2009 Dodge Challenger SE Review

[watdafreak4]

from 0-60 it did 8.6 seconds... thats somewhat bad for a v6. My 4cyl does 8.3. Not bragging or anything just wondering why its the slowest of its competitors.

[kunemkez69]

@watdafreak4 because it weighs 4000 pounds

[rogeliogallegos76]

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

[harris3693]

@rogeliogallegos76 Hey, I'm 20 and Im getting one of these V6 badboys next year!!! The 3.5 V6 is literally a V6 HEMI, though Chrysler doesn't claim so in order to prevent rise in insurance rates!!!

[listerineking]

Exactly the one I want but in black

[evocepek]

I rented this car yesterday and for a V6 It has a lot of balls I got up to 120 very easy and did some sick burnouts

[CroAuslander]

How can 250 hp be so slow??

[toyota420xp]

@CroAuslander it had 250 hp now it has like 305.

[CroAuslander]

@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??

[vinylcollector08]

The 2014 Challengers will have a Single Turbo option that will put out 370HP and a Twin Turbo option that will push out 425HP!

[JetCityTrading]

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.

[indy34096]

why does everyone say it has a 4 speed, my dad owns one and it has a 5 speed!

[mpgomatic]

@indy34096 The early Challenger V6s had 4-speed automatics. They switched to the 5-speed automatic later on ...

[Royaleboy]

The 3.5 used in the LH cars can do 60 using the 4 speed, in 7 seconds,AND THATS MOVING A FULL SIZED SEDAN! Dodge these days, Shakin my head.

[Iamborghini]

Did that really take 8-9 seconds to get to 60? That's horrendous. Practically all minivans of the same age with a V6 will beat this.

[JetCityTrading]

@Iamborghini OMG you're right. Yikes. What do you do for boredom with this car?

[Iamborghini]

@JetCityTrading What do you mean? Sorry, I don't really understand your comment.

[tdh0230]

I don't know how to say this without sounding ridiculous, but one thing that just sticks out to me on this car, and the Charger, are the door handles. You look at this car and can say wow to everything, then you make it to the door handles and think "well...i was expecting something different." They just seem like an afterthought in the design process.

[slowride55]

He also forgot that they used to be offered with a 440 Six Pack xD

[SaviorSelf15]

Im buying my first car next month and im considering the 2010 SE version, what do you think?? do you think it would be a good first car? everybody, and anybodys input is greatly appreciated!

[mpgomatic]

@SaviorSelf15 2010 or 2011? The 2011 Challenger SE gets the new Pentastar V6 ...

[SaviorSelf15]

@mpgomatic well whats the difference? and I dont really thrive for speed ,I just like this car cus it looks like an awesome car to just cruise with

[mpgomatic]

@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.

[kingballer303]

@mpgomatic is the mileage the same

[mpgomatic]

@kingballer303 It doesn't look like the numbers have been released yet.

[sukh2k9]

@mpgomatic I like these cars alot but Im wondering do they got a hemi model for this?

[mpgomatic]

@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.

[sukh2k9]

@mpgomatic I'm impressed, I might go for the SRT8 later this week, thanks for the information bud :)

[DUSHANMANGRUE]

@mpgomatic Does the V6 SE trim come with the auto/stick or slap stick like in the charger or avenger?

[NRAssociation]

@DUSHANMANGRUE Yes it does. My SE has everything except sun roof. It even has factory subwoofers and built in DVD player in radio functon

[SaviorSelf15]

Im considering the SE model as my first car!! im not a racer or thrive for high speed but this car is beautiful and spacious. do you think this can be a good first car??

[Moparism]

@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.

[SaviorSelf15]

@Moparism Hey Thankss, Ive had my se for 10 months now and Ive chipped it, threw on a K&N cai, jba headers, and a borla dual exhaust. im dying with this car! its amazing!!!

[vinylcollector08]

The 3.5L is Actually a "Semi-Hemi" belive it or not, Cause the Engine has a

Hemispherical combustion chamber likeness to it

[fuzzacon]

I really wanna the rt, but I know I can't afford it

[vinylcollector08]

@fuzzacon

Just get the SE and drop a Cold Air Intake And a DiabloSport Predator Tuner. it wakes the car up and makes it go a little bit faster, or just get twin turbo installed in it

[SumthinEazy1DosTres]

This Challenger is still a true American muscle car fuck haters.

[geterdonein01]

I'll take the SRT8 ;)

[Guitarrassdeamor]

I'm curious as to why the Dodge Challengers don't offer a manual tranny. It makes absolutely no sense..to me it looks like it is supposed to compare to the new Mustang and Camaro, and yet....that completely kills it for me.

[Amplifyurlife]

The challenger interior is so inferior looking to the exterior.

Lol.

[bwsginc]

is there a turbo or supercharge kit out for the SE?

[vinylcollector08]

@bwsginc

There is a Belt-Driven Supercharger sold by Mopar Supercenter and theres Universal Single and Twin Turbo Kit sold By STS Turbo. I dont know much about the Supercharger that much cause i havent heard any stories or videos on it but i heard some good things about the Turbo Kit by STS

[ancbcc]

still...its a bad ass lookin car! tuff

[LHS91]

I LOVE CHRYSLER PRODUCTS!

[Moparism]

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

[mpgomatic]

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.

[HaleFire7]

Waiting for the 6.4 hemi myself! =D

[YehaaShibley]

@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.

[Moparism]

@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

[YehaaShibley]

@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?

[Moparism]

@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

[Moparism]

@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

[Moparism]

@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.

[abeismain]

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.

