This is the point that constantly amazes me about the Challenger, even more than the reaction the car itself gets. I don't know how many people I've told that, no, my car didn't cost over $40,000 and, no, it's not some fuel-guzzling V-8 (not that the R/T is bad at all, but you must understand I'm talking about public perception).

Dodge could have an absolute hit on its hands. Produced and ADVERTISED correctly with lots of emphasis on the SEs and R/Ts the general public would be aware that, wow, I could have a REALLY cool car for a relatively inexpensive price and that doesn't drink gas like it's free. I'll bet the Challenger could quite easily meet or exceed the sales figures of the Mustang.

For whatever reason, though, Dodge seems to be content with depending on people like us to do their advertising for them by world-of-mouth and producing a relatively limited number of cars at a factory that can't possibly have that many orders lined up for its other two products.

We have several Chrysler LLC employees who are members of this board. I truly feel sorry for you all to work for a company that's squandering a gold mine. []