History of the Dodge Challenger

We all know that one of the most epic cars is the one and only Dodge Challenger. Since the Challenger’s reign over the muscle cars recently ended, I decided it would be a good idea to honor its history in today’s article. 

First Generation (1970-1973)

The first year the 1970 Challenger was for sale was in the fall of 1969, which was, in fact, pretty late to the party. By that time, there were already numerous well-loved pony cars like Ford’s Mustang, Plymouth’s Barracuda, and Pontiac’s Firebird. Chrysler wanted to come up with Dodge’s own version (and preferably a better version) of the Barracuda to compete with the Firebird. 

Dodge finally released the Challenger, and while it looked a lot like the Barracuda, it was actually slightly larger and had different sheet metal. The Challenger was 2 inches wider and 4.6 inches longer overall. It also had modernized features such as flush door handles and concealed windshield wipers. 

The Challenger was released with two different models available: the standard and the R/T. The standard Challenger at the time cost $2,850 and the R/T cost about $3,270. The R/T model offered an upgraded suspension and breaks, along with larger engines. Both models were offered as hardtops and convertibles, plus an SE version with a vinyl roof and souped-up interior. The engine options had a wide range, all the way from the slant-six to the huge 440 (7.2 liter) V8 and the legendary 426 Hemi. 

Another worthy model that needs some attention is the Challenger T/A, made specially for the Trans American Championship Series. This model came with a 340 V8 (the only other car with this engine was the ‘Cuda) and a six-pack carburetor setup. It was basically a car that was suitable for both everyday use and the drag strip. The T/A was definitely groundbreaking and was also one of the first cars to have different-sized tires on the front and the back. 

While the Challenger was as awesome as it was, it was unfortunately a little too late to the muscle car party. People started rejecting these high-speed cars for more economical family cars. Emission standards were also becoming much stricter. In 1970, Chrysler only sold about 83,000 challengers and by 1971 that number fell to around 30,000. 

By 1972, the muscle car era was practically over. The Challenger received a slight makeover and the company stopped producing convertibles, the R/T model, and all of the big-block engine options. Dodge only sold roughly 16,000 Challengers in 1974, leading Chrysler to cut the production of the E-bodies. 

Second Generation (1978-1983)

Chrysler had been importing subcompact cars from Mitsubishi since 1971 and added a new model to its lineup. Dodge called its new version the Challenger. However, this Challenger is much different from the iconic first generation we all love. It was supposed to be sporty and top-notch, but it only came with Mistubishi-designed 1.6 and 2.6 four-cylinder engines. These Challengers started at about $5,670. However, the second-generation Challengers had just as bad timing as the first-generation. Ford was about to come out with the fox-body Mustang and the Challenger’s price rose to around $8,300 by 1983. Combined sales of the Challenger and Saporro (Plymouth’s version) was barely 30,500. This new Challenger died off and was replaced by the new Dodge Daytona. 

Third Generation (2008-2023)

Now for the comeback we’ve all been waiting for! The third generation of Challengers kicked off at the Detriot auto show in early 2006. At the time, retro cars were all the rage, and this new concept Challenger definitely resembled the original 1970 model. Its design paid tribute to the past with a modernized pistol grip shifter and a 6.1 liter V8. By 2008 the Challenger was finally released to the public and by 2009 the pony car war was back on. Chevy was coming out with a new Camaro and Ford was continuing to produce the Mustangs, so there were plenty of interesting cars to grab people’s attention. 

Dodge’s lineup for 2009 included the 376-horsepower, 5.7-liter Challenger R/T, and the 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 Challenger SE. The Challenger then got a little facelift in 2015, but this was hardly noticed because of the arrival of the Hellcat V8. This beast had a 707 horsepower, 6.2 liter, supercharged monster of an engine. Needless to say, it was AWESOME! The Hellcat also had much better handling and an upgraded interior. But Dodge didn’t stop there! In 2018, the 840-horsepower SRT Demon was unleashed along with the 797- horsepower Redeye in 2019.

The Challenger finally received the love and glory it deserved in its third (and final) generation. Unfortunately, due to the rise of EVs, the Challenger will no longer be with us moving forward, but it will obviously never be forgotten.