2010 Dodge Challenger

 2010 Dodge Challenger

Overview
The Dodge Challenger for 2010 is visually appealing and can be compared to the Viper. The Challenger is a coupe with rear-drive features, a retro-body, and a super on-the-road presence. Under the hood is a V-8 engine making it ideal for long hauls or short jaunts.

The rear-drive, retro-styling of the coupe is offered with a V-8 motor; this makes it a great vehicle for long distance cruising. The Challenger is based on the LX platform, and has much in common with the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger. The vehicles share the same black leather interior, engine offerings, and interior components.

The LX platform makes the Challenger a large
vehicle; it is larger than the rivaling Mustangs and Camaros. On tight, narrow roads, the Challenger may prove difficult to manage. This car has visibility impairments because of the large B pillars it hosts, back-up maneuvering and lane changes can prove awkward. An advantage of the car's size is found in the spaciousness and back seat legroom. The trunk, with 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space, is nicely sized as well.

The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe
Engines: 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Models: SE, R/T, SRT8
 
What's New
The Challenger was introduced in 2009, so the 2010 model receives only minor changes. Stability control becomes standard on SE models, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls become packaged with UConnect MultiMedia and UConnect Navigation packages, while R/T models receive automatic headlamps, LED-lighted cupholder, and door handle lights.
 
Exterior
The Challenger will get looks wherever it goes, especially when brightly-colored, thanks to its accurate recreation of the design of the 1970 original. R/T Classic package adds cool accent stripes on the sides
 
Interior
There's plenty of room inside for four passengers thanks to the Challenger's large size and the seats are quite comfortable, but design is largely monotone and somewhat bland. Navigation screen needs to be updated.
 
Performance & Handling
The Challenger SE's 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 pound-feet of torque isn't much to talk about and can't even be had with a stick. Challenger R/T's 5.7-liter V-8 makes 372 horsepower and 400 pound-feet, but the SRT8's 6.1-liter puts out 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet. The car's large size and hefty curb weight make it more of a highway cruiser than a canyon carver.
 
Safety
Stability control is standard throughout the lineup plus all models get dual-stage front impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and seatbelt pretentionsers for the driver and front passenger.
EPA Fuel Economy
SE: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
R/T Automatic: 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway (manual); 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway (automatic)
SRT8: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway

You'll Like

    Retro style
    V-8 sound
    Spacious interior

You Won't Like

    Poor rear visibility
    Hefty curb weight
    Bland interior design
    Low-res nav screen