Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger was introduced in 1970 as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Although Plymouth entered the market in 1965 with its Barracuda, Dodge didn't have anything similar until the new E-body platform was brought out in 1970. Any engine from the 225 cubic inch slant six to the legendary 426 Hemi.

Unfortunately, by the time of the Challenger's introduction, the high performance era was already starting to decline, and with increasing insurance rates, emission regulations, and safety standards, the market was shrinking. 1974 would be the last year of the first generation Challenger. Only 188,600 (some sources say 165,437) first generation Dodge Challengers were produced.

2008 would see the revival of the Challenger as a high-performance car. Its styling was very reminiscent of the first generation car, though it was somewhat larger. The limited 2008 production run were all SRT8 models with a 6.1 L Hemi rated at 425 horsepower.

Starting in 2009 a full range of Challengers were manufactured, including the SE, the R/T, SRT8, and SXT versions. Available engines were the 250 hp 3.5 L V-6, the 370-375 hp 5.7 L Hemi, and the 425 hp 6.1 L SRT8 Hemi. For 2011 the SRT8s Hemi was enlarged to 6. 4 L (392 cubic inches) and was rated at 470 hp and 470 ft-lbs of torque.

Dodge Challenger Years Index

Click on the Challenger year below that you wish to know the details of. Year to year changes were relatively subtle for the first generation Challengers.