2009 Dodge Challenger Review

There's been so much attention paid to the new Dodge Challenger that it was going to be tough to live up to the legend. But Challenger lived up to the hype and turned out to be a great car. In true Dodge fashion, the first SRT8 version that came out had everything under the hood that enthusiasts had hoped it would, but the high-end price tag scared a few would-be buyers away. This year, there's more to choose from.

The all-new Dodge Challenger debuted last year (2008) with much fanfare, but only in top-of-the-line SRT8 trim, and only with an automatic transmission.

For 2009, Dodge has added two more trim levels, plus they've made Challenger available with the Viper's slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox.

It's incredible to realize that anyone can take ownership of this beautiful recreation for just $22,545, albeit in SE trim, which features a V-6 engine under the hood.

But in SE trim, the Challenger is still a remarkably attractive vehicle, and its 3.5-liter V-6 engine pounds out an impressive 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

If you haven't figured it out, yet, I'm a huge fan of the Challenger. I have been since the 1980s when a co-worker introduced me to his newly restored 1970 Challenger T/A. It featured a potent 340 six-pack (that means it had three two-barrel carburetors) and a beautiful Sublime (green) finish with black accent stripes.

The short-lived Challenger (1970 - 1974) has been a popular choice for enthusiasts and collectors, especially the 1970 vintage. With many styling cues taken from the original Challenger, the new model is pleasing to the eyes.

The general shape of the new Challenger is easily identifiable with its predecessor. But, if you saw the original and current model Challengers sitting side by side, you'd see that the current model is much larger and sits much taller than the original.

That's good news for those looking to make real use of the Challenger and not just take it out on warm sunny days.

You can fit five adults comfortably in the current model and the large trunk (along with flip-down rear seats) provides more storage space than any of the coupes Challenger competes against.

My Challenger test model was the new R/T model, which features the new-generation 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine. With the 5-speed automatic transmission, the R/T's Hemi produces 372 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. With the precision-shift 6-speed manual gearbox, the R/T's Hemi pounds out 376 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque when running premium fuel.

Thankfully, my R/T tester came with the 6-speed manual gearbox. To top things off, it featured an awesome pistol-grip shifter.

Of course, I had to push the throttle down hard and see how my R/T's Hemi responded to my demands. What a thrill. I was able to grab rubber all the way through 4th gear.

The Hemi has excellent low-end torque. My Challenger R/T felt as though it was shot out of a cannon when taking off from a dead stop. I also enjoyed the throaty roar from the exhaust. It was just the right tone and not too loud at highway speeds.

By the way, the engine was only turning 1,300 rpm in 6th gear at 55 mph, and only 1,500 rpm at 70 mph. Also, during steady cruising, four of the Hemi's eight cylinders shut down to help improve fuel economy. But don't worry; those four cylinders can come back online quicker than you can blink your eyes.

Here's a car that let's you have the best of both worlds; good power and decent fuel economy. My only disappointment came when I was showing off the Hemi and realized that a prop rod needs to be utilized to hold the hood open.

Still, I wouldn't let that stop me from enjoying everything the Challenger has to offer. I hope Dodge can sell enough Challengers to keep making them.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Engine: 5.7-liter (376 hp) V-8

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Drive type: RWD

Fuel economy: 15 city/23 highway

Base price: $29,320

As tested: $37,330 (includes $675 for destination)

Web site: www.dodge.com