The Avenger is a mechanical twin to DaimlerChrysler's new, redesigned
Chrysler Sebring sedan, sharing powertrains and underpinnings. The new Dodge Avenger looks like a three-quarter-scale version of the full-size racy Dodge Charger and lets Dodge re-enter the popular mid-size sedan market once occupied by its Stratus.
The competitively priced $18,220-$24,870 Avenger is plenty roomy, so those pining for the costlier Charger need not feel very shortchanged.
Most Avengers have front-wheel- drive, but all-wheel drive is available on the top line R/T version.
The Avenger is a mechanical twin to DaimlerChrysler's new, redesigned Chrysler Sebring sedan, sharing powertrains and underpinnings. As with the Sebring, it's designed to provide more value than such heavy hitters as the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion.
While fine in town, the base 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower four-cylinder Avenger engine works hard when merging into fast traffic and passing on highways. But it provides the best estimated fuel economy: 21 mpg in the city and 30 on highways. Only regular-grade gas is needed.
The top-line R/T version has a fairly potent smooth and quiet 3.5-liter V-6, which kicks out 235 horsepower and provides stronger acceleration. It doesn't make the Avenger a muscle car but best matches the car's racy styling. It delivers an estimated 16 city and 28 highway but calls for 89-octane fuel.
In between is the $19,120 SXT model, which comes with the 2.4 four-cylinder. But it's available with an optional 2.7-liter 190-horsepower V-6. That engine costs $1,350 and comes with a touring suspension and anti-lock all-disc brakes. Good deal, there.
The 2.7 V-6 provides an estimated 19 city and 27 highway and also requires only 87-octane fuel.
The 2.7 V-6 and four-cylinder engine work with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5 V-6 is hooked to a more modern six-speed automatic with a manual shift capability.
Avengers are decently equipped. The SE has such standard items as air conditioning, tilt/telescopic wheel, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, split-folding rear seat, tire pressure monitor -- and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.
The SXT adds a power driver's seat, anti-lock brakes, fold-flat front passenger seatback for long cargo and wider tires on 17-inch (vs. 16-inch) alloy wheels for improved traction.
The R/T is the star of the show. Besides the best engine and transmission, it adds a rear spoiler, automatic climate control, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD changer, automatic headlights and heated power fold-away mirrors. It also has dual exhausts, a sport suspension with front/rear stabilizer bars, anti-lock all-disc brakes and even wider tires on 18-inch wheels.
The all-wheel-drive R/T adds traction control and an anti-skid system but deletes the sport suspension.
Standard safety items for all include front side air bags and curtain side air bags. Optional except for the R/T AWD model are traction/anti-skid control.
Options include a dashboard beverage cooler, which is the sort of item once found on auto show concept cars. Also optional are a power sunroof, navigation system, remote engine start, leather upholstery, upgraded sound systems and heated front seats.
My test front-wheel-drive Avenger R/T had accurate power steering, although I didn't notice its "firm feel'' feature listed on the window sticker. The sport suspension provided a firm-but-compliant ride, and the brake pedal had a nice firm feel. Handling was good during moderately hard driving.
The quiet, functional interior looks attractive, although there are a good number of hard plastic surfaces. The $775 leather upholstery dressed up the interior a lot.
Front bucket seats are supportive, and a driver has a nice raised floor area on which to rest his left foot. Gauges can be easily read. Controls are within easy reach, and climate controls are especially large. However, the parking brake partially gets in the way of the twin front console cupholders.
Oversized door handles -- inside and out -- and long doors assist entry and exit. Front doors have storage pockets, while rear doors have pockets and beverage holders. There's also a fold-down center rear armrest with dual cupholders.
The trunk is roomy, and rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to enlarge the cargo area. The lid smoothly pops up well out of the way on twin hydraulic struts. While wide, the trunk opening is rather high. And the lid has no interior cover for a finished look or pull-down feature to prevent hands from getting dirty on outside sheet metal.
It's an open question if Honda or Nissan shoppers will visit Dodge showrooms to check out the Avenger, but they really should.
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