After the hype, the rumors and the hoopla, the question remains: Is the Dodge Challenger "all that"?

The answer is "yes."

With stunning good looks rooted in a historic bloodline of Challenger muscle cars of the 1970s, the new Challenger lives up to its press.

Built on the same platform as the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, the Challenger is one big, muscle-bound car. But you don't notice the size if the old Challenger is embedded in your consciousness. Only when an older model is parked nearby, as Dodge did at a recent event, do you notice how much more gigantic the new car could be.

While the bulk of the publicity about the Challenger has been directed at the pavement-melting SRT8 model, Dodge -- wisely in this fuel-conscious time -- has introduced companion models for 2009 that get better fuel mileage. Starting at $21,995, the basic model, the SE, comes with a 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V-8 that is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Those figures should soften the attitudes of those who think that the times are all wrong for cars like the Challenger.

The fit and finish and materials used on the new Challenger are far superior to just about anything Mopar has done recently -- none of the gaps, cheapness and other ills that some Chrysler products have suffered as of late.

Those familiar with the old Challenger will be impressed by the new model's big trunk and the roominess of the rear seat.

You still get some of the barnstorming Challenger flavor of the two higher models in the SE, with its exhaust emitting a low rumble. Its firm handling and precise steering also were not terribly different from the higher-end models. The SE isn't a bargain-basement car by any stretch of the imagination.

The only quibble I had was that it was tough to get going with the base engine. I think the calibrations and gearing cause you to have to mash the pedal hard in order to get under way or to pass. The four-speed automatic transmission simply isn't up to the task. Another reason to upgrade the gearbox: Chevy's Camaro will have a six-speed automatic, and the Challenger will be at a distinct competitive disadvantage without one.

Acceleration with the R/T model, which starts at $29,995, is absolutely seamless and explosive. You can hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds with the 372-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine (rated at 16/23 with automatics, 15/23 with manuals).

Turn on the ignition and you hear this incredible, thunderous roar, harking back to the hallowed street warriors of the 1970s. It's loud, lusty and strong, and passers-by can't help but turn around, clap and do war whoops.

The SRT8 model is something else again, with almost terrifyingly fast acceleration, huge tires and road wheels, and handling that will bring a smile to most enthusiasts' faces.

You can get its 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower Hemi V-8 (rated at 13/19 mpg for its five-speed automatic). You can see 60 mph in less than 5 seconds -- about the same as a base model Corvette.

But the new Challenger is about high technology too. It comes with a "Uconnect GPS" system that has cutting-edge navigation and an incredibly powerful audio system with integrated voice recognition and touch screen.