Avenger is tough on the outside
As the sun set on the last millennium, Dodge cars had all but disappeared from Canada. At that time, the company’s trucks and minivans were doing well, but its cars were mostly sold within the US. As a result, Dodge discontinued both the Stratus and the Avenger and sold the Neon and the Intrepid under the Chrysler name.
It wasn’t until 2003 that Dodge came back onto the scene with a Neon clone called the SX 2.0, the first car to bear its name in years (with the exception of the Viper). Once back in the swing of things, Dodge didn’t waste time introducing the Magnum and Charger, two cars that helped solidify the brand’s tough image. And we all know what happened next ...
Today, Dodge is offering consumers the Avenger, the company’s first intermediate sedan in almost ten years. The last time Dodge came out with a car of this size was 1998, and they called it Stratus. Back then, the Avenger was a coupe that had the same structural and mechanical components as the Mitsubishi Eclipse! Nonetheless, today’s Avenger is a sedan, and according to DaimlerChrysler it should create some fierce competition for the Pontiac G6 and Nissan Altima. The Avenger is clearly derived from the Chrysler Sebring, from which it gets most of its features.
The K-car of the new millennium!
There’s no doubt that this dynamically styled car is in the same family as the Dodge Aries, which is also known as the K-car. Released in 1981, Aries helped Chrysler get back on its feet and made history in the North-American automobile industry. Replaced in 1989 by the Spirit and in 1995 by the Stratus, the K-car vanished for a while before reappearing this year under the Avenger name. You’ve got to admit that Dodge designs have come a long way since then!
The Avenger’s design is nothing if not bold. It had to have the company’s signature front grille, but the designers decided to take the bad-boy look one step farther. It has rounded fenders offset by angular features on the ends of the bumpers, an integrated apron that seems to cut ruthlessly through the air and unique rear side windows that come to a point, which are a throwback to the Dodge Charger. Plus, the back of the car looks rather like the sturdy frame of a football player. All this adds up to an athletic car that looks decidedly more cut than the Sebring. The R/T model displays even more muscle, with its chrome grille, 19-inch rims, headlights on a black background and rear spoiler, but overall Avenger stands strong among the cars on the market today.
Avenger or Sebring?
Not as big as some of its competitors, Avenger is displayed in Canada in the same showrooms as the Chrysler Sebring. At first, you might think it doesn’t make sense to offer two comparable products at the same outlet, but market studies indicate that these two cars attract a totally different clientele. While some people are drawn to the luxurious and noble look of Sebring, others are attracted to Avenger’s rugged exterior. For the same reason, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 are also sold under the same roof.
On the inside, the Avenger provides real comfort. Though not as plush as the R/T, which comes with two-tone leather and chrome accents, the SE has real style. The instrument panel with electroluminescent lighting on white face gauges and a silver central console are nice touches offered in all Avengers.
You’ll find it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel thanks to the telescopic/tilt steering wheel and seat that adjusts in several directions. The seats have great side supports and there’s plenty of space, even in the back. However, because of the downward curve of the roof, tall people might find that they could use a little more vertical space.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to have been much attention to detail in assembling the Avenger and some cars seem to have been put together better than others. For example, door panels are not always positioned correctly, which sometimes causes a clicking noise. Evidence of haste is apparent on the outside too, where the spaces between body panels are not always the same from one vehicle to another. Needs improvement ...
Interesting features
I just can’t keep quiet about the innovative MyGIG infotainment system, which is offered for a reasonable price ($1,995). Without going into too many details, it includes Sirius satellite radio, a touch-screen navigation system, a voice-activated communication system and a 20-gigabyte hard drive on which you can store MP3s, WMAs and JPEGs. You can even watch movies when the car is stopped. Other great features included in the whole series are heating/cooling cup holders and even a Chillzone cooler for canned drinks. Interior LED lights are also available as an option.
Made-to-order engines
The SE version, available for a steal, comes with the well-known 2.4-litre “World” engine used in the Caliber. With the ability to produce 173 horsepower, this engine isn’t going to impress anyone, especially when you consider how much weight it has to lug. However, the engine runs smoothly, which is a plus. Thankfully the manufacturer has had the decency of not coupling it with same the CVT2 transmission with which Caliber was stuck and it outfitted Avenger with a traditional 4-speed automatic instead.
The SXT, bound to be the most popular version, comes with a 4-cylinder engine. However, it can be replaced with a 2.7-litre V6 that can run on E85 ethanol fuel. Even though the 189 horsepower that this engine produces is not much for a V6, the engine is smooth and gentle and should meet the needs of most consumers. Expect the SXT to consume approximately 11 litres per 100 km.
For more exciting driving, you can opt for the 3.5-litre V6 (available in the R/T only). The 235 horsepower it produces allows for decidedly more rapid acceleration and smoother increases in RPM. Paired with a 6-speed automatic, it will impress you with its power on sudden starts. However, it might not perform as well as you think during passing manoeuvres. There’s no doubt that a better gear ratio would make for a punchier kickdown.
All-wheel drive coming soon
Dodge plans to offer the Avenger R/T with all-wheel drive in the near future—probably to give a little competition to the Ford Fusion. This system, which will be derived from the one found in the Chrysler Pacifica, can anticipate wheel slip and automatically redistribute up to 60 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. You can expect this system to consume its fair share of fuel though, since the Charger equipped with a similar drivetrain sucks back almost as much fuel as models with HEMI engines. We’ll have to wait and see ...
For now, all the available versions provide impressive performance, especially when it comes to stability and handling. The modern chassis doesn’t balk when it is badly driven and even the SE version barely rolls on turns. Though not the best in its class, drivers will appreciate the steering. That said, I’ve got to admit that the R/T model is a lot more fun to drive because of its powerful engine and better suspension and steering.
The Avenger’s downfall is its brakes. As though it weren’t enough that the SE and SXT models with 4-cylinder engines come with rear drums, the series doesn’t even come with antilock brakes. This is pretty ironic when you consider that DaimlerChrysler brags about how safe Avenger is, especially the fact that all models come with six airbags. The company seems to have overlooked the fact that all versions should have this essential feature, which is found in the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Good thing that the braking power is accurate and easy to regulate!
How much?
With a starting price of $21,995, the Avenger is very competitive. And although the numerous options available can really add up fast, they are all priced fairly (which is not the case at several of its competitors). You may also want to know that the R/T version equipped with the MyGIG system, sunroof and chrome rims will cost you well over $30,000.
To sum up, the Avenger is an honest car bound to have a certain success because it offers so much for such a good price. It’s got a dynamic style, it drives well and it has some innovative features, a combination sure to attract customers who would have otherwise chosen other brands. Keep in mind that the Avenger is not a mini Charger and therefore it can’t deliver the same degree of passion and excitement. People hoping to feel the same butterflies they got from the Charger may be disappointed.
Summary:Test vehicle: Dodge Avenger R/T
Price range: $21,995 to $28,760
Test model price: $33,485
Options: 8 speakers with subwoofers ($420), 6 CD/DVD/MP3 player ($455), back seat entertainment system ($1,190), U-Connect system ($295), sunroof ($1,050), anti-theft alarm ($185)
Shipping costs: $1,200
Advertised fuel economy: 13.5/9.5 L/100 km (city/highway)
Basic warranty: 3 years/60,000 km
Competition: Chrysler Sebring, Buick Allure, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Toyota Camry
Strengths:
• Sexy style
• Good road performance
• Fun to drive (R/T)
• Pleasant interior
• Attractive MyGIG system
• Competitive price
Weaknesses:
• Optional ABS brakes
• Modest power (4 cylinders)
• Disappointing fit and trim
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