It's a good solid Car, with reasonable care should last several years. I am glad there are those out there that bash it for not having an eight cylinder engine. It helps keep the price reasonable for People that just want a good Car, and don't care about all that foolishness.
Thinking about buying one used. I need something nice as a daily for work commute. Challenger is my dream car. A man’s car. Hopefully this year is kind to me lol.
I'm also getting a 2010 SE early next year. A car with a beautiful exterior, a decent sized interior, and more than enough speed and power for drivers like myself(non-racers).
I bought a used 2009 ChallengerSE last year when my 2005 Neon sized it's motor. Been getting good gas mileage and has good performance too. I put a CAI and changed the stock muffler to a Magnaflow. Has great pickup now. More zip then my 1973 Barracuda with it's 318V8!
Art Warmanen I just bought a 2010 challenger SXT and I also have a 73 cuda 318! challenger has yet to be delivered, but I'm excited to compare the two.
That is my dream car. And that is a fantastic sounding V6. Perfect amount of growl, and the distinctive Chrysler V6 high-RPM whine. The upshift sounded epic, and the following growl.... I love the challenger.
13 years later and I’m right there with ya buddy. Hopefully you were able to get yours. Looking at getting mine this year. May the dodge gods smile upon us, and the ladies as well.
I totally agree, I have a v6 3rd gen camaro now, and every time someone complains about my v6, its sooo annoying. If you think a car sucks because it doesn't have a v8, your doing it wrong (life that is)
Thanks, Igotfins! Our goal is to show the potential in every vehicle when driven with a light foot. With luck, we'll get to test the Challenger R/T with cylinder deactivation in the near future. We're itching to see if we can get it into the 30 MPG highway neighborhood. :) We have a Camaro V6 lined up for next month, and hope to land a Mustang V6, as well. It's all good!
Thanks for the kind words and catch, WoZIMoo ... sorry about that slip! If only UA-cam would allow us to update videos without losing the stats from the original versions ...
@SaviorSelf15 It remains to be seen for sure, but allpar dot com reports that there will be changes to suspension, brakes, interior, and steering wheel, along with the much more powerful (approx 300 HP) Pentastar V6.
I have a 2010 se. It has 20in tires, dual exhaust a slap shift automatic. U just bought it but I'm not sure what they did to the motor if anything but it does not feel like a stock v6.
i don't see the problem people are having with the V6. the oil resources will be used up some day close, we don't have to artificially accelerate that process. don't get me wrong, i love the original V8, but it's more reasonable to get the 3.5l version...
@YehaaShibley I'll also add that Chrysler had one platform to choose from....the LX. There is little that could be done to save weight and still retain both top-level safety, and the overall solid, quiet feel. One has to admit, these cars are Lexus smooth and very quiet. The same can be said about all cars in this segment, although Ford did shave some weight by incorporating a lower-tech suspension setup....for better or worse.
Er, yep! This was a four-speed automatic. I have not had the opportunity to drive a five-speed automatic. It will be interesting to see how the new Pentastar V6 stacks up to the new V6 in the Mustang. I'd expect some tweaks over the initially stated 280 HP when it lands between the Challenger's fenders.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with the V6, I'm 21 and just bout a 2010 SE myself the punk kids who bitch about having a V6 and it's all about the V8 blah blah blah probably don't got half the cash on hand to even afford a V8 , it's something they would only use on weekends you can use this car obviously still a good looking car every day of the week! So if you can't afford a V8 put a sock in it.
I own this exact same car and love it.Yeah, A bit slow off the line, but once it's moving it's pretty fast! BTW realisticallt the RT with all these options (SE-G) is about $40,000 as opposed to 26,000.
The six isn't terrible, but most SEs I've seen (and other Challengers) are usually marked around five grand over MSRP. . .which turns what would be an otherwise good value into something not really worth it for what you get.
I hear ya, Ratmouth ... :) The Camaro's direct-injected V6 has a considerable advantage over the Challenger SE's motor ... in both MPGs and horsepower. The Challenger's back seat delivers what neither the Camaro or Mustang can ... space for grownups. :) I've been dreaming about bolting a torque-filled high-MPG clean diesel under the hood of the Challenger for eons. Now that the Fiat deal is done, I'm going to start banging the drum again. 14s/40MPG!
I love the look of the new Challengers. One question though, and I know that this isn't a high-performace vehicle or even in the same league as a tuner. How would this thing fair against one of the newer Ralliarts do you think?
