's Corvette. Prices are high now, as a top-line SRT8 model is the only version offered for 2008. We look forward to moderate prices when the planned 5.7-liter R/T and V6 SE models arrive for the 2009 model year.
Total Score
| SRT8 | Class Average |
| 57 | 53.2 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Dodge Challenger Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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|
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| SRT8 2-door coupe | $37,320 | $34,803 | $675 |
Price note: Add 2163 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SRT8
Powertrain
6.1-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, xenon headlights, fog lights, 245/45ZR20 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
MyGIG Multimedia
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SRT8
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$890
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$819
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|
Navigation system, traffic information, hard drive, digital-media player connection.
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||
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Power sunroof
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||
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SRT8
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$950
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$874
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|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR20 rear tires
|
||
|
SRT8
|
$50
|
$46
|
|
|
||
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2008 Dodge Challenger Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Challenger 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 197.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4140 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 6.1 /372 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 425 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 420 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 13/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Dodge Challenger 2-door coupe |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | Lifetime/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Dodge Challenger Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dodge Challenger Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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