I'm not sure if it should be called a Challenger or a clunker. Before I continue on this thread, I also own a V6 Charger and it is by far the most reliable, and enjoyable car I've ever owned. I'm a devote Dodge man, but I recently purchased a Challenger SXT with the V6, and I've found a few good complaints.
1st off the 4 speed transmission without the autostick is a major downfall. The performance difference between the 5 speed in my Charger and the Challenger find it painfully lacking. Also in bad weather the fact you can't gear down makes the car difficult in snowy conditions.
The lack of a second cut out for the exhaust means you have to buy an R/T fascia, for about$100, so you can put on dual exhaust, the Charger came already pre notched.

The car rides and feels very heavy compared to it's 4 door breathen the Charger.

The trunk needs to be slammed to close properly.

And finally the biggy-The windows. I live in Canada, and the past week we've started to see some snow. Now the Challenger has it, where to open the door the window needs to go down an inch. And upon closing it goes back up, and fits in between two rubber lips. Anybody that lives in the snowbelt will tell you when, it rains or snows and ice builds up under the trim, what happens? The window freezes. Well 3 out of the past four mornings I have not been able to get into the car without forcing open the door, which in turn damaged my newly tinted windows. Also then once in, because the window didn't move I have to force the door closed and the window is on the outside of the rubber track. This forces the window to bend in a way it wasn't designed. Drive for 15mins while the car warms up, then stop, and close the doors once the windows thaw enough. This and the 4 speed tranny have left me wondering what else will pop up.

Why dodge cheaped out on the tranny in this car I don't know. Are the windows cool with the little European touch of going up and down? Yes, are they practical? NO! Also to note a week after I bought the car there were two cosmetic flaws that I discovered. One was a blue splotch of paint on the rear bumper that was actually under the clear coat, and two large air bubbles under the vinyl on the front grill insert.

I''ve heard from another person who owns an R/T that he had the same blue paint on his rear bumper as well, and had the dealer re-paint it.

I'm trully disappointed in this car compared to it's stable mate the Charger. I love the look of the car, but it's performance, and the above noted flaws have truly left me asking... "Was it worth it?" Buy a Charger you'll be much happier in the long run!

 

If it make's you feel better, My Stangs window's drop down an inch also, but I live in San Diego and dont really need to worry about the weather, My brother in law bought a srt8 Chally but say's he wont race me untill he Mod's his car, Im still waiting.hhaahahahhahah. Anyways , what kinda hp is the V6 putting out?

 

Not enough! 250HP with a 4 speed, I upgraded the cold air, and preparing to change out the exhaust, but right now a Stang would chew me up spit me out. My Charger would easily keep up with the Stang, blew away a Grand Prix GTP.

 

I just bought my rt 6spd and have none of the issues you mentioned. I live in texas so weather isnt an issue. The trans is far better than any automatic I have driven and the handling should be comparable since they are based off of the same platform. Sounds like you have some hate for this car. I believe Dodge nailed it with this car, a blast to drive and retro styling second to none.

 

no issues with my srt-8

 

I'm a former Mustang owner, and I have to say - Dodge really nailed it with the Challenger. (well, maybe not so much the interior) I love that the car just looks so big, like a muscle car should. I could never go back to a Stang now, they just seem so small. I could really care less how fast a Shelby is, blah, blah, blah, in the looks department, Mustang no longer exists.

 

Dominator,

Most modern cars which have doors without an upper metal frame will drop the windows slightly upon closing and opening to release air pressure in the car which makes closing the doors with the windows up difficult.

Living in South Florida I never thought about the adverse affects this would have in very cold environments. Have you asked your window tint installer if there is any type of gel that may be appied to the seal to prevent freeze damage?

I've been very lucky with Dodge Trucks since 1996. My 2005 has never gone back to the dealer since I bought it. I was thinking of looking at a Challenger because I love the styling. I know it is a heavy car which to me is my biggest concern, and I am a sucker for power.

Good Luck,

Luigi

 

If you can get the window seals dry, you might dry spraying with a LIGHT silicone coat. I know it helps immensly with door seals and windows up here when it gets cold outside. The trick is not to put it on the window seals very heavy. This way its just a water repellent and not a glass filmer

 

Very interesting about the windows...never thought about them freezing. But I know what your talking about my trucks always freeze. My best advice...maybe build a garage?

 

Okay, a few issues here.

#1. There is a way to downshift without the autostick, granted I think it was a mistake not to offer it with the Challenger. You shift it down to 3 then L. The only thing you are missing is 2 (something I have never understood why Chrysler never had a 2 like GM does).

#2. A Charger being able to beat a GTP? What was this a early 90s GTP with the 3.4 DOHC? I have trouble buying it if you are claiming a car who's acceleration times in the 0-60 run was in the mid 7 seconds range when a supercharged 3800 GTP is generally in the mid 6 second range and the GTP is FASTER than a V6 Mustang.

#3. The stats I have seen indicates that the acceleration time between the 42RLE and W5A580 isn't even measurable on the LX cars.

I agree that using a 4-speed was a mistake for the times; however, I think it was a more logical choice than a 5-speed that doesn't really feature any measurable advantage. They should have made a 62RLE off of the 62TE design.