Dodge's first Challenger was released into the muscle car market in 1970; it was called the 1970 Dodge Challenger. Chrysler Corporation's Dodge division launched two distinct automobiles under the Challenger title. The first one, the 1970 Challenger was a relatively late entrant into the pony car market. Highly inspired by the E-body design of Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge's first Challenger had two inches of extra wheel base. In terms of design, the Dodge Challenger was only marginally different from the Plymouth Barracuda.

The outer frame was designed by Carl 'CAM' Cameron, who also designed Dodge's flagship car the 1966 Dodge Charger. The grille of the 1970 Challenger was inspired by Cameron's earlier designs for the Charger which was originally intended to contain a turbine engine. The 1970 Challenger had a Six-Pack 340 in³ (5.6 L) engine which was specially tuned to create a homologation racing Trans Am car; this feature was imparted solely to the 1970 Dodge Challenger. The car was placed with a massive hood scoop on a fiberglass hood. The front and rear wheels of the car were fitted with 'megaphone' exhaust outlets along with front and rear sway bars to enhance handling.

The car's standard equipment included front ground effect spoilers and ducktail spoiler. The taillamps ran all the way across the back of the car and the backup light was placed at the centre of the rear. The back up lights was later changed in the 1971 and 1972 Dodge Challengers. Today the 1970 Dodge Challenger is much sought after by the avid collectors. Car enthusiasts are willing to drop big dollar for a mint condition 1970 Dodge Challenger and even its parts. By the time production of Dodge Challengers ceased in 1974, over 165,000 units had been sold, with over 80,000 units sold in its first year itself.