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My love for base-model cars has earned me something of a reputation among a few of my colleagues. At some automakers, I'm known as Aaron "Gimmie the Cheap One" Gold. So when Chrysler held a press introduction for the 2009 Dodge Challenger -- the first year for the full lineup -- I made a beeline for the Challenger SE, the sub-$22k V6-powered Challenger. Having already tested the king-of-the-hill SRT8, I'd seen the Challenger at its best -- so how does the cheap Challenger stack up? Read on. $21,995 base, $24,790 as tested, EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG city, 25 MPG highway.
First Glance: Still 100% Challenger - yaay!
The Challenger is one of those cars where styling really matters. When Chrysler introduced the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, the motoring public -- myself included -- went wild, and with good reason. The new Challenger is an amazing homage to the first (1970-74) Challenger, from its chrome-loop bumper to its full-width taillights. Even the proportions are true to the original -- pretty amazing considering that the starting point for the Challenger was the Chrysler 300 sedan. Chrysler, you are officially forgiven for the sin of producing a four-door Dodge Charger. (I'm an old Chrysler muscle fan, and proper Chargers have two doors. Don't get me started.)
So how did the Challenger survive the transition from ferocious to frugal? Pretty well, actually. Park a base-model Challenger SE next to a top-of-the-line Challenger SRT8, and here are the differences you'll see: No hood stripes, no trunk-lid spoiler (link goes to photo), and no dual exhausts. But otherwise, it's still a pretty darn cool-looking car. The twin-scoop hood is still there, as is the big chin spoiler under the front bumper, the old-school fuel filler cap, and the five-spoke wheels (albeit in smaller form -- the car pictured has the standard 17" wheels; 18s are optional). Kudos to Chrysler for not watering down the cheap Challenger -- the Challenger's attitude and style are alive and well in the SE.
In the Driver's Seat: Still 100% Challenger - booo!
The good news: The Challenger SE's interior is almost identical to the SRT8. The bad news: The SRT8's interior is nothing to write home about. Like the SRT8, the SE's cabin is done up in acres of cheap, dreary gray plastic. The steering wheel is the same boring four-spoke deal found in the Dodge Charger, and visibility through the gun-slit windows is lousy. Equipment levels are pretty decent, though; the SE's $21,995 price includes air conditioning, power windows, mirrors, locks and driver's seat, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. There's lots of good stuff you can add, including a navigation system ($1700), leather seats ($855), and a sunroof ($950).
The Challenger is a big car, and room in the front is excellent, though the car's width makes driving on narrow roads a bit of a stomach churner. The front seats have the same slightly overstuffed feel of the SRT8's seats; taller drivers might find them lacking in thigh support. The back seat offers more room than most coupes, but if you're claustrophobic, you'll want to stay out; the tiny side windows don't let in much sunlight. Luckily, staying out is easy, because only the right-hand seatback folds forward. Yep, you read that right -- the driver's seat can't be tilted forward for passenger access. That may sound like a mere inconvenience, but what happens if the right-hand door is damaged in an accident? How are rescue workers supposed to get people out of the back seat? Whatever bean counter decided on this little bit of cost cutting should be fired and sentenced to 30 days in the Challenger's back seat.
On the Road: Powerful and quiet
Two things really impressed me about the Challenger SE: The power and the silence. The SE's engine is a 3.5 liter V6 that produces 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque; it spins the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler claims a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds -- not bad for a base-model car -- and with the taps wide open, the Challenger SE really does feel that quick. Settled in on the highway, the Challenger is smooth and quiet, though the steering has a slightly disconnected feel and the fun-to-drive factor is a few notches below the V8-powered Challengers. EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 MPG city/25 highway. Those aren't great numbers, but you won't hear me complaining; this is a big car with a big engine. If you want fuel economy, buy a Honda Civic.
But while I can make excuses for the Challenger's fuel economy, I can't excuse the fact that the base price doesn't include antilock brakes, traction control or electronic stability control. No way would I even consider buying a 250 hp rear-wheel-drive car without at least the first two, and preferably all three. Dodge does offer these important safety features as options, but only as part of a pricey package -- they come bundled with 18" wheels, nicer floor mats, illuminated sun-visor mirrors and SIRIUS satellite radio, all for $2,795. Unless you plan on never driving the Challenger in rain or snow -- and I don't mean rarely; I mean never -- I wouldn't recommend a Challenger SE without these three vital options. Look at it this way: At $24,790, the Challenger SE is still a pretty good deal.
Journey's End: A good effort, but give me a V8 -- or a Mustang
Overall, I like the Challenger's low-cost makeover. The SE looks great and it's respectably quick, if a bit dull to drive. The interior isn't great, but that's a problem with all Challengers, not just the SE.
Still, if it was my money on the table, I'd skip the Challenger SE in favor of the Ford Mustang V6. The 'Stang's smaller size and better visibility make it easier to drive, and unlike the Challenger, the Mustang's retro styling theme applies to the inside as well as the outside. The Mustang offers both manual and automatic transmissions, and you can get one with antilock brakes and traction control (though no electronic stability control) for around $21k. I think the Mustang is more fun to drive, though it's a little rough and unrefined compared to the Challenger. (All part of the Mustang's charm, if you ask me.) That said, compared to the Challenger, the Mustang's trunk is a joke and the back seat is virtually uninhabitable. (That said, if practicality is important, you'd be better off with a Honda Accord coupe.)
So should you buy a Challenger SE? If you're dying to wake up every morning and see a Challenger in your driveway -- and as good as this car looks, I couldn't blame you one bit -- than the SE will give you everything you need for a reasonable price. But if you're looking for something a little more thrilling, I'd suggest talking to your bank manager to see if you can swing the payments on a V8-powered Challenger R/T, which you can read about here. -- Aaron Gold
