I never expected to like driving our long term 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. It just doesn't suit me even though I grew up during the muscle car era it evokes. But I do love driving this stealthy monster and I've been struggling for a way to put the experience into words. Certainly, a lot of the pleasure comes from the deep well of power and the throaty rumble of the 372-horsepower Hemi V8. I also like the cool feel of the pistol-grip shifter in the palm of my hand. Beyond that, it's a blend of so many elements that it defies words. So, in lieu of any forced prose, I offer this photo which conveys a feeling of the driving experience for anyone who has not had the great good fortune to find themselves behind the wheel of this car.
Philip Reed, Edmunds Senior Consumer Advice Editor @ 26,300 miles
ed124c says:
10:00 AM, 06/ 1/10
If the 2011 Challenger had a 300+ hp V6, a 6 speed manual, and a better interior I would shop it against the V6 '11 Mustang.
The Challenger would be the better highway cruiser of the two-- with a bigger trunk and much more room in the back seat-- buy still a sexier looing car than the Mustang. And, due to the higher weight of the Dodge, it might make a valid winter car-- with snow tires, of course.
Philip: I would like to hear more about the clutch/shifter feel and function, a very important factor in a car like this.
nealibob says:
10:22 AM, 06/ 1/10
@ed124c:
More weight is more weight to stop, though. Good winter tires should solve any traction problem, unless it is a horrible weight distribution.
Otherwise I agree with you. It would be a tough choice for me, as both cars have their merits. I am usually of the "smaller is better" school, but if I were buying American muscle, I would have to consider all the options.
firstwagon says:
11:39 AM, 06/ 1/10
The Challenger is a perfect example of why long term tests are great. Every review I read placed the Challenger 3rd when it first came out. There were a few things people liked but most seemed disappointed.
Based on that I expected the long term test to be full of constant negative comments. But it's not. People seem to love this car more then the Camaro. Proof that numbers don't make a great car and Dodge is no where near as bad as as some people so desperately want to believe.
bodyblue says:
03:06 PM, 06/ 1/10
+1 to Firstwagon
The American car haters were licking their chops at the Challenger and Ram in the fleet......boy they must be disappointed at how the Dodges have performed. Now on how the Camaro has performed.......
ed124c says:
04:36 PM, 06/ 1/10
@nealibob: Yes, I am always criticizing my girlfriend's Grand Prixs (a GTP and 2 GXPs, some at the same time) for their excessive weight. The V8, especially, in the GXP is very front heavy, probably the same as the Hemi Challenger would be. That is why I would prefer the V6 if it had enough power to adequately move the Challenger-- a more balanced chassis.
I am not worried about stopping in the winter-- I am cautious, and my Outback never gets stuck, but it doesn't stop any better than a 2WD car. (Laws of physics, you know).
It is quite possible that the lighter V6 Mustang will feel significantly more fun to drive than the (most probably heavier) V6 Challenger, we will see.
revmarc says:
06:01 PM, 06/ 1/10
ed124c,
I have had a virtually identical car for 18 months and 23000 miles. The clutch is very light compared to what you would expect, and the shifter operation is really tight for a factory setup. My father-in-law's 2005 GTO 6-speed, by comparison, has a far heavier clutch and more rubbery shifter. The Challenger continues to be an absolute blast to drive.