2011 Dodge Challenger Review

Telling your friends you bought a V6-powered 2011 Dodge Challenger is no longer something to be embarrassed about, as an all-new, more powerful and more efficient base V6 engine debuts. The SRT8 model gains a more powerful V8 engine as well. All Challengers benefit from extensive changes made to the suspension, steering and brakes, resulting in a more rewarding car to drive. There is also more standard equipment for 2011, along with reshaped seats and a more comfortable steering wheel.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger may look like a muscle car and go like a muscle car, but its ability to also be a grand American touring coupe cements its status as the most livable of the reborn pony cars.

When the latest Dodge Challenger first debuted for 2008, many people dismissed this reborn nameplate as being too big, too heavy and not a sharp enough handler. But it turned out that there was plenty of appeal hidden underneath that retro-styled sheet metal. With its spacious interior, comfortable seats, compliant suspension and abundant power, the Challenger represented both the rebirth of a classic American muscle car and the classic American coupe. Now, for 2011, the Challenger sees a host of changes that remedy many of the previous faults while firmly keeping its lovable muscle car experience intact.

Benefiting from extensive changes made to its suspension, brakes and steering, the 2011 Dodge Challenger is more capable of keeping up with its rivals when the road takes a turn or two. Even if the road is straight, there's still a lot to like this year. First of all, the base V6 model is no longer a source of automotive shame. The new "Pentastar" 3.6-liter V6 presents a significant improvement in both power (up 55 horsepower to 305 hp) and fuel economy, and is now competitive with its rivals' base engines. Meanwhile, Dodge has added "392" to the top-dog SRT8 model's name to match its 392-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 now rumbling under the car's hood. It cranks out the power to the tune of 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque.

If it were us, though, we'd still stick with the midlevel Challenger R/T and its smaller 5.7-liter V8. The SRT8 is pretty darn cool, but it's really just overkill given its price, and a muscle car with a V6 will always seem a little wrong. Having said that, you can't ignore the Challenger's competitors. The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is certainly more of an event car, with the flashiest styling inside and out. The 2011 Ford Mustang is still the most well-rounded choice, giving up some of the Challenger's comfort for more of a performance and handling edge. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is also worth considering for those who like the idea of a muscle car in a modern wrapper.

So it definitely comes down to personal taste, but if you're looking for the muscle car that can double as a big, comfy coupe for ferrying kids to school, venturing on a whim to Utah or embarking on a shopping expedition to Target, there has rarely been a more practical way to lay a pair of giant black stripes upon the pavement.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is powered by a new 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. The Challenger's EPA fuel economy estimates were not available at the time of this writing.

The Challenger R/T gets a 5.7-liter V8 good for 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque when connected to the standard five-speed automatic. The six-speed manual transmission available when ordering the Super Track Pak Group increases output to 376 hp and 410 lb-ft. In Edmunds testing, a manual-equipped Challenger R/T went from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds; the automatic raises that to 5.8 seconds. For 2011, this engine -- when equipped with the automatic -- includes fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology.

The Challenger SRT8 392 gets a 6.4-liter V8 that produces 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard and a six-speed manual is available with the Track Pak. In Edmunds testing, an automatic-equipped SRT8 392 went from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

Every 2011 Dodge Challenger comes standard with antilock disc brakes (size and power differs based on trim and certain option packages), stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the SRT8 392 came to a stop in an excellent 114 feet.

The Challenger has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) were a perfect five stars for frontal- and side-impact protection for driver and passengers.

While all 2011 Dodge Challengers are blessed with a ride quality that's comfortable enough to keep your mom happy when picking her up from the airport, the base tuning of the SE is pretty floaty. We highly recommend going for the Super Sport Group's performance-tuned suspension, which brings with it more responsive steering and brakes. Or you could just get the R/T, which comes standard with those upgrades, plus the big V8 that, as expected, will have your mother screaming with anger or delight as you tear away from Arrivals. That goes double for the new SRT8 392. Whichever Challenger you choose, though, you're getting a car that provides keener handling than it did last year -- just not to the same degree as the more agile Mustang or Genesis Coupe.

Unlike the Dodge Challenger's distinctive-looking exterior, the interior is quite bland. A few styling cues, like the large beveled dashboard and distinctive shifter knobs, are reminiscent of Challengers past, but overall the interior experience pales in comparison to its retro-themed rivals. Rearward visibility, because of the car's chunky rear roof pillars, is also poor.

Despite a slightly confusing audio interface, however, the interior is quite functional and its materials are of decent quality, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. The new gauges for 2011 ditch the original Timex Indiglo illumination in favor of a more Casio cobalt-blue glow. A more important advancement this year is the new, smaller-diameter steering wheel that's better contoured to fit the driver's hands.

The front seats in most Challengers are wide and flat, which doesn't do much for lateral support, but they're exceptionally comfy for long-distance drives. The SRT8s have better bolstering and are also covered in leather and faux suede. The rear seats are surprisingly roomy for two adults, with good headroom and decent legroom. The backseat also features a 60/40-split-folding back, a fold-down armrest and a middle seat for tiny/good-natured folks. At 16.2 cubic feet, the Challenger's trunk is positively enormous for this segment and is bigger than those of many midsize sedans.