There has been a lot of variations in 0-60 times. What many dont realize (including the testers themselves possibly) is that Dodge changed to a 5spd w/optional autostick in later 09 (as he said in the vid), so a few 09s & all 2010s will have the revised trans. I actually dont think this was a 5spd, because the launch sounded like a 4spd, and this video was shot in April. Dodge only started making 5spds in April..so?? Not here to give any opinions though. I've driven the new SE & they're decent
I haven't been in the Genesis Coupe, yet ... but I'd reckon that the target audience for these two cars just might be diametrically opposed. :) Younger folks might lean towards the Hyundai, while those of more advanced years would fall to the Challenger's charms.
Thanks, Stan! Looking forward to driving the new Camaro. It's faster, without a doubt. The Challenger is a much larger and heavier car ... with one big advantage being the usable and comfortable back seat. :)
It seems everyone compares these things (The V6 model Chally) to intentionally-built sports cars... the Challenger V6 is built for more of a family use with cool looks, lol. The trunk is huge, which works well with luggage, and the rear seats have good volume, which is good if you have kids. True, the gas may not be all that great for a 6, but it's about the looks and versatility in this case. Winner in my book :)
@@MrBullya R/T is good enough buddy unless you want to wake up the next morning in the cell. USA is way different from Germany, you can't maximize your racing horse 🐎 powers.
Great review, as usual =). This is a great car, no doubt about it but...I would rather have the new Camaro, mostly because of it's 3.6 and 6-speed automatic. It's a much faster combination. Honestly, I would like to own either.
@YehaaShibley The current V6 isn't cast-iron, it's aluminum. The original 3.5 blocks used to be cast iron w/aluminum heads, but changed in 1999 when the High Output versions hit the market (in the 300M, LHS etc). A solid V6, not a huge amount of power by today's standards, but at least there's no surprises with them (seeings as how they've been around for years). I agree that weight is an issue, I can think of a few areas weight could be saved. I wont complain too much though, it could be worse
@YehaaShibley I agree, it's heavy. Dodge traditionally makes heavy cars, & this is no exception. Challenger is more or less a 300 (which is a tank) with 2 doors and a new skin. The frame design is derived from the Mercedes E-Class (but share no interchangeable components), which was known for being both quiet, Bank-truck safe...and very heavy. From a design standpoint, although they're heavier, they make up for it in both power, rigidity & having a complete 5-star safety rating. Camaro doesn't
@SaviorSelf15 yes! and Im not speaking with bias, Ford and Chev came a long way, but the 3.5 is a solid, proven engine, and these things are built like tanks. Quiet, and safe.....5-stars in all categories (something Chrysler doesn't even brag about). Camaro can't compete there, and up until last year, neither could Ford. Challenger' s LX substructure is based off the Mercedes E-Class. Nothing wrong with that. Test drive one, and you'll see! It's built like a Brinks truck.
@Moparism I never did look at the safety ratings on these cars... might be something to think about. I still think that it would likely have been possible to make one well under 4000 lbs... does this thing have an iron block V6?
thanks for the respond and i hope it does b4 the time i get it and one more question i heard the back view for the back isnt that great and makes it hard to reverse is that true?
@Moparism But why, OH WHY, did they make this beautiful car weigh almost the same as my minivan? If it would weigh no more than 3500lbs (instead of the incredibly portly 4300lbs (or there abouts)) it would actually get good gas mileage and acceptable performance for a cruiser. Between the three (Mustang/Camaro/Challenger) this gets the nod for its looks... but unfortunately, thats it.
Time should even that out, with luck, as the factory catches up with demand ... the dealers will lose their pack, Chrysler will sell more Challengers, and the aftermarket will move more goodies. The SE is a blank canvas, just waiting to be customized ... =)
wait hold on the R/T gets 16 city so you get 17 with this one umm tell me again why not to get the R/T again might be cheaper by a little but seems to almost be the same in gas i wan the R/T just an all around better car
@YehaaShibley These days, it seems despite all the light weight materials, because of added safety features & creature comforts (stuff that we all demand), we really can't have our cake & eat it too. Mind you these cars more than make up for their weight. With that said, to give the Dodge an "F" due to weight is unfair. You may as well fail them all. In loaded V8 trim, Dodge weighs in @ 3700, Chev a hefty 3900+ & Ford @ 3600 (thnx to a solid rear axle). No lightweights here. Slimfast anyone? :P
It's a good solid Car, with reasonable care should last several years. I am glad there are those out there that bash it for not having an eight cylinder engine. It helps keep the price reasonable for People that just want a good Car, and don't care about all that foolishness.