[kauaiboyz51]

man that challenger is slow, not hatin but i would expect still the 3.5 to be a little faster than that, maybe in the mid to upper 7's range not in the 9's. still a beautiful car

[th3ha1og0d]

it is in the 7's check the motorweek review for the challenger se

[Angelsweep]

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?

[mpgomatic]

Apples and oranges. I like 'em both. :)

[Angelsweep]

Lol, fair enough. This has been one of my favourites among many.

[IDMTfirefighter]

The 2009 SE like mine is a great car. You'll get lots of stares and attention. the 3.5L is no racing engine but it is no slouch either. the awesome styling is what did it for me. and agree you can't swing a dead cat without hitting and mustang or camaro.

[mustangcharger]

@IDMTfirefighter

Just got a 2010 SE. The bang for the buck factor is phenomenal. The tester doesn't mention that current 'net' hp ratings are about 1.3 times the value of 'gross' hp ratings of 1970. The 250hp 318 would be more like 190hp today - like the 2.7 V6 on the Charger. 250hp today would be more like a 4bbl 383 in '70: 330hp.

[vinylcollector08]

@mustangcharger

Actually 3.5L 250 HP is more closely matched to the 340 which made 290 HP. just wanna put my 2 cents in lol

[djagged1]

I agree, great looking car, cargo space and enough power to overtake most, what can you ask for more. To top it off, I see 1 of these for every ten Camaros and for every 20 Mustangs.

[albatani27]

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).

[GeneralCuster14]

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 :)

[mastermann]

I had one of these as a rental in bright red. Drove from LA to Vegas and back. So many people complimented me on the car. It really turns heads, even if it is not fast.

[sebasstian33]

Very nice.

[crg616]

they look great. even though their a v6 their still beautiful

[SpaceTruckin68]

challengers are badass

[maxell769]

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

[Sanctimoniously]

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.

[mpgomatic]

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 ... =)

[AndreasIlluminati]

great video, useful info. I have a SXT

[Ratmouth66]

The Genesis would be much better as a performance car than the SE Challenger, but im confidant that the Challenger would ride better and have a much more user-friendly cockpit, especially from those giant recliners of seats they have up front, LOL

Now off target but still on subject, the new V6 Camaro matches the Genesis in performance while getting at least 5mpg better and with a more comfortable ride and better styling

So i guess you could say Challenger vs. Genesis, the Camaro wins, LOL

[Ratmouth66]

The Challenger gets better mileage than the Genesis too...so in my veiw, i say if you're looking for economy, but an economy car, if you're looking for performance, buy a performance car, but dont pit them against each other because they're focused on two very different issues...and the R/T Challenger could eat the Genesis alive, LOL

[weeees5]

Are the parts expensive? I was woundering how much the insurance was going to cost me?

[buttface95]

which would be better this or a genesis coupe? please reply im talking about the se challenger and the 2.ot again plz reply

[jagundai]

I want some thoughts on this too.

[buttface95]

but what car would you think is better?

[DualofChaos]

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.

[mpgomatic]

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.

[buttface95]

okay thanks

[Ratmouth66]

25mpg on the highway, in a V6? Jeeze, shoot me in the face now and get it over with, LOL

No offense to Mpgomatic, and dont get me wrong there's not a bone in my body that doesnt fiend American Muscle, but c'mon, the Camaro does 305hp on 30mpg highway, hell the 426hp LS3 Camaro pulls off the 25 that this V6 gets

I love the styling, absolutly love it, maybe the interior could use a face lift but who's picky right? I'd still consider getting an R/T, SRT maybe overpriced

Still, great car

[mpgomatic]

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!

[Ratmouth66]

haha thanks, I didnt want you to take it disrespectfully and im glad to know you agree.

Im pushing for the Fiat/Chrysler alliance too, after stating that their SRT division will take the top podium im hyped for it. Just hoping they can improve on their economy and performance but wouldnt we like that from everyone? haha

But realisticly, Chryslers have always been a little more pricey than GMs or Fords, just get some better MPG, some interior styling, and i'd be all go for it

Thanks!

[mpgomatic]

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!

[thejessieproject]

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.

[SuperPluto10]

@thejessieproject HOw much should i say for the down payment, if I do a finance?

[mdimmok]

@thejessieproject just wondering how much do u pay for ensurance with or with out previous accidents.

[toyota420xp]

@mdimmok insurance

[toyota420xp]

@thejessieproject more like 44,000

[Orangesoccer9]

What color is that? it looks like hemi orange, but they dont make hemi orange for the v6s....

[mpgomatic]

It's "TorRed!"  :)

[djagged1]

I just wanted to thank you for the review, I used both your exterior and interior reviews to make the determining factor in my purchase. I even chose Torred because I loved the looks of it in your video. I will take possession of my new 2010 Challenger SE in january. Thank you very much !!

[monkeybitme]

It's really a beautyful car, however the salom test result (59.5mph by edmunds) is worth than a nissan cube....

[MoParguytilidie]

"3.6 liter v6".. no its a 3.5L V6

[ramgoat20]

Great video and the dodge challenger SE does come in stick shift now?

[mpgomatic]

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.

[ramgoat20]

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?

[mpgomatic]

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 ...

[stanbernadino]

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]

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. :)

[bajabusta]

it has a prop rod?

[mpgomatic]

Yep!

[TurboBuick1986]

The R/T with the 5.7 and MDS gets the same mpg as the SE V-6, minus 1 mpg in the city. I just think that should be pointed out.

[mpgomatic]

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) ...

[WoZIMoo]

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. :)

[mpgomatic]

Thanks for the kind words and catch, WoZIMoo ... sorry about that slip!

If only YouTube would allow us to update videos without losing the stats from the original versions ...

[rudolphna54]

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.