Dodge Challenger

The look may be old-school, yet the Challenger is a modern, thrilling barnstormer. It's too heavy and wide for pinpoint handling on narrow roads, but it's balanced and enjoyable on an open track. The V8 sound is heartwarming. Ride comfort, noise isolation, and the stiff shifter and clutch detract, and the view out is dreadful. The rear seat is relatively roomy, but access is awkward. Performance packages include a 485-hp, 6.4-liter V8 and a 707-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Hellcat. A six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic are available. We prefer the 5.7-liter V8 over the base V6. Safety tech includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. New for 2017 is an all-wheel-drive GT version with a V6 engine.

This large retro-look coupe was reborn in 2008, derived from the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger siblings with styling inspired by the original 1960s muscle car. While superficially resembling its namesake, this is a larger and heavier car that comes up a bit short on sporty credentials. It's very quick in a straight line, but handling lacks agility -- though the car is quite comfortable on the highway. The brawny 375-hp V8 emits an invigorating growl, and a larger V8 and smaller V6 are also available. It's a fairly comfortable and effortless cruiser. Good controls, decent interior quality and the ability to seat five are pluses. Suspension tweaks for 2011 made for more responsive cornering, with a small sacrifice in ride comfort.