2010 Dodge Challenger

Review

Built for those who are set in the stylistic ways of the 70s, the Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that combines modern technology and roominess with a retro look and exterior styling that can be quite satisfying.

Coming to compete with the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro offerings in the retro market, the 2010 Dodge Challenger launches into the fray almost a little too quietly. Getting props for its roomy interior and capable power and handling in its upgraded model, the one thing seeming to lack in this car is for its engines to give an audible, throaty purr when asked.

Not much has changed since the 2009 Challenger hit the scene, but there are a few new tricks in the bag that are worth consideration if you are considering the right trim level of the two offered.

Performance

The 2010 Dodge Challenger comes available as either an SE or an R/T model trim. The SE offers a V-6 3.5-liter engine that chokes out 250 horsepower and is somewhat light on the performance, but great on handling. The R/T on the other hand uses a V-8 that does 372 horsepower at 5.7-liters of displacement and can really get this car humming the way you’d expect it to. The transmission on both models is a standard five-speed with an optional six speed manual available.

Exterior Features

Designed after the 1970’s model vehicle, the Challenger is not to be mistaken for anything else but a muscle car from the outside including its standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored chrome handles, dual exhaust tips and body-matching bumpers and mirrors. Photos of the challenger whether showing a cherry red paint or the deeper muscle blue can easily lead one to believe they are looking back in time rather than at a vehicle that is actually quite state of the art when it comes to many specs and features such as car safety.

Interior Features

The retro theme started on the outside of the 2010 Challenger continues on the inside with retro handles, knobs and styling. Unfortunately this simply has the effect of reminding most why it was that we evolved away from the 70’s look. One redeeming feature of the interior is the incredible amount of space available – more than you’d expect to find when looking at this car from the outside. The 2010 Dodge Challenger seats five comfortably and still has a good amount of cargo room to boot.

The dashboard cluster of gears are deeply inset as you would expect but overall leaves one feeling sort of “ho hum”. There are interior accent options including faux carbon fiber and chrome which may serve to liven things up quite a bit. All in all not a bad interior ride, but there are other ways of getting your friends and family to the ball or the soccer game.

Safety & Specifications

for 2010, the Dodge Challenger does A+ work in the area of safety as far as the federal government is concerned, getting five out of five stars in both front and side-impact crash tests, and slipping only slightly in the rollover category, down to four stars. A host of standard safety equipment belies the retro look of this car and includes multistage airbags and side-curtain airbags as well as antilock disc brakes and an electronic stability system.

Visibility may be an issue however, as auto reviews report problems with being able to see well all around the car’s frame once in the driver’s seat.

Upgrade Options

The SE model of the 2010 Charger is sadly lacking in upgrade options, but for those who want to spend (a lot) more, the R/T model offers a power sunroof, engine block heater, racing stripes from the hood to fender, and a Media Center CDDVD/MP3 radio system as well as SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The standard 18-inch wheels can be upgraded to 20-inch wheels as well.

How the Dodge Challenger Compares to Other Muscle Cars

Ford Mustang and, Chevy Camaro both offer similar muscle cars that compete with the 2010 Challenger, but when it comes to both pricing and performance, they are superior each in their own way. The Camaro is the new kid on the block but has great styling and options, while the Mustang is the old favorite of millions, has better pricing and performance as well.

The IntelliChoice 5-Year Cost of Ownership for the 2009 Dodge Charger is, not surprisingly “Poor” across most models when factoring in the cost of gas and car insurance as well as other considerations. This should give shoppers reason to pause in their thinking about the Charger on overview, but don’t let it stop you from taking one out for a test drive. (You can also apply for online car insurance to reduce costs slightly.)

Conclusion: Is the 2010 Challenger a Smart Buy?

With an invoice price of just over $23,000, the Dodge Challenger comes across as something of an expensive Boy Toy. That price is for the base SE model which acts more like a pussycat than a tiger. The R/T model, on the other hand starts at just over $31,500 and behaves much less like a gentleman with its loud voice and plenty of kick while out on the road.