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2009 Dodge Challenger Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
2009 Dodge Challenger Sneak Peek
The 2009 Dodge Challenger adds new models to its lineup. Entry-level SE and mid-line R/T models join the flagship SRT8. SE has a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. R/T has a 370-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 matched to a 5-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual is also available with the 5.7 V8. Challengers so equipped have 375 hp. The automatic-transmission version of the R/T features Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 has a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 mated to a either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a new-for-2009 6-speed manual. 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. We have not yet tested the 2009 Dodge Challenger.
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.

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2009 Dodge Challenger Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Fuel Economy

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Ride Quality

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Quietness

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Controls

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Details

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Cargo Room

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Value within Class

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A

Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Total Score

Unknown Class Average
N/A N/A
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
49
Average Score
N/A
High Score
53
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2009 Dodge Challenger Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
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
SRT8
$890
$819
Navigation system, traffic information, hard drive, digital-media player connection.
Power sunroof
SRT8
$950
$874
Appearance and Miscellaneous
245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR20 rear tires
SRT8
$50
$46
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2009 Dodge Challenger Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Challenger 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 116.0
Overall Length, in. 197.7
Overall Width, in. 75.7
Overall Height, in. 57.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 3720
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.2
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.3
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
  sohc V6 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /215 5.7 /345 6.1 /372
Horsepower @ rpm. 250 @ 6400 370 @ 5800 425 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 250 @ 3800 398 @ 4200 420 @ 4800
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
6-speed manual --/-- 15/23 NA/NA
4-speed automatic 18/25 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 16/23 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
Coming soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in: Canada
Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive
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