2010 Dodge Challenger
- 2009 Dodge Challenger
- Used Dodge Challenger
in Muscle Cars
Based on analysis of 18 Challenger reviews and test drives.
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 18 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 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."
If 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 affordable sports cars for hot tuners like the Nissan 370Z and Honda S2000.
The '10 Dodge Challenger is available in two trims, SE and R/T. A high-performance 425-horsepower SRT8 trim with a HEMI V8 is also available, but covered in a separate review.
- "Comfortable, stylish and impressively capable in terms of performance, the...Dodge Challenger is exactly what a modern version of an old muscle-car icon should be." -- Edmunds
- "Challenger is not an ideal choice for those looking to save on gas, at least in V8 form. That said, Dodge's muscle machine comes off as more practical than Chevy's Camaro. The lower-priced SE and R/T models are the best choices in this lineup." -- Consumer Guide
- "The Challenger is all about reliving the 'Vanishing Point' days with modern safety and reliability, a huge trunk, and a roomy back seat (that's difficult to get into). We think the R/T offers the best retro bang for the modern, shrinking buck." -- Motor Trend
- "A big, brawny muscle car might not make much sense these days, but Challenger is a slick piece of work that brings the pony-car era back to life." -- Arizona Republic
Challenger Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)
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 - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Critics like the Challenger's roomy, comfortable cabin and vast amount of cargo room, but take issue with its lackluster interior design. Edmunds explains: "There's a faint echo of the original Challenger present...but in total, the cabin is somber and dull, with only a few metallic trim pieces to spruce things up. There was certainly no effort to answer the Mustang or upcoming Camaro's retro interiors, but the Challenger at least provides good-quality materials." The Challenger's optional navigation system, however, is a reviewer favorite. Read More
Challenger Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
Not only does the Challenger perform well in federal government crash tests, but it also features a long list of standard safety equipment. Still, some critics complain of visibility issues. Read More
Challenger Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Dodge Challenger reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge covers the 2010 Challenger with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a lifetime powertrain warranty. Read More
