Review
Introduction
The Dodge Avenger was all new for 2008 and is a twin to the Chrysler Sebring. Slightly smaller than some of the more popular choices in the segment, the Avenger lacks rear-seat and trunk space. The design of the interior looks good, but the execution is poor, with lots of cheap-feeling hard plastic. In a comparison test, an Avenger SXT equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine finished in last place behind a Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry.
Three engines and three trim levels (SE, SXT, R/T) are available on the Avenger. SE and SXT models come with a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and four-speed automatic transmission that boasts excellent fuel economy—21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The fuel economy may be impressive, but the four-cylinder is noisy; we’ve previously described it as sounding like “walnuts in a Cuisinart.” Acceleration in the 2.4-liter Avenger is tepid and among the slowest in the family-sedan class, with 0 to 60 mph taking 9.0 seconds.
The next step up is a 186-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 that’s far smoother than the four-cylinder. Equipped with a standard four-speed automatic, the 2.7-liter returns 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. At the top of the range is a 235-horse, 3.5-liter V-6 that comes with a six-speed automatic. The 3.5-liter endows the Avenger with serious acceleration, but the rest of the package is so uninspired that the car remains largely dull despite the added speed.
Verdict
The Avenger competes in a highly contested class with aggressive pricing and offers decent value and good fuel economy in four-cylinder guise, but the rest of the package is so dull and the interior so grim that the whole car feels as if it had been cost-cut to death. The chassis has little life, and the Avenger trails most other mid-size sedans in refinement and fun factor.
Click here to read our full review of the Dodge Avenger.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Dodge Avenger.
What’s New for 2009
Avenger SXTs and R/Ts gain a rear spoiler, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and anti-lock brakes. Inside, all Avengers get a sunglasses holder, a trunk mat, floor mats, a revised sound-deadening package, and cabin air filtration. All-wheel drive has been discontinued.
Highlights and Recommendations
Unless you’re drawn to the fuel economy of the noisy and weak 2.4-liter engine, moving up to the slightly more powerful and far smoother 2.7-liter V-6 should prove to be a wise choice. The 3.5-liter V-6, although powerful, is overkill in the Avenger and doesn’t add much to the overall driving experience. If a good deal is your one and only deciding factor, consider the Avenger. Otherwise, we recommend you shop for a Malibu, Altima, or Accord instead.
Safety
Dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags are standard on all Avenger models. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and stability control is optional on the SXT and R/T, but neither is available on the SE.
