The Best Year For The Dodge Challenger
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The Dodge Challenger is the definition of an iconic muscle car. Some may say its approach to speed and style is old-school, but that’s precisely what made it so popular. After its discontinuation in 1974, the new Dodge Challenger debuted in a significant way in 2008. With that said, there’s no better way to relive the golden era of Detroit muscle cars than going behind the wheel of a Dodge Challenger.
Buying a used Dodge Challenger is highly recommended if you’re looking for an affordable muscle car. It’s known for its high reliability ratings, and you can buy one in excellent condition for a relatively low price tag. Plus, you get a stylish and formidable muscle car with no shortage of road presence.
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For the best year Dodge Challenger, we have considered many models but ultimately went with the 2015 version. Please keep reading to know why it’s our top Challenger pick.
2015 Is the Best Year for Dodge Challenger
While numerous excellent models exist in the lineup, CoPilot settled on the 2015 version as the best year Dodge Challenger. To put it simply, the 2015 iteration marked the birth of a modern-day muscle car. After receiving zero updates to its 70s-inspired styling, the Challenger finally received the much-needed exterior and interior design refresh. Plus, the model’s electrical systems have been upgraded, bringing the Challenger into the modern-day era.
Of course, performance enthusiasts will have a lot to love with the 2015 Challenger, as this was the year the mighty Hellcat was introduced. It came with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi that delivers an exhilarating 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
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How Much is the 2015 Dodge Challenger?
According to Truecar.com, the average price of a used 2015 Dodge Challenger ranges from $10,999 to $69,922. Therefore, buyers from all sorts of budget ranges can buy a used 2015 Challenger across eight different configurations.
Starting with a lower-end model, the Dodge Challenger R/T, the lowest price we could find was $16,995 with 159k miles. On the other hand, a low mileage Challenger in the same model with 51k miles on the odometer is available for $26,500. The Challenger R/T includes a powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.
Next, we’re looking into the Challenger R/T Scat Pack, a beastly muscle car equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V-8 engine producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. One of the most affordable 2015 Challenger R/T Scat Pack with 96k miles is available for $24,900. Meanwhile, a relatively low mileage R/T Scat Pack with 43k miles can be yours for $34,993.
And, of course, we have to check the listings for the thunderous 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat that packs a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that cranks out 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The admission price for this beastly Challenger with 83k miles is $41,995. Conversely, a practically new SRT Hellcat with only 4,000 miles is up for grabs for $54,999.
The Specs of the 2015 Dodge Challenger
It’s easy to recommend the 2015 model for the best year Dodge Challenger because it was an overhaul year. Apart from the retro styling of the Challenger, the 2015 model saw a thoroughly modern redesign with features like keyless ignition, an available 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, a multi-zone climate system, variable speed wipers, a six-speaker audio system, and more.
The base SXT model has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Challenger R/T ups the performance with a 5.7-liter V8 for an impressive 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the R/T Scat Pack and SRT versions are motivated by a powerful 6.4-liter V8 engine, producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. All 2015 Challengers are rear-wheel drives.
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Of course, the headliner of this lineup is the SRT Hellcat, which gets its swagger from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, delivering a roaring 707 hp and 650 lb-ft performance. According to a test by Edmunds.com, the SRT Hellcat boasts an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
For fuel economy, it’s best to manage your expectations because the Challenger isn’t a car for saving fuel. All Challenger models have fuel economy ratings of 13-19 mpg city and 21-30 mpg highway.
2015 Dodge Challenger Reliability and Recalls
RepairPal gave the Dodge Challenger a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, with a yearly repair cost of $650. Although Challenger repairs tend to be more severe, major repairs are less frequent.
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2015 Challenger received 181 NHTSA complaints and six recalls. Its most common problems are:
- Transmission not working
- Clutch went out
- The thumping sound coming from the rear end
The six recalls of the 2015 Challenger involved the cruise control, radio software, and airbags, among other things.
8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR
So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.
2015 Dodge Challenger Safety Features and Ratings
The NHTSA gave the 2015 Challenger a safety rating of 5 stars out of 5. Meanwhile, the IIHS didn’t offer their highest honors for the Challenger, but it did fare well in some test categories.
Every 2015 Challenger comes with standard antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, stability and traction control, and airbags. Available safety and driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors. Lastly, the available Uconnect touchscreen also adds more functionality, such as remote access and emergency assistance.
Other Dodge Challenger Years to Consider
In general, you’ll want to stick with the newer Challengers after 2015 since they’re modern and have higher predicted reliability ratings. Challengers from 2008-2012 reportedly had numerous reliability woes, including power steering and electrical system issues. Suppose we have to pick second place for the best year Dodge Challenger. In that case, the honorable mention goes to the 2018 Challenger, especially with its powerful V8 engine, which produces 840 horsepower like it’s nothing, and a face-melting acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds.
Worst Years of the Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is an excellent modern-day muscle car known for stylish appearance and exhilarating performance, but some years are more problematic than others. Here are the worst years of the Dodge Challenger:
2008 Dodge Challenger:
- Issues with the electrical system, including malfunctioning lights and ignition switch problems.
- Some reports of engine problems, such as stalling and failure.
- Transmission issues, including rough shifting and failure.
2010 Dodge Challenger:
- Problems with the timing chain, leading to a significant recall.
- Complaints about premature brake wear.
- Issues with the A/C system.
2011 Dodge Challenger:
- Continued timing chain problems, affecting the engine’s performance.
- Some owners reported problems with the vehicle’s suspension system.
- Complaints about the interior quality, including peeling and cracking materials.
2012 Dodge Challenger:
- Engine problems, including stalling and failure.
- Transmission issues, such as slipping and rough shifting.
- Some reports of electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights.
2013 Dodge Challenger:
- Issues with the alternator, leading to a recall.
- Problems with the power steering system.
- Some owners experienced issues with the vehicle’s paint quality.
2017 Dodge Challenger:
- Issues with the touchscreen display like melting or separating.
- Some owners reported problems with the vehicle’s brakes.
- Complaints about the air conditioning system not working properly.
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