Over the weekend, I put 1,100+ miles on our long-term 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. It was a rushed trip, but an enjoyable trip, and I'll be posting a couple more entries about it this week.
For now, I'll say that the Challenger is an excellent road trip car when you're traveling solo. Is it too much car for the task? Oh, most definitely. But the combination of big, usable torque (401 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm, but plenty below that), a compliant ride quality and soft but adequately supportive seating (for the driver) make for a blissful journey up the interstate.
And frankly, the 19-gallon gas tank is great, too. If you're disciplined enough to keep it at 75 mph in this car, you're looking at close to 500 miles of range. Even at my worst, 400 miles on a tank was easy. Gas mileage bragging will come in tomorrow's post.
There's also a big sensory component to driving the Challenger R/T. You look out over its long, black hood, as you hold its oversize steering wheel, as the sun fades north of Sacramento, and is life really so bad? I think not.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 14,221 miles
carguy622 says:
12:41 PM, 11/25/09
I love a good road trip too. In fact, almost anytime I'm in my car I'm having fun. I can definitely see the appeal of the Challenger as a road trip car.
bodyblue says:
12:51 PM, 11/25/09
The Challenger is doing exactly what it is designed to do and it does it better than really any car in its class. It is a big GT type of car...not a sports car.....there are cars that go faster and handle better but not many with the combo of good looks, great power, nice ride, room for 4 and decent highway mph. I have really grown to like the Challenger more and more. Especially compared to the cartoon Camaro, it looks so handsome.
g8gtnorth says:
01:56 PM, 11/25/09
Nice! It looks the part too.
I have but one question Erin. If you had to choose between this and the G8... tough call or easy decision?
eriches says:
02:37 PM, 11/25/09
@ g8gtnorth: Practically speaking, easy decision, because I like having four doors, or at least decent access to the backseat.
But I really wish the G8 had an exhaust note like the Challenger's. And until I spent 1,100 miles with the Challenger, I hadn't realized how much I like the styling -- whether I'm walking up to the car or sitting in its driver seat looking out at it. Among all the disasters in the current Chrysler lineup, the Challenger R/T really stands apart. Like the G8, the total package is well executed and you quietly gain respect for the car over time.
Happy Thanksgiving. -- Erin