Dodge Avenger (2008)

Overview:

Dodge last used the Avenger name to refer to a midsize Mitsubishi Galant-based coupe sold from 1995-2000. Now it's the name of the company's replacement for the now-discontinued Dodge Stratus. Like its sedan predecessor, the '08 Avenger is mechanically identical to its corporate sibling, the Chrysler Sebring. Engine choices include a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 189-hp 2.7-liter V6 and a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6. All return good gas mileage. The Dodge Avenger's options list offers considerable variety for this segment. All-wheel drive is available if you get the big V6, and almost any Avenger can be equipped with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system or a Harman Kardon navigation/audio system with a 20GB hard drive. A full menu of airbags is standard, and most Avengers are eligible for stability control. As solid as it looks when you run down the equipment sheet, the 2008 Dodge Avenger falls flat in a couple key areas. For a car that purports to be sporty and aggressive, the Avenger delivers a surprisingly tepid driving experience. The base four-cylinder is weak and unrefined, and only if you pony up for the 3.5-liter V6 do you get suspension tuning that feels remotely athletic. Braking performance is similarly mediocre. The other major issue in the Dodge Avenger is materials quality, which still isn't up to the standard of this class.

Performance/Specifications:

Performance

• 2,360 cc 2.4 liters in-line 4 front engine with 88.0 mm bore, 97.0 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder ED3
• Unleaded fuel 87
• Fuel economy.
• Multi-point injection fuel system.
• 16.9 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 14.1
• Power: 129 kW , 173 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 166 ft lb , 225 Nm @ 4,400 rpm.

Handling

• Two disc brakes including two ventilated discs.
