PROS
Good fuel economy, Class-unique features, Distinctive styling
CONS Underpowered standard 4-cylinder enigne, Cramped rear seat
Standing out without making a statement
Chrysler Corporation's Dodge brand has made a living by selling vehicles with attitude. In the '50s and '60s Dodge had the HEMI engine and the Challenger. In the '90s it was the fire-breathing Viper and big-rig-styled Ram pickup. Lately, Dodge revived the revered Charger nameplate and re-introduced the HEMI engine.
Staying true to form, Dodge hopes that creating a midsize car with attitude will make inroads in the hottest car market. New for 2008, Avenger replaces Stratus in the Dodge lineup and does battle with midsize stalwarts like Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry.
Avenger shares chassis and engines with the similar Chrysler Sebring. Unlike Sebring, which is also available as a convertible, Avenger comes only as a four-door sedan with front- or all-wheel drive. Avenger is roughly the same length as Dodge Stratus, the vehicle it replaced, but is almost four inches taller. It has front bucket seats with a center console and a split-folding three-place rear bench seat for five passenger capacity.
Vehicle Tested |
2008 Dodge Avenger SXT
Base Price: $19,120
As-Tested Price: $20,105
Built in United States.OptionsSport Appearance Group
Engine: DOHC 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive Wheels: front-wheel drive |
Avenger comes in three models: SE, SXT, and R/T. Standard in SE and SXT is a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Optional on SXT is a 189-horsepower V6. Both engines mate to a four-speed automatic transmission which drives the front wheels. R/T comes with a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic that features a separate gate for manual shifting. Front- and all-wheel drive versions of the R/T are offered.Front, front-side, and curtain side airbags are standard. Antilock brakes are optional on SE and standard on SXT and R/T. Traction and stability control are available on SXT and R/T. Park assist and a rear-view camera are not available.
SE models include air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, power windows, mirrors, and locks, keyless entry, CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input, and theft-deterrent system. SXT adds power driver seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, and alloy wheels. R/T adds 4-wheel disc brakes, sport suspension, automatic climate control, six-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, and rear spoiler.
Avenger offers Chrysler's MyGIG multimedia information system. It includes a navigation system with voice recognition, satellite radio, traffic information, 20-GB hard drive, and Bluetooth cell-phone link. The hard drive comes with a USB port and jukebox software for storing and playing audio files. Other options include sunroof, leather upholstery, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
SE has a base price of $18,220. SXT sells for $19,120. Front-drive R/T lists for $22,870 and the all-wheel drive R/T costs $24,870. All models have a $670 destination charge.
Get up and Go
Chrysler's 2.4-liter provides adequate acceleration away from stoplights and mediocre passing power. The engine feels underpowered with full load of passengers, especially when overtaking on two-lane highways. In gentile cruising, the engine is nearly silent, but when pressed, it emits an unrefined growl that some drivers may find unacceptable.The ancient four-speed automatic doesn't help matters. While it shifts smoothly in daily driving, it is slow to downshift for more passing power and hunts between gears when trying to maintain speed in hilly terrain. Most competitors offer five-speed automatic transmissions.
In all, the 2.4-liter engine/four-speed combo doesn't stack up well when compared with the refined four-cylinder engines from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. That's probably why Dodge offers two V6 engines. They are more refined and provide smoother acceleration.
On the flip side, Avenger's four-cylinder is very fuel efficient. It is EPA rated at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Those are the revised 2008 EPA numbers. The similar 2007 Chrysler Sebring is EPA rated at 24/32 mpg. In routine driving expect to average 26 mpg and perhaps as high as 32 mpg in straight highway driving. Additionally, Dodge says that the 2.4-liter will run fine on regular-grade gasoline.
On the Road
Avenger SE and SXT are tuned to ride like traditional midsize American cars. That means that the suspension has excellent bump absorption but also allows a floating sensation at highway speeds. There is also permits a fair amount of body roll in fast turns. Ride quality is firmer on R/T models, but is not harsh.
Due to the soft suspension settings, SE and SXT don't feel that athletic when taking fast turns or expressway on ramps. Steering is accurate but devoid of road feel. Brakes have ample stopping power. Complicating matters are tires that have little dry-road grip and a chassis that is set up for typical front-drive understeer. Though this if typical of front-drive midsize cars and much more desirable than a vehicle with a suspension setup that wants to swap ends on slippery roads. R/T feels more nimble and is clearly the choice for more enthusiastic drivers.Dodge engineers succeeded in making the Avenger's interior very quiet. There's little road noise--even on rough roads--and wind noise is low on the highway. The engine is quiet in gentile cruising, but emits a harsh and unrefined growl when called upon to deliver more power in hard acceleration or in passing situations.
Behind the Wheel Avenger has a functional, if somewhat stark interior. Gauges are large, easy to read, and well lit at night. Audio controls are clearly marked and placed high in the center of the dashboard. The standard climate-control system features three simple, rotary knobs and the automatic system is easy to set-and-forget. In all, the interior is very user-friendly and segment competitive.
Avenger's seating position is several inches higher than the vehicle it replaced and gives a good command-of-the-road feeling. It is not nearly as high as a crossover sport-utility vehicle, but it is much better than some competitors. The seats themselves are long-haul comfortable. Head room is great and leg room adequate for large adults. Visibility is good forward, but thick rear-roof pillars create a large blind spot.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results, 2008 Dodge Avenger |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | NA |
The back seat isn't as large as some competitors. Head room is adequate and leg room acceptable only if the front seats are pushed forward. There's not enough width to sit three adults across, but three kids fit just fine.Though the trunk opening is small, the lid features expensive-looking hinges that don't intrude on cargo space. The trunk itself is unusually roomy and offers plenty of space for a week's worth or groceries or four large suitcases and folding rear seats extend cargo room. Interior storage isn't impressive but Avenger does feature a second glovebox that doubles as a beverage-can cooler.
Bottom Line Like many of the competitors in this segment, Avenger comes in two flavors. The SE and SXT are designed for middle-of-the-road families--buyers who are looking for a good value, a comfortable car, and reasonable fuel economy. With its sport suspension, powerful V6, and available all-wheel drive, R/T is aimed at enthusiasts.
Regardless of trim level, Avenger falls short on rear-seat room. If that's not a priority, Dodge's latest entry rewards owners with unique styling and innovative features like the MyGIG information system at very reasonable prices.