2009 Dodge Challenger R/T: First Drive

Classic muscle car reborn as a powerful cruiser

As Chrysler's entry into the retro-modern muscle-car derby, the rear-wheel-drive Challenger faces off against the revived Chevrolet Camaro and the recently freshened Ford Mustang. The Challenger is a big, heavy two-door coupe based on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platform. Under the R/T's hood is a 370-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 mated, in our test car, to an optional six-speed manual transmission. (Watch our Dodge Challenger preview video.)

Our high-line R/T version was sticker priced at $36,600, which included extras such as heated leather seats, a power sunroof, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Initial impressions

Like the muscle cars of the late 1960s and 70s, the Challenger is very quick in a straight line but short on handling agility. That pretty much rules it out as an engaging sports car. But it boasts interior spaciousness and reasonable comfort as a high-powered highway cruiser that seats five. For some people the torquey V8 engine and throaty exhaust note will suffice.

The V8 doesn't need to rev high to provide the torque needed for sprinting down the road. It had no problem launching the car to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Drivers have found that the manual transmission operates quite well. Most of us like the design of the pistol-grip shifter that is slightly angled toward the driver. We averaged a mediocre 18 mpg overall on regular fuel. The standard transmission is a five-speed automatic.

The Challenger rides fairly well, with a suspension that damps out most road bumps nicely. Aside from the engine's burbling exhaust note, most noise sources are fairly well muted.

There is nothing sporty about the Challenger's handling. The steering provides little feedback and body lean is noticeable early on when rounding corners and the steering is rather vague. A wide turning circle makes parking cumbersome, too. When the Challenger is pushed to its limits on a twisty course, it lets you know quickly that this is not its natural habitat. It lumbers around corners and the fair lateral grip did not impress, but it ultimately proved to be secure. Braking performance was mediocre, with relatively long stopping distances.

Our test car has a well-assembled interior and the big, wide, front seats are soft and almost couch-like. The high belt line can make adults feel like small children sitting in a bathtub. Wide rear roof pillars and short windows also impede the view out. Access to the rear seats is difficult and space there is just adequate for two adults, making it a real squeeze for three.

The white-faced gauges are easy to see but pick up unwanted reflections. Controls are about as simple as they get, with large audio and climate-system knobs.

CR's take

The Challenger won't keep up with its peers on a twisty road, but the styling, power, and sound make it a very faithful homage to the original. Perhaps too faithful.

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