Thinking about buying one used. I need something nice as a daily for work commute. Challenger is my dream car. A man’s car. Hopefully this year is kind to me lol.
@@harroldthered7050 You will love it, it's a beautiful car that's very comfortable, gets really good mileage and has plenty of power.
I'm also getting a 2010 SE early next year. A car with a beautiful exterior, a decent sized interior, and more than enough speed and power for drivers like myself(non-racers).
I bought a used 2009 ChallengerSE last year when my 2005 Neon sized it's motor. Been getting good gas mileage and has good performance too. I put a CAI and changed the stock muffler to a Magnaflow. Has great pickup now. More zip then my 1973 Barracuda with it's 318V8!
Art Warmanen I just bought a 2010 challenger SXT and I also have a 73 cuda 318! challenger has yet to be delivered, but I'm excited to compare the two.
Robin Hoeger I haven't had my Barracuda since 1979. I am just going off memories! Thanks have fun with your Challenger. I like mine!
So how was that 250hp? I'm coming from a 305hp car so how slow is it
How has the reliability been
That is my dream car. And that is a fantastic sounding V6. Perfect amount of growl, and the distinctive Chrysler V6 high-RPM whine. The upshift sounded epic, and the following growl.... I love the challenger.
13 years later and I’m right there with ya buddy. Hopefully you were able to get yours. Looking at getting mine this year. May the dodge gods smile upon us, and the ladies as well.
I totally agree, I have a v6 3rd gen camaro now, and every time someone complains about my v6, its sooo annoying. If you think a car sucks because it doesn't have a v8, your doing it wrong (life that is)
Thanks, Igotfins! Our goal is to show the potential in every vehicle when driven with a light foot.
With luck, we'll get to test the Challenger R/T with cylinder deactivation in the near future. We're itching to see if we can get it into the 30 MPG highway neighborhood. :)
We have a Camaro V6 lined up for next month, and hope to land a Mustang V6, as well.
It's all good!
Thanks for the kind words and catch, WoZIMoo ... sorry about that slip!
If only UA-cam would allow us to update videos without losing the stats from the original versions ...
@SaviorSelf15 It remains to be seen for sure, but allpar dot com reports that there will be changes to suspension, brakes, interior, and steering wheel, along with the much more powerful (approx 300 HP) Pentastar V6.
@sukh2k9 The base model (SE) is a V6. The R/T has a 5.7 HEMI V8 and the SRT/8 gets the 6.1 HEMI V8.
I miss mine , mine was a 2009 Tor Red .. That car was a Beauty
It was a heavy car for the V-6 but it did get out of its way , The Police noticed it as well . Was pulled over twice .
I have a 2010 se. It has 20in tires, dual exhaust a slap shift automatic. U just bought it but I'm not sure what they did to the motor if anything but it does not feel like a stock v6.
i don't see the problem people are having with the V6. the oil resources will be used up some day close, we don't have to artificially accelerate that process. don't get me wrong, i love the original V8, but it's more reasonable to get the 3.5l version...
@indy34096 The early Challenger V6s had 4-speed automatics. They switched to the 5-speed automatic later on ...
Dead reliable car. My friend owns one with 200k miles and it runs like a champ. Nothing but standard maintenance
What year, the 08-09 SE with the 4AT, or the 10-14 SE/SXT with the 5AT?
No manual trans with the V6. Early SEs have 4-speed automatics, but the word is that they're switching to a the 5-speed auto stick.
@YehaaShibley I'll also add that Chrysler had one platform to choose from....the LX. There is little that could be done to save weight and still retain both top-level safety, and the overall solid, quiet feel. One has to admit, these cars are Lexus smooth and very quiet. The same can be said about all cars in this segment, although Ford did shave some weight by incorporating a lower-tech suspension setup....for better or worse.
Er, yep! This was a four-speed automatic. I have not had the opportunity to drive a five-speed automatic.
It will be interesting to see how the new Pentastar V6 stacks up to the new V6 in the Mustang. I'd expect some tweaks over the initially stated 280 HP when it lands between the Challenger's fenders.
I just want the R/T. It's enough for me.
The backward view didn't bother me ... but it is what it is.
