In a previous life, the Dodge Avenger was a mid-size coupe, a sporty alternative to a not-too-sporty Stratus sedan. The 2008 Avenger looks a lot better with its new style and with some beefy muscle car brawn it adds some attitude to an often-lackluster segment.
Truthfully, I've always been partial to the Avenger name, and this Dodge shows off bold exterior styling cues and a refined athletic stance. I really like the aggressive lines that flow from the crosshair grille across the quad headlamps to the rear spoiler. It says "muscle car," and enthusiasts will appreciate the sweet chrome-tipped dual-exhaust outlets as the final exclamation.
Dodge does a nice job of offering choices. The 2008 Avenger is available in four variations: SE, SXT, R/T and R/T AWD. Starting prices for the SE model begin at $18,895, while base price for the R/T AWD is $24,995. Standard equipment is generous. An eight-way power driver's seat was standard on my R/T tester, as were anti-lock brakes and traction control. The Avenger R/T models have standard 18-inch performance tires and this is a key to the overall exterior attitude of Avenger.
Dodge delivers safety with side curtain head airbags; front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, as well as several nice interior touches. Of particular note inside were the tilt and telescoping steering column and the Avenger's Chill Zone, a refrigerated glove box that can hold four 12-ounce cans.
Inside the Avenger is not the hard-core performer its exterior might suggest. While I did appreciate the heated leather front seats, I was less impressed with a generally plastic-looking dash assembly. My glove box had some poor fit and finish and a few creaking plastic edges were annoying. I thought road noise inside the cabin was surprisingly minimal during city and highway travels.
Dodge Avenger offers three engine options: the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the 2.7-liter V-6 and the 3.5-liter V-6, which is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed transmission delivered smooth exchanges. The Dodge Avenger R/T and R/T AWD models equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V-6 delivering 235 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.
My R/T AWD tester, with its 3.5-liter V-6, offered spirited acceleration from dead stops and decent jump when pushed in highway merges on I-55. Your not going to win any races out on the track with this Avenger, but if you happen to find your way out there you will in fact look like you belong. And that’s not a bad thing.
Fuel economy ratings for 2008 have been revised downward by the EPA to more accurately reflect the actual mileage everyday drivers are getting from their vehicles compared to the environmental agency's old way of testing mileage on a treadmill. My R/T AWD tester was rated at 15 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Overall, Avenger is in the top three spots for aggressive looks in this class. It has some Charger in it and a lot of muscle cues that make you feel fast. For that it is well worth the base $24,995, and the AWD security is worth considering given the Midwest winters can get ugly.
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