Men have trouble committing to a relationship, not because he doesn't love the women he's with, but because he knows that the marriage and family that will result will mean the death of his muscle car. Many classic Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs and Challengers and Chargers have fallen victim to Volvo dealerships.

Dodge may be trying to bring back some testicular fortitude to the family man now that the 2009 Challenger has been given a five-star rating for front and side impact protection in U.S. Government crash tests. Now when John Q. Public returns home to his wife and two little ones, he can surprise the family with a brand new Challenger SRT-8 with 6.1-liter hemi V8 and 425 hp (insert Tim Allen style grunt here.) Before his wife tries to hit him over the head with a frying pan he can honestly say "Honey, it's for the kids."

SIDE NOTE: Dodge isn't the only one like this. The last few generations of the Ford Mustang (since 1994) has received a four-star rating or better.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger earned 5-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash along with 5-star driver and rear-passenger ratings for side-impact protection, the highest ratings in the U.S. government’s safety crash test program. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is available now at local Dodge dealers.

“Safety is a top priority in all Chrysler vehicles, and the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger features the latest in safety and security features providing our customers with the peace of mind they want and expect,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Car and Minivan Product Team. “Dodge Challenger offers an unmistakable heritage design and delivers numerous advanced safety and security features including advanced multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist.”

When it comes to safety and security, Dodge Challenger employs a two-fold approach: passive features including pre-tensioning seat belt retractors and supplemental side-curtain air bags are combined with accident-avoidance features including responsive steering, braking, handling and ESP.