2008 Dodge Avenger Preview

Dodge Avenger Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Call it a polite Charger. Debuted at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show and due to hit US streets in late spring of 2007 with a base price of $18,895 (including $675 destination charge), that’s exactly what the Avenger is. Despite the Charger-esqe attitude of the sheetmetal, this is really a front-drive Sebring twin with the same guts, save for a more performance-oriented ride with the R/T model.

Why it Matters

Built off the same platform as the 2007 Chrysler Sebring and utilizing the same global Mitsu-Hyundai-Chrysler family of engines, the Avenger boots the insignificant Stratus from the Dodge lineup and gives Dodge dealers a complete set of newly designed cars to sell, starting with the popular Caliber hatch. Its Charger looks, combined with more polite road manners, may make it a hit with buyers who want that style but aren’t willing to sacrifice a nice and sedate daily commute.

What's Under the Hood

This is where the Avenger runs and hides. Sure, it looks like it would be a good friend to have in a bar fight, but once the action starts you’re left with a trio of engines that are more inclined to want to give peace a chance. The Avenger comes equipped with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 173 horsepower. Those who want more power can upgrade to a 189-hp flex-fuel 2.7-liter V6. Both the four-cylinder and the 2.7-liter V6 are mated to a four-speed automatic. The Avenger R/T gets a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 with 232 lb.-ft. of torque, a six-speed automatic, sport suspension and all-wheel drive.

What it Looks Like

Dodge is betting that legions of sedan buyers out there want more style than your typical brown-bag Camry, Accord, or Sonata, and that many will like the Avenger. It may be a strong bet. With a one-two punch of the more sophisticated Sebring and aggressive Avenger, Chrysler group dealers have two good-looking sedans with which to lift sales. That said, the Avenger will polarize its share of consumers, what with styling cues that strongly resemble the Charger: long hood, short deck, huge fender flares that threaten to dwarf its wheels, and a Dodge crosshair grille that talks a louder game than its engines can deliver. Notable styling cues are its side arches, angular front end and all-around macho look.

What's Inside

Call it a more sporty, redder in the neck version of the Sebring, because the Avenger has available all the goodies of the new Sebring: hot and cold cupholders, YES Essentials fabric, heated cloth seats, rear seat DVD player, and MYGIG entertainment system, which is basically a computer hard drive on wheels that allows you to download your favorite songs, pictures, directions, and more. All of these neat toys are options, of course. Standard equipment on all Avengers includes a chilled glovebox for cold drinks, air conditioning and CD stereo system.

What We Think

Question: Who wants a Charger wannabe? Answer: Thousands of commuters who like the look but want fuel economy and a predictable ride. We say Dodge oughta shoehorn a big fat Hemi inside the engine bay of the Avenger, put an SRT suspension on it and call it good. But then you'd have a front-wheel-drive Charger so...never mind. The fact that it replaces the Stratus is a good thing, and enough commuters who want the look and the front-drive ride are out there to make the Avenger a stylish alternative. Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler