Joined
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10,444 Posts
After owning a 2012 Dodge Challenger 392 for 13 months, here is a summary of my experience:
It is the most fun and satisfying car I've ever owned --right along with the Jeep Wrangler. It got me the most looks and thumbs-up from total strangers.
I never owned another car so many people freely praised, had import owners drooling over and even admit they desired to own one day.
Having gobs of torque at 2000 rpms is simply awesome and addicting; no other vehicle put a smile on my face like the Challenger did.
The quality of the interior materials, the fit and finish was at the top of its class; the sound of the doors closing, the feel of the clutch, the shifter linkage, steering and the suppleness of the suspension were all excellent; the exhaust note was music.
As awesome as my Challenger was it was not perfect:
Thoughts on the future of Dodge Challenger:
There is a TON EQUITY in the Dodge Challenger design and name. The iconic design is instantly recognizable, which keeps giving it momentum in the market --judging by the growing monthly sales numbers despite its age.
We hear that the Challenger will go away; that it will remain; that it will be replaced by the Cuda; that it won't, etc.
Dodge has an incredible opportunity to turn Challenger into the equivalent of a Viper or a Porsche 911 by retaining the styling, interior comfort and that engine sound, but continue refining it: making it lighter, nimbler, upgrading the interior; sharpening the driving dynamics, updating the bells and whistles, improving the fuel economy, etc.
Dropping the Challenger name for the Barracuda and tossing out the current styling in favor of something totally "fresh" would be an absolute waste --and an opportunity Dodge may never get back.
It is the most fun and satisfying car I've ever owned --right along with the Jeep Wrangler. It got me the most looks and thumbs-up from total strangers.
I never owned another car so many people freely praised, had import owners drooling over and even admit they desired to own one day.
Having gobs of torque at 2000 rpms is simply awesome and addicting; no other vehicle put a smile on my face like the Challenger did.
The quality of the interior materials, the fit and finish was at the top of its class; the sound of the doors closing, the feel of the clutch, the shifter linkage, steering and the suppleness of the suspension were all excellent; the exhaust note was music.
As awesome as my Challenger was it was not perfect:
- The body panels felt flimsy: the roof tended to cave in under my hand each time I washed it, the front fenders made a creaking sound when I leaned on them, the rear bumper fascia bent easily with your hand, the side panels dinged easily.
- The interior needs updating: although Dodge has done its best to upgrade the interior materials, the interior can easily be traced back to the mid-2000 LXs. That navigation is looking dated; the sound quality of the $2,000 premium audio system does not measure up to that of the same price you now get in the new Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger; the gauges and switchgear do not have the premium look and feel of those found in the 300/Charger, either.
- The car is HUGE for a 2-door. While size gives the car road presence and comfort, rear visibility is non-existent. A backup camera is a must in a car like this.
Thoughts on the future of Dodge Challenger:
There is a TON EQUITY in the Dodge Challenger design and name. The iconic design is instantly recognizable, which keeps giving it momentum in the market --judging by the growing monthly sales numbers despite its age.
We hear that the Challenger will go away; that it will remain; that it will be replaced by the Cuda; that it won't, etc.
Dodge has an incredible opportunity to turn Challenger into the equivalent of a Viper or a Porsche 911 by retaining the styling, interior comfort and that engine sound, but continue refining it: making it lighter, nimbler, upgrading the interior; sharpening the driving dynamics, updating the bells and whistles, improving the fuel economy, etc.
Dropping the Challenger name for the Barracuda and tossing out the current styling in favor of something totally "fresh" would be an absolute waste --and an opportunity Dodge may never get back.
