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Not surprisingly, Dodge Challenger turns out to be quite a polarizing vehicle.

Reactions are simple and predictable: wild enthusiasm from those who dig the muscle-car allure and sneers from those offended by its showboating wastefulness.

The world is quite different than it was 40 years ago when Chrysler’s first generation of Dodge and Plymouth Hemi-powered pony cars made their debut, along with updated Ford Mustangs and Chevy Camaros. Though with history’s nasty habit of repeating itself, the new generation of muscle cars could fall prey to rising gas prices, environmental concerns and a faltering economy, just as they did in the ’70s.

The 2009 Challenger R/T in my driveway was a fiery red beauty with that magic word Hemi emblazed on either side of its hood, designating the classic 5.7-liter V-8 that lies beneath. The styling cues are so evocative of the original Challengers that more than one person thought it was a classic car.

Last year, I drove the high-performance SRT8 version, the only Challenger available for 2008, which boasted an even bigger V-8 and 425 horsepower, about 50 more than the R/T. Oh yeah, it was fast, but for all practical purposes, the R/T has plenty of poke for everything but the drag strip.

The R/T that I drove also had an ace in the hole: a six-speed manual transmission instead of an automatic. Stickshift brings the whole package to life, better engaging the driver and making Challenger altogether more sporting and responsive.

For those who want the style without the gas costs, there’s also a V-6 version that commands a not-too-shabby 250 horsepower. That one has a five-speed manual available.

A big, brawny muscle car might not make much sense these days, but Challenger is a slick piece of work that brings the pony-car era back to life.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, two-door coupe, rear-wheel drive.

Engine: 5.7-liter V-8, 376 horsepower at 5,150 rpm, 410 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm.

Transmission: Six-speed manual.

Wheelbase: 116 inches.

Overall length: 197.7 inches.

Curb weight: 4,041 pounds.

EPA rating: 16 city, 25 highway.

HIGHS: Muscle-car performance, retro styling, roomy interior.

LOWS: Gas guzzling, boring dashboard, traffic-cop magnet.

PERFORMANCE: The subdued rumble is a constant reminder of the explosive power of the 376-horsepower Hemi V-8, which pulls like a race car. The engine revs freely up to its 6,500 redline, quickly hitting 60 in second gear.

As expected, gas mileage is not so great, although on the highway, the engine burbles along in sixth gear at such a low rpm that it delivers 26 miles per gallon, which is respectable.

DRIVABILITY: Here’s the big difference between today’s Challenger and muscle cars of the past. Those old powerhouses went fast in a straight line, but stopping and turning were always a leap of faith.

The 2009 Challenger, despite its size and heft, maneuvers sharply with level, predictable cornering and really strong four-wheel disc brakes. The handling performance is as enjoyable as the engine power.

The R/T comes with antilock brakes, stability control and full side-curtain air bags.

STYLING: Chrysler designers got this one right on the mark, from the haunchlike lift of the rear fenders to the blacked-out grille and light-bar rear. It’s a tidy representation of the classic look, but in a bigger, more contemporary style.

INTERIOR: The monotonous black dashboard and trim are a disappointment, not nearly as interesting as the exterior.

Seating is roomy, though, front and rear.

BOTTOM LINE: Starting under $22,000 for the V-6 version and hitting $40,000 for the SRT8, Challenger seems modestly priced, considering all the attention you’re likely to receive.

Base price: $29,320.

Price as tested: $35,965.

SELECTED OPTIONS

20-inch chrome-alloy wheels and performance tires, $1,350.

Six-speed manual transmission, $995.

Audio upgrade, $995.

Satellite radio, $195.

Shipping, $675.