2010 Dodge Challenger R/T

Think of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T as an all-out performance car and you might miss the point. Truthfully, the recently rebirthed Challenger is best at making trips down memory lane versus carving up a road course. If you really want a kicked in the gut, tire smoking, life on the edge muscle car, opt for the SRT-8 version of the Challenger.

Mustang and Camaro are the obvious comparisons for the Dodge coupe. Each car is the other's natural rival. The Dodge looks right and sounds even better and it slots right in between the two when it comes to performance. The Camaro SS is faster and more modern looking while the Mustang's look trades on the past with a little more subtlety than does the Challenger. The current Mustang GT is also the slowest of the bunch. Retro looks are nothing new, the VW New Beetle, Mazda Miata and PT Cruiser kicked the trend off waaaay back in the 90s. But the Challenger's look lacks imagination - it's basically a re-creation of the original Challenger. For some, that is exactly why they'll buy one. A 372 hp, 5.7 liter Hemi V8 hooked up to a 6-speed manual transmission doesn't hurt either.

One thing that's really quite surprising is the Challenger's highway manners - it's great fun blasting from stop light to stop light but it's also remarkably civilized on the highway cruising along at 80 mph in 6th gear. An iPod connection, decent sound system and comfortable seats and useful rear seat make the coupe easy to live with everyday.

Order the R/T version and a preferred equip. group and you're looking at $35,000 - $38,000 car. Is it worth it? It is if you frequent a side street called memory lane. The 2010 Dodge Challenger is a way to relive the past with very few compromises.

-Brian Moody

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