Dodge Challenger - It That a Bad Thing?

In a world of do-it-all crossovers, it's refreshing, no, wait...dare I see reaffirming to me, that brutally impractical cars like this late model, "sub-lime" Dodge Challenger R/T are as popular as they are. It's the perfect yang to the ying that are crossovers and is exhibit "A" as to why boring four door sedans as we once knew it are rapidly becoming extinct. Sedans, incidentally, are not dying a rapid death because of "sports cars" like this but because crossovers are more practical and are, arguably (for the most part), better looking. Crazy cars like this Challenger then are the opposite side of the spectrum from "CUV's" and thank god almighty The Big Three still make them.  

If you're not aware or have forgotten, these cars are an homage of sorts to the Dodge Challengers of 1970-1974 lore. Somewhat remarkably, Chrysler has changed little about them in thirteen model years. Yes, they've made some subtle styling changes over the years, the interior has been upgraded wholesale, engines and transmissions have been massaged with glorious results but by and large, I'd be hard pressed if any lay person could tell a 2008 Challenger from a brand new one. That a bad thing? 

Well, based on Chrysler selling on average sixty-thousand of these each year, no. Now, that's a drop in the bucket compared to crossover sales, but it is a large enough a number that Chrysler keeps the big old beast around to dress up showrooms clogged with Journey's, Grand Caravan's, and Durango's. I'll bite my tongue on my opinion of the spiritually related four door version of the Challenger they peg as "Charger" for a separate blog of its own. Stay tuned. 

It's been said that one of the problems with retro themed design is that you're hemmed in by the original concept with little room to evolve. Stylistically, that theory does hold some water but again, does that matter? As long as Chrysler continues to update these cars with all the gadgetry that buyers want these days, they could keep popping these out with the same styling for another ten years. Gee whiz, is a plug in hybrid version that far off? 

Personally, while I love the looks of these cars, lime green paint aside, I wish they'd update them so that they'd be more in line with the current Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Ford and GM's "ponies" are so wonderful to drive and ride in these days that I have to wonder why anyone in the sport coupe market would buy a Challenger instead of a Mustang or Camaro. Ok, looks aside. I get how someone could fawn all over a Challenger because of it's chiseled, handsome profile and movie star haunch, lord knows I do, but drive one back to back with a Mustang or Camaro and I dare you to attempt to convince it's even half as good. 

There's rumors out there that an all new Challenger is on the horizon but those teases get squashed as quickly as they pop up. And for the Challenger nation, that's apparently perfectly ok with them. But do yourself a favor - if you're smitten with the Challenger for its looks only and you do value pure driving satisfaction, you owe it to yourself to spend some time with a Camaro or Mustang.