The Challenger has evolved through three distinct generations and one facelift since the 1970s – if you're here to figure out which offers the best Dodge Challenger specs, you likely don't just want a list of powertrains. You also want to know how it feels to drive this muscle car, which trims pack the most punch, and why it has been able to maintain such a legacy of premium performance. After all, you're not only searching for a high-quality value vehicle at DARCARS CDJR of Rockville; you're also investing in a piece of automotive history.
Your Must-Know Dodge Challenger Specs & Facts
The Dodge Challenger was produced in three distinct generations and one facelift between 1970 and 2023
It was not in production for the 1975-1977 model years as well as the 1984-2007 model years
Challenger body styles through the decades included coupes and convertibles, pony cars and muscle cars
The 5.7-liter V-8 and 6.4-liter V-8 engines are well-known for their reliability
The SRT Hellcat trim is arguably the most recognizable used Dodge Challenger due to its pronounced styling and supercharged engine
An available Widebody Package was offered for the third-generation Challenger, adding 3.5 inches of overall width to the model
RWD was the sole drivetrain offering until the 2017 model year, when Dodge automakers introduced AWD as an option in the GT trim
The fastest Challenger ever produced was the 2023 SRT Demon 170, a Last Call variant that produced such high Dodge Challenger specs, it hit 60 mph in only 1.66 seconds
Seven "Last Call" Challenger special-edition models were released for the 2023 model to commemorate the car's retirement and history
Why the Dodge Challenger Muscle Car Became Famous
The Dodge brand aimed to build a car that delivered the perfect blend of raw speed and aggressive styling and essentially overtake the muscle car market. From the Challenger model's inception to its discontinuation following the 2023 model year, it has earned praise for these exact characteristics and eventually achieved icon status. Its third generation was especially enlightening, as it introduced a retro look mixed with modern technology, meeting an array of different driver needs.
The Challenger Car's Impact on Pop Culture
For the past five and a half decades, the Dodge Challenger has graced the screens of television shows and movies, and it's no mystery why. Since its debut for the 1970 model year, the Challenger has consistently captured audience attention in theater blockbusters like "Vanishing Point" and "Gone in 60 Seconds," as well as made TV series appearances in popular shows like "The Simpsons" and "Archer." The prominence of the Challenger on-screen only highlights what we already knew in our adrenaline-loving souls: This roadster was built to turn heads and create thrilling performance.
Banner Model Years for the Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger has continually reinvented itself, and we've outlined the most popular refreshes below. Regardless of the used Dodge Challenger model year you take home, you can expect brute muscle and an exciting drive. Hagerty Operations Manager of Valuation James Hewitt is even confident that multiple used Dodge Challenger variants and years are set to become collectables.1
1970: The Challenger takes the pony car segment by storm with its 426 HEMI
1978: The second-generation Challenger coupe is born, based on the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda; the Dodge brand shuttered Challenger production following the 1974 model as an increase in gas prices drew customers toward more fuel-savvy vehicles
2008: The muscle car body style we know and love debuts, and the Challenger trim lineup expands drastically; the previous Challenger generation ended after the 1983 model year
2015: This marks the first year of the car's third-generation facelift as well as the introduction of the Challenger Hellcat, a beloved high-performance variant with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine and 707 horsepower
Dodge Challenger Specs Through the Years: 1970 to 2023
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1970 - 1974
1978 - 1983
2008 - 2014
2015 - 2023
Generation
1st Gen
2nd Gen
3rd Gen
3rd Gen Facelift
Body Styles
Coupe / Convertible
Coupe / Convertible
Coupe
Coupe
Trims
Base
SE
R/T
T/A
Rallye
Deputy
Western Sport Special (West Coast only)
