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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The Dodge Challenger name covers three distinct eras: the original E-body pony car (1970–1974), a Mitsubishi-derived coupe (1978–1983), and the retro-styled modern model (2008–2023). To compare engines, trims, specifications, or value, identify the exact model year and version first: equipment and prices varied, and the modern Challenger ended after the 2023 model year.
At a glance: the three Challenger eras
| Era | Years | What it was |
|---|---|---|
| First generation | 1970–1974 | E-platform Challenger, sharing major components with the Plymouth Barracuda; offered as a hardtop and convertible. |
| Second generation | 1978–1983 | A badge-engineered Mitsubishi Sapporo coupe, distinct from the original muscle-era car. |
| Third generation | 2008–2023 | Retro-styled modern pony car related to the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300; production ended after 2023. |
First generation: 1970–1974
The original Challenger arrived for 1970 on Chrysler’s E platform, shared with the Plymouth Barracuda. It was offered in hardtop and convertible body styles. Trim and engine availability changed over the model run, so a feature or engine documented for 1970 should not be assumed to have been available in every year through 1974.
1970 trims, body styles, and historical prices
Hagerty’s 2024 report describes the 1970 lineup with base, SE, R/T, and SE R/T groupings. Its figures are historical production and original-price data, not present-day valuations.
| 1970 version | Production | Original price |
|---|---|---|
| Hardtop | 53,337 | $2,851 |
| SE hardtop | 6,544 | $3,083 |
| Convertible | 3,173 | $3,120 |
| R/T hardtop | 14,889 | $3,266 |
| R/T convertible | 1,070 | $3,535 |
| SE R/T hardtop | 3,979 | $3,498 |
Hagerty reports 83,032 Challengers sold for the 1970 model year, its strongest sales year (Hagerty, 2024). These figures describe that year only.
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Engines and specifications
Hagerty’s 1970 report documents engine examples including 383-, 440-, and 426-cubic-inch V8s; the 426-cubic-inch Hemi was rated at 425 horsepower. These are 1970 reference points, not a complete specification chart for every first-generation year or trim.
Second generation: 1978–1983
The Challenger name returned on a compact coupe derived from the Mitsubishi Sapporo, also described as a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant. It was a separate use of the badge, not a continuation of the E-body car. Do not use first-generation engine, performance, or value assumptions to describe these cars.
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Third generation: 2008–2023
The modern Challenger launched for 2008 with retro styling inspired by the 1970–1974 cars. It shared a platform with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 and remained in production through the 2023 model year. Hagerty describes its 15-year run as selling more than 800,000 units (Hagerty, 2026).
Modern engine and trim milestones
The 2008 SRT8 introduced the modern line with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 rated at 425 horsepower. V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi versions followed for 2009 (Cars.com). Later milestones included the 2015 refresh and the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat, rated at 707 horsepower; T/A and T/A 392 versions in 2017; the Demon in 2018; Hellcat Redeye and Widebody availability in 2019; Super Stock in 2020; and the 1,025-horsepower Demon 170 in 2023 (Hagerty, 2026).
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These are representative milestones, not a complete year-by-year engine chart. A trim name alone does not establish an exact output or equipment level: check the model year and version before comparing specifications. The Demon 170’s peak output, for example, should not be treated as representative of the entire modern range.
How to compare Challenger values
There is no single price that represents every Challenger. Compare cars on a like-for-like basis, keeping model year, generation, trim, engine, body style, condition, mileage, originality, provenance, and location in view. Also distinguish asking prices, recorded sale prices, original MSRP, and current valuation estimates; they describe different things.
Classic-car market context
At the research desk’s access-time snapshot, Classic.com reported 1,600 sales and an $88,370 average sale price across a heterogeneous Challenger market, with recorded sales from $3,683 to $975,000 (Classic.com, access-time snapshot). Those broad figures are not a fair-price estimate for a particular car. For a rare classic, compare recent sales of closely matched cars and cross-check a year-specific valuation.
Late-model example: 2023 estimates
Kelley Blue Book’s accessed 2023 table lists the following original MSRPs and current national Fair Purchase Prices. These are time-sensitive KBB estimates, not guaranteed transaction prices or classic-car valuations (Kelley Blue Book, access-time snapshot).
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| 2023 trim | Original MSRP | Current national Fair Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|
| SXT | $34,395 | $25,300 |
| GT | $40,695 | $28,400 |
| R/T | $44,830 | $32,400 |
| R/T Scat Pack | $51,495 | $38,700 |
| R/T Scat Pack Widebody | $59,490 | $44,600 |
| SRT Hellcat | $72,403 | $67,000 |
KBB also listed a $114,281 starting figure for the 2023 SRT Demon 170, and a $23,200 current resale value and $19,600 trade-in value for a 2023 Challenger overall (Kelley Blue Book, access-time snapshot). These measures have different scopes and should not be substituted for a trim-specific purchase estimate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
How many Dodge Challenger generations are there?
For this nameplate guide, there are three distinct eras: 1970–1974, 1978–1983, and 2008–2023. The second was a Mitsubishi-derived coupe, unlike the original and modern pony cars.
Was the 1978–1983 Challenger a V8 muscle car?
No. It was a Mitsubishi-derived compact coupe sold under the Challenger name, not a continuation of the E-body muscle car.
What was the final model year of the Dodge Challenger?
The modern Challenger ended after the 2023 model year.
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It depends on trim, condition, mileage, and the kind of price being compared. KBB’s accessed national Fair Purchase Price estimates ranged from $25,300 for an SXT to $67,000 for an SRT Hellcat; these are volatile estimates, not guarantees (Kelley Blue Book, access-time snapshot).
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
