2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Arrival

Third place. That's the highest the modern-day Dodge Challenger has placed in both comparison tests we've invited it to and, coincidentally, third place was also last place. If we gave the win to the Camaro in one test and the Mustang in the other, why would we order up Mopar's big bruiser for a long-term test?

Though the Challenger was too big and heavy to keep up with the nimble Camaro and Mustang in our objective tests, it won us back in subjective reviews with stunningly good looks, a comfortable ride, and more charisma than President Obama.

So enamored were our editors that they happily set aside the Challenger's dynamic weak points -- and highest as-tested price -- to praise its all-American swagger. "Astutely executed, fast, and sit-back comfortable, the Challenger is the pony you'd ride for a 50-state tour," beams St. Antoine. Loh agrees: "For highway blasts, cruising about town, and roasting tires in parking lots, the big Dodge is every bit the Mustang and Camaro's equal."

To appease our editors' lust for Mopar muscle, we ordered up a Blue Pearl 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T complete with 376-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine and six-speed manual transmission with the classic pistol-grip shifter. Then, we loaded it with a premium sound system, navigation, satellite radio, and a sunroof to keep our cruises comfortable. For playtime, we checked the Track Pak options box and picked up a 3.73 rear-axle ratio and a limited slip differential.

To complete the retro muscle look, we finished off our Challenger with old-school black R/T body stripes and 20-inch Crager SS-style aluminum wheels. Our big, V-8 powered, boulevard-cruising chunk of retro-styled Americana was ready, but it came at a price. While our Challenger R/T may have started at a reasonable $30,945, by the time we were done picking out upgrades, the pricetag had ballooned to $40,245.

If there was any concern that the Challenger wouldn't get much attention when parked next to the GT-R and M3 in our garage, the odometer has belied those fears. In its short stay here, we've already put 4000 miles on clock, and it has rarely spent a night alone at Motor Trend H.Q. Will our love affair with the big Dodge fade over time, or does it have the legs to keep us coming back for more? We'll keep you posted.