Just go forward. ;)
Need to look if a rear view camera is available ...
There's absolutely nothing wrong with the V6, I'm 21 and just bout a 2010 SE myself the punk kids who bitch about having a V6 and it's all about the V8 blah blah blah probably don't got half the cash on hand to even afford a V8 , it's something they would only use on weekends you can use this car obviously still a good looking car every day of the week! So if you can't afford a V8 put a sock in it.
Yep! Need to get a week behind the wheel to see how it measures up in the real world (if I can just keep my foot out of it) ...
I own this exact same car and love it.Yeah, A bit slow off the line, but once it's moving it's pretty fast! BTW realisticallt the RT with all these options (SE-G) is about $40,000 as opposed to 26,000.
The six isn't terrible, but most SEs I've seen (and other Challengers) are usually marked around five grand over MSRP. . .which turns what would be an otherwise good value into something not really worth it for what you get.
I hear ya, Ratmouth ... :) The Camaro's direct-injected V6 has a considerable advantage over the Challenger SE's motor ... in both MPGs and horsepower.
The Challenger's back seat delivers what neither the Camaro or Mustang can ... space for grownups. :)
I've been dreaming about bolting a torque-filled high-MPG clean diesel under the hood of the Challenger for eons. Now that the Fiat deal is done, I'm going to start banging the drum again.
14s/40MPG!
@kingballer303 It doesn't look like the numbers have been released yet.
I love the look of the new Challengers. One question though, and I know that this isn't a high-performace vehicle or even in the same league as a tuner. How would this thing fair against one of the newer Ralliarts do you think?
There has been a lot of variations in 0-60 times. What many dont realize (including the testers themselves possibly) is that Dodge changed to a 5spd w/optional autostick in later 09 (as he said in the vid), so a few 09s & all 2010s will have the revised trans. I actually dont think this was a 5spd, because the launch sounded like a 4spd, and this video was shot in April. Dodge only started making 5spds in April..so?? Not here to give any opinions though. I've driven the new SE & they're decent
I haven't been in the Genesis Coupe, yet ... but I'd reckon that the target audience for these two cars just might be diametrically opposed. :) Younger folks might lean towards the Hyundai, while those of more advanced years would fall to the Challenger's charms.
Thanks, Stan!
Looking forward to driving the new Camaro. It's faster, without a doubt.
The Challenger is a much larger and heavier car ... with one big advantage being the usable and comfortable back seat. :)
It seems everyone compares these things (The V6 model Chally) to intentionally-built sports cars... the Challenger V6 is built for more of a family use with cool looks, lol. The trunk is huge, which works well with luggage, and the rear seats have good volume, which is good if you have kids. True, the gas may not be all that great for a 6, but it's about the looks and versatility in this case. Winner in my book :)
17/25 mpg is what the v8 should be getting
Have a hemi. Mine is more like 13/15
@@MrBullya R/T is good enough buddy unless you want to wake up the next morning in the cell. USA is way different from Germany, you can't maximize your racing horse 🐎 powers.
Great review, as usual =).
This is a great car, no doubt about it
but...I would rather have the new Camaro, mostly because of it's 3.6 and 6-speed automatic. It's a much faster combination.
Honestly, I would like to own either.
@mpgomatic I'm impressed, I might go for the SRT8 later this week, thanks for the information bud :)
Yep!
@SaviorSelf15 2010 or 2011? The 2011 Challenger SE gets the new Pentastar V6 ...
@YehaaShibley The current V6 isn't cast-iron, it's aluminum. The original 3.5 blocks used to be cast iron w/aluminum heads, but changed in 1999 when the High Output versions hit the market (in the 300M, LHS etc). A solid V6, not a huge amount of power by today's standards, but at least there's no surprises with them (seeings as how they've been around for years). I agree that weight is an issue, I can think of a few areas weight could be saved. I wont complain too much though, it could be worse
@YehaaShibley I agree, it's heavy. Dodge traditionally makes heavy cars, & this is no exception. Challenger is more or less a 300 (which is a tank) with 2 doors and a new skin. The frame design is derived from the Mercedes E-Class (but share no interchangeable components), which was known for being both quiet, Bank-truck safe...and very heavy. From a design standpoint, although they're heavier, they make up for it in both power, rigidity & having a complete 5-star safety rating. Camaro doesn't
man, im a 16 year old dude and even tho id love an rt, i would not mind drving a v6 challenger at all lol
why does everyone say it has a 4 speed, my dad owns one and it has a 5 speed!
