The all-new
2008 Dodge Avenger is clearly the most aggressively styled midsize sedan available.
While the Avenger name is a familiar one, the car is completely new. The 2008 Avenger is the Dodge brand's first midsize car to offer all-wheel drive capability and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.
The new Avenger, which replaces the Stratus in Dodge's lineup, also makes a bold statement with innovative interior features and a base engine capable of making 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Taking a look at the sporty new Avenger, you're likely to see a strong similarity to its larger sibling, the Dodge Charger. I like the look of the Charger, so I'm obviously fond of Avenger's styling, too.
Not looking like others in this segment, Avenger sports a Dodge brand signature crosshair grille, large quad headlamps, and muscular shoulders. There's no mistaking the Avenger for anything but a Dodge.
Under the hood, Avenger is offered with one of three engines; a base 173-horsepower four-cylinder, a 189-horsepower V-6, or a larger V-6 with 235 horsepower.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger SE and SXT trim levels feature the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine features dual variable valve timing to help improve performance and fuel economy.
Those looking for a bit more power can choose the SXT trim level and opt for the 2.7-liter V-6, which is a Flex-Fuel engine capable of operating on regular unleaded, E85, or any blend of the two.
If you're looking for the top-performing V-6 or all-wheel drive, you'll need to step up to the R/T trim level. Avenger R/T and R/T AWD models feature the 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. By the way, Avenger R/T models feature a smoother-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
My tester was the Avenger R/T and I found the large V-6 to be strong both off the line and for merging and passing. The R/T's stiffer suspension tuning and larger wheels/tires help provide a more athletic feel than the SE and SXT.
Overall, I found Avenger's ride to be pleasing and much more refined than its predecessor. Avenger is a sedan that rides as good as it looks.
Inside the new Avenger, there's ample room for four large adults or a family of five. While there's a bit more hard plastic than we like to see, I thoroughly enjoyed the nifty Chill Zone - a storage compartment in the top of the instrument panel that holds (and keeps cool) up to four 12 oz. beverages - and the heated/cooled front cupholder (capable of heating to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or cooling to 35 degrees Fahrenheit) in our Avenger R/T tester.
My tester also came equipped with the available Light-emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting that I especially liked. The high-focus white lights brighten the cabin at night and they provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats.
Avenger buyers can also opt for a MyGig navigation/audio system and/or a rear entertainment system. The instrument panel-mounted MyGig includes a 6.5-inch screen, 20-gigabyte hard drive, and USB port for loading audio and/or video files.
Standard safety equipment on the 2008 Dodge Avenger includes front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are optional on the base SE model and standard on all other trim levels. Stability control is optional on all trim levels, except the SE.
Pricing for the Avenger starts at $18,590 for the SE model. The SXT begins at $19,520. The R/T lists at $23,270 and the R/T AWD is $25,270.
2008 Dodge Avenger R/T
Engine: 3.5-liter (235 hp) V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive type: FWD
Fuel economy: 16 city/26 highway
Base price: $22,870
As tested: $24,320 (including $675 for destination)
Web site: www.dodge.com