STRENGTHS:
Classic muscle-car appearance; modern tech and entertainment features; smooth ride; responsive handling; cargo space
VALUE:
The 2010 Dodge Challenger is instantly recognizable and one of the most distinctive new cars of any price. With a thoroughly modern design, the Challenger manages to maintain an aggressive V8 muscle-car personality while meeting modern expectations for ride comfort, handling and safety. It's certainly not old-tech inside either; Chrysler is offering some of the best tech features inside, like a hard-drive-based music jukebox system. Among coupes, the Challenger is surprisingly practical; Dodge says that it has best-in-class rear headroom and legroom; it's also best in class in trunk space.
WHAT'S NEW:
The Challenger carries into its second year with only a few minor feature and option changes. Electronic stability control is newly standard across the entire Challenger model line. R/T models get a few more standard features: automatic headlamps, an LED-lit cupholder and door-handle lights. UConnect Multimedia and UConnect Navigation now include steering-wheel audio controls and UConnect Multimedia features have been combined with the Sound Group. The most significant new option for 2010 is the Super Track Pack, which brings a host of track-ready hardware and upgrades.