Base
T/A
R/T
Rallye
Rallye R/T
SE
SRT8
SRT8 Core
SXT
SXT Plus
R/T
R/T Classic
R/T Plus
Rallye Redline
SXT 100th Anniversary Appearance Group
R/T 100th Anniversary Appearance Group
Shaker Package
Yellow Jacket
SXT
SXT Plus
R/T
R/T Shaker
R/T Plus
R/T Plus Shaker
R/T 50th Anniversary
R/T Scat Pack
R/T Scat Pack Shaker
6.4-liter Scat Pack
392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker
R/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary
R/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary Widebody
R/T Scat Pack Widebody
SRT 392
SRT Hellcat
SRT Hellcat Redeye
SRT Hellcat Widebody
SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody
SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak
SRT Hellcat Jailbreak
SRT Super Stock
SRT Demon
T/A
T/A Plus
T/A 392
GT
GT 50th Anniversary
Last Call models
Engine
3.7L Slant 6
5.2L V-8
5.6L V-8
6.3L V-8
7.2L V-8
7.0L V-8
1.6L 4-cyl
2.6L 4-cyl
3.5L V-6
3.6L V-6
5.7L V-8
6.1L V-8
6.4L V-8
3.6L V-6
5.7L V-6
6.4L V-8
6.2L supercharged V-8
392 V-8
345 V-8
Transmission
3-speed manual
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
RWD
RWD
AWD
Join the Exclusive Dodge Challenger Family at DARCARS CDJR of Rockville
DARCARS CDJR of Rockville is proud to be your local used Dodge dealer in Rockville, MD. The Challenger is an iconic car that spent its multi-decade life showcasing unforgettable V-8 and V-6 powertrains, turning heads with its aggressive styling, and thrilling any driver who had the pleasure of taking its wheel. If you have additional questions about Dodge Challenger specs from any model year or how to locate the Challenger trim you want most, call or stop by. We'd love to help!
Our used inventory is constantly changing, too. Even if our selection is light or you don't see a Challenger that meets your needs, be sure to check back soon.
Many of our customers are also often curious about how a used Dodge Challenger compares to its Dodge siblings. Feel free to explore your pre-owned Dodge options on our dealership website today. Follow this link to view all Dodge used inventory and visit DARCARS CDJR of Rockville for a few in-person tours and test drives. We look forward to working with you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year is best for a used Dodge Challenger?
The best year for a used Dodge Challenger depends on the qualities you find most attractive in a muscle car. Craving ultimate speed? A 2023 SRT Demon 170 model with 1,025 horsepower and 945 pound-feet of torque won't disappoint. Need Hellcat-level power? Any year after 2015 fits the bill. Find out more about the Challenger and our pre-owned options today.
How much horsepower does a 3.6-liter V-6 Dodge Challenger have?
The 3.6-liter V-6 engine, a Pentastar product only available in select third-generation models, delivers Dodge Challenger specs of up to 305 horsepower. It also generates a maximum of 268 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an automatic transmission and comes standard in multiple Challenger editions and model years, including the lineup's SXT and GT editions.
Which Dodge Challenger is faster: SXT or GT?
Dodge Challenger specs for SXT and GT trim levels – at least in the speed department – are virtually identical. Both variants share the 3.6-liter V-6 engine we mentioned above, resulting in equal acceleration times. While the GT trim may include additional or upgraded features, they typically only enhance handling and don't translate to a speed advantage.
Does a Dodge Challenger hold its value?
Yes, a used Dodge Challenger typically holds its resale value well and would be a worthwhile investment, especially within its segment. According to Kelley Blue Book®, you can expect most used Dodge Challenger iterations to retain their value, although depreciation varies by model year and condition.2 Multiple iterations of the Challenger are also slated to become collectible automobiles,1 thus skyrocketing their worth.
Dodge Challenger Owner Review
George Quinn
8/11/2024
I just completed a very smooth purchase of a 2023 Challenger. A good experience. Salesman Luis was very patient with me to help me zero in on the right car for me. No pressure. I needed 4 days to make up my mind and test drive different cars. Trade-in of my old car went smoothly as well. Everyone out front was very positive and friendly.