@CroAuslander it had 250 hp now it has like 305.
@SaviorSelf15 yes! and Im not speaking with bias, Ford and Chev came a long way, but the 3.5 is a solid, proven engine, and these things are built like tanks. Quiet, and safe.....5-stars in all categories (something Chrysler doesn't even brag about). Camaro can't compete there, and up until last year, neither could Ford. Challenger' s LX substructure is based off the Mercedes E-Class. Nothing wrong with that. Test drive one, and you'll see! It's built like a Brinks truck.
Any way you know where that Challenger is now? I want a hemi orange 09 see challenger
@Moparism I never did look at the safety ratings on these cars... might be something to think about. I still think that it would likely have been possible to make one well under 4000 lbs... does this thing have an iron block V6?
Great video and the dodge challenger SE does come in stick shift now?
thanks for the respond and i hope it does b4 the time i get it and one more question i heard the back view for the back isnt that great and makes it hard to reverse is that true?
did it take 8 seconds to make it to 60mph or what?? dam.. i thought it would beat altima coupe 3.5 SE..too bad.
That's not a SE but a SXT ... That kind of wheels, the fog lights, the leather covered steering wheel, etc., they are all SXT equipment.
The SXT didn't exist in 2009... the year this video was uploaded
@Moparism But why, OH WHY, did they make this beautiful car weigh almost the same as my minivan? If it would weigh no more than 3500lbs (instead of the incredibly portly 4300lbs (or there abouts)) it would actually get good gas mileage and acceptable performance for a cruiser. Between the three (Mustang/Camaro/Challenger) this gets the nod for its looks... but unfortunately, thats it.
it’s a V6 but that dodge engine is SO nice
It's really a beautyful car, however the salom test result (59.5mph by edmunds) is worth than a nissan cube....
@mpgomatic I like these cars alot but Im wondering do they got a hemi model for this?
@mpgomatic is the mileage the same
Y r back quarter panels made with foam so body cannot be done from accident s from others
@Iamborghini OMG you're right. Yikes. What do you do for boredom with this car?
Lol, fair enough. This has been one of my favourites among many.
Time should even that out, with luck, as the factory catches up with demand ... the dealers will lose their pack, Chrysler will sell more Challengers, and the aftermarket will move more goodies.
The SE is a blank canvas, just waiting to be customized ... =)
Are the parts expensive? I was woundering how much the insurance was going to cost me?
Apples and oranges. I like 'em both. :)
Can someone be honest about reliability long term
We love the V8, but man they're pushing $40k. For a muscle, good performing V-8 that's more affordable, look at the Mustang GT.
At 0:35 you said 3.6 liter but its a 3.5 I mean wow...
Just kidding, you make great reviews and I know we all make mistakes. :)
He also forgot that they used to be offered with a 440 Six Pack xD
It's "TorRed!" :)
Very nice.
@thejessieproject more like 44,000
who did you rent from? I might just rent one for some fun!!! lol
@toyota420xp I almost bought a 250hp one, but i got dissapointed how slow it is...My BMW e46 320i 2.2L (170hp) was faster... i was like wtf??
I would buy the challenger if I were you. If your going to buy a Genesis, buy the V6 or don't buy it at all.
wait hold on the R/T gets 16 city so you get 17 with this one umm tell me again why not to get the R/T again might be cheaper by a little but seems to almost be the same in gas i wan the R/T just an all around better car
challengers are badass
@YehaaShibley These days, it seems despite all the light weight materials, because of added safety features & creature comforts (stuff that we all demand), we really can't have our cake & eat it too. Mind you these cars more than make up for their weight. With that said, to give the Dodge an "F" due to weight is unfair. You may as well fail them all. In loaded V8 trim, Dodge weighs in @ 3700, Chev a hefty 3900+ & Ford @ 3600 (thnx to a solid rear axle). No lightweights here. Slimfast anyone? :P
umm no chargers and impalas....
How can 250 hp be so slow??
He must be a pilot. 😀
he probably has a hemi
8.5 seconds to reach 60 mph??!!! :P
I'll take the SRT8 ;)
its the heaviest
@watdafreak4 because it weighs 4000 pounds
Walt jr
@mdimmok insurance
?????
Man that 0 to 60 was slow. my friends corolla is faster.
lololo even my cheapass hyundai tiburon GT is almost as fast as this one...