A multi-trick pony competing with thoroughbreds
Dodge Avenger: Introduction
2008 Dodge Avenger – First Drive:
Dale Earnhardt was called the Intimidator, Arnie was called the Terminator. Why? Because Earnhardt’s #3 in a rearview mirror scared the bejeezus out of fellow race drivers, and Governor Schwarzenegger snuffed out bad guys in his own special biomechanical kick-ass way. Now we have the Dodge Avenger (a reintroduced name on the new Stratus replacement), so called because it avenges the carnage the imports have brought upon the midsize domestics. Well, actually, no it doesn’t really, um, avenge, so much as it offers bold American style wrapped around a mediocre sedan, with all-wheel-drive arriving later as an option. The 2008 Avenger represents an admirable effort, but one that ultimately gives Honda and Toyota little to worry about.
Some enthusiasts or former owners may remember the Dodge Avenger when it arrived in coupe form in 1995. That model lived on for about five years, and since then the Avenger name has been absent from the market. Following the release of the redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebring, Dodge brings back the Avenger for 2008 as a sedan that is based on its Chrysler sibling but with markedly different looks. The two cars share common underpinnings as well as windshields and front window glass, but are visually unique. The front-wheel-drive 2008 Dodge Avenger goes on sale in February, 2007 with an all-wheel-drive version arriving a few months later.
The Basics: Model Mix – SE Standard Features
Priced at $18,895 including a $675 destination charge, the SE is the least expensive option among the 2008 Dodge Avenger offerings. With that entry-level sum buyers get a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan powered by a 173-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, 16-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, and the usual array of electronic goodies such as power windows. Realizing consumers’ clamor for value, Dodge also included cruise control, front-side airbags, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a tire pressure monitor. The piece d’ resistance is the Chill Zone cooler atop the glovebox, which draws air from the a/c system and chills up to four beverage cans.
The Basics: Model Mix – SXT Standard Features
Not everyone is cool with driving a base model, feature-laden or not, so Dodge offers a mid-level variant of its all-new Avenger sedan. Starting at $19,795, the SXT comes standard with the SE’s four-cylinder/four-speed powertrain but adds 17-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes, a couple extra speakers for the radio, body-color exterior trim, a handy fold-flat front passenger seat, and numerous little touches including illuminated vanity mirrors, a lumbar adjustment for the driver, an adjustable center armrest, and what Dodge calls Yes Essentials cloth seat fabric. What makes this woven wonder unique is its ability to resist stains and odors, a claim that we wanted to, but ultimately did not, test.
The Basics: Model Mix – R/T Standard Features
When the 2008 Avenger launches in February, shoppers looking for the most powerful and sportiest model will be directed to the R/T. If they go shopping later this spring, they’ll have the added option of an R/T with all-wheel drive capability. As a front-driver, the R/T runs $23,545; in all-wheel-drive guise that jumps to $25,545. All R/Ts feature a 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a manually-interactive six-speed automatic transmission, and they boast a climate control system, 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Also included is a sport-tuned suspension with a rear stabilizer bar, and all-wheel-drive models get the added benefit of traction control.
The Basics: Model Mix – Options
While Dodge has covered most of the content bases with the Avenger’s standard features, there are still plenty of options to be had. The SE and SXT Avengers can be outfitted with a 189-horsepower, 2.7-liter flex-fuel V6 that’s paired with an upgraded suspension system; the SXT can be fitted with rear disc brakes in lieu of the standard drums, and the SE’s can be decked out with antilock brakes. Also available are 18-inch chrome wheels, a variety of audio options such as a Boston Acoustics sound system, stability control, Yes Essentials fabric for the SE, leather seats, a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as sport and premium packages. The latter features some groovy heated (140 degrees) and cooled (38 degrees) cupholders.
The Basics: Model Mix – Options – MyGIG, DVD
Rear DVD entertainment systems are enjoying increasing popularity in minivans and SUVs, but they’re relatively rare in four-door sedans, especially those in the sub-$30,000 arena. However, the 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT and R/T models smack convention since each are available with a $1,195 rear DVD player and screen that folds up from the front center console. That’ll keep the backseat drivers entertained while the front occupants work the MyGIG system ($1,895 for the R/T; $2,030 for the SXT). This little bundle of technology includes a voice-activated navigation system, a 20-gig hard drive that will store plenty of your favorite music, and Sirius satellite radio. But what may be even cooler (no pun intended) are the heated and cooled front cupholders
What’s New: Exterior Design
Talk to company executives, and they’ll tell you that bold, capable, street-smart cues are what make a Dodge a Dodge. They point to the 2008 Avenger as the perfect example. The front end is aggressive and resembles that of the larger Charger. The R/T model gets the smoked headlight treatment, while all Avengers are adorned with an odd rear quarter style borrowed, again, from the Charger. The 2008 Avenger stands four inches taller than the outgoing Stratus, and shares only a windshield and front side glass with the 2007 Chrysler Sebring. With R/T cues included, the Avenger does indeed take on a somewhat muscular appearance, which points to one of the few reasons buyers would opt for this ride over its competitors.
What’s New: Interior Design
From a style perspective, the Avenger’s interior is worthy of a few nods of approval. Items such as a rear DVD system, a sliding front armrest, a folding passenger seat, and a four-can cooler atop the dash are all worthy of some praise. Less laudable are the non-adjustable rear headrests, wide rear pillars, and blacked out rear window inserts that limit visibility. Plus, as if we haven’t beat this dead horse enough already, low-rent hard interior plastics have long outlived their welcome. Let’s also take a second to discuss the trunk, which features a wide opening and average lift-over height, but lacks any type of tiedowns or hooks for securing cargo, and while long, might prove too shallow to accommodate larger items.
What’s New: Front Seat Comfort
Don’t underestimate the importance of a little extra padding. After driving an Avenger SXT all morning, we hopped into an R/T for the afternoon drive and immediately appreciated the latter’s padded armrest, placed between the front seats in lieu of the SXT’s slightly rubberized forearm holder. It’s seemingly minor, though increasingly significant as the miles click away. In both rides we welcomed a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, and comfortable, spacious front buckets with multiple adjustments. Sizeable headrests are perfectly positioned, and that adjustable armrest is one of the auto world’s greatest little wonders. After a long day of driving, the only comfort-related complaints revolved around the hard armrests and sills on the doors.
What’s New: Rear Seat Comfort
If you’re considering a four-door sedan, chances are you’re at least a smidge concerned about the well-being of rear seat passengers. If so, you could do worse than the 2008 Dodge Avenger. With plenty of leg, foot, and head room, two (or three in a pinch) occupants will have little to complain about, especially if they’ve got the optional DVD system to keep them entertained. The generous leg room negates any ill effects from the hard front seatbacks, and a fold-down center armrest with dual cupholders allows folks to get comfortable. The split bench seat sits a little low, so passengers kind of fall onto it when getting in, but once seated they’re rewarded with soft cushions and a natural recline position.
What’s New: Primary Controls
It apparently started with European cars, and then was adopted by certain GM products, and has now found its way to the 2008 Dodge Avenger – tap the turn signal stalk and it executes three flashes and then stops. It’s useful for frequent highway lane changes, but subsequently in the Dodge the on/off detent on the signal stalk is almost impossible to determine. Minor? You bet. Annoying? You bet. Overly detailed quibbles aside, the Avenger carries on with the Dodge/Jeep theme of putting secondary radio controls on the back of the steering wheel. That great idea is right up there with putting the brake pedal behind the rear headrests.
What’s New: Hardware
Under its skin, the 2008 Dodge Avenger shares much of its hardware with the redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebring, though the more upscale Chrysler doesn’t have access to the Avenger R/T’s sport-tuned (borrowed from the European market) suspension. Not surprisingly, the R/T has been engineered to offer a stiffer ride, while lesser models aim to provide a confident and comfortable ride. The basic suspension setup for all Avengers includes MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup out back; the R/T gets a rear stabilizer bar and optional all-wheel drive later this spring. SE and SXT models get standard front disc/rear drum brakes, while the R/T gets standard discs all around and ABS.
What’s New: Under the Hood
Three engines are available with the 2008 Dodge Avenger, though they’re not tied to the three trims as one might expect. SE models feature Dodge’s “world engine”, which is an aluminum 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve four-cylinder engine with variable-valve timing; output registers 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Move up to the SXT for a choice between the four-banger or a flex-fuel, 12-valve, 2.7-liter V6 pushing 189 horses at 6,400 rpm and 191 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. At the top of the engine chain is the R/T’s 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 ponying up 235 horsepower at 6,400 rpm 232 lb.-ft. 4,000 rpm; a manually-interactive six-speed automatic is standard.
What’s New: 2008 Fuel Economy
After years of complaints, the EPA has altered its methods for calculating fuel economy figures. Reflecting how people actually drive - accelerating quickly and using the air conditioner to name a couple – 2008 models bear more realistic, and therefore lower, figures on their window stickers. Take the new Avenger, for example. Using 2007 standards, the four-cylinder engine would rate 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway, while the 2.7-liter V6 would rate 22/30 mpg and the 3.5-liter V6 would rate 19/28 mpg. Those figures drop to 21/30 mpg, 19/27 mpg, and 16/26 mpg, respectively. When cross-shopping, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples and not 2007 figures with those for 2008.
Driving: Test Day
These first drive articles are usually based on a manufacturer-sponsored event where journalists are invited to drive a vehicle on a pre-determined route, make use of some face-time with company executives over a few fancy dinners, and then go home and write reviews. In the case of the 2008 Dodge Avenger, we met up in Scottsdale, Arizona and spent a day determining that little changes in the desert, and that Scottsdale architecture is decorated in too-few varieties of brown, accented by brown, rocky or tumbleweed yards. The highlight was lunch at the Kirkland Bar and Steakhouse, where Herb cooked up a mean ribeye and always-smiling Lisa served slices of amazing caramel apple pie.
Driving: Powertrain – 2.7-liter V6
Adequate may not be a glowing endorsement, but it’s the best way to describe the Avenger’s 2.7-liter flex-fuel V6. Working with a four-speed automatic transmission, the 189-horsepower six-cylinder accelerates well and allows for worry-free highway passes, though by no means does it transform the Avenger into a stealth sport sedan. However, the performance is perfectly acceptable for a mid-grade family sedan. Refinement could be upped a notch, though the sound and feel are superior to the overall graininess of the Pontiac G6’s 3.5-liter V6. Torque steer is largely absent, and the four-speed automatic transmission is usually smooth in its operation. The SXT lacked a trip computer to gauge fuel economy, but the EPA estimates a return of 19/27 mpg.
Driving: Powertrain – 3.5-liter V6
With a cool name like Avenger and styling that offers up an aggressive flair, one would assume that some serious muscle would accompany the R/T badge. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. With 235 horses on tap, the R/T offers a bit more punch that the SXT and its optional 2.7-liter V6, but c’mon people – a 235-horse sport model in a world of 268-horsepower Camrys, 270-horsepower Altimas, and even 240-horsepower Chevy Malibus? Even the Hyundai Sonata, hardly anyone’s definition of sport sedan, comes in with 234 horsepower. Dodge officials wouldn’t comment, but we can only hope for an SRT version down the line. At least the R/T features a six-speed automatic with a manual mode that’s mildly entertaining.
Driving: Ride and Handling
Like almost every other aspect of the 2008 Dodge Avenger (aside from the styling), the ride offers little to separate this sedan from the rest of the pack. Admittedly, because of Dodge’s pre-determined driving route, pushing the Avenger to its limits was not in the cards, but there was enough seat time to discover a compliant ride, a suspension setup that capably tackled rough pavement and was a bit on the stiff side even in SXT trim, and steering that added some weight at speed but felt vague at times. The R/T cruised through wide sweeping turns with ease at surprising speeds, but again, more responsive steering was in order. Wind and tire noise were evident but not intrusive.
Advice: Selling Points
It’s worth repeating – with some exceptions, most new vehicles are up to snuff, leaving price, features, style, and a whole host of subjective points as determining factors when transitioning from shopper to buyer. In the midsize sedan category, the Avenger sets itself apart with styling (more so on the R/T with its smoked headlights and exterior enhancements), a base price that undercuts the class leaders by a few hundred dollars, and some desirable features, such as a rear DVD system, temperature-controlled cupholders, and a built-in cooler.
Advice: Deal Breakers
The 2008 Avenger might come in a few hundred bucks less than a comparable 2007 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but would we recommend the Dodge over these rivals? Not based on our test drive. The materials quality isn’t there; the styling is aggressive up front and bland out back, and may ultimately simply steal the Charger’s thunder; the powertrain lineup is competitive but far short of class-leading; and for crying out loud, it’s a 2008 model that doesn’t come with standard antilock and rear disc brakes on every model (Honda and Nissan share the blame on that one, but if Hyundai and Toyota can do it, so can the rest).
Advice: Competitors
Only those who relish stiff competition should envy the 2008 Dodge Avenger as it enters the bloodbath that is the midsize sedan segment. Consider that the Avenger has to contend with the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry, and the Nissan Altima, all highly-regarded rides with strong followings. Dodge engineers and designers targeted those rides during development, but they also focused on a couple of domestics, including the Ford Fusion and the Pontiac G6. Those are just a few of the many midsize sedans available to buyers, but Dodge is confident the segment will grow, and intends to attract new Avenger owners with assertive styling, an athletic stance, and value.
Specifications: Test Vehicle - SXT
Test Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT
As-tested Price: $23,005 (including a $675 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.7-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 189 at 6,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 191 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 19/27 mpg
Specifications: Test Vehicle – R/T
Test Vehicles: 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T
As-tested Price: $ 24,320(including a $675 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 235 at 6,400 rpm
Engine Torque: 232 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 16/26 mpg
Specifications: Dimensions
Curb Weight, lbs.: 3,355 (SE); 3,405 (SXT); 3,568 (R/T); 3,738 (R/T AWD)
Length, inches: 190.9
Width, inches: 71.8
Wheelbase, inches: 108.9
Height, inches: 58.9
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 42.4/36.5
Headroom, inches (front/rear): 40.0/38.3
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 13.4
Photos courtesy of Thom Blackett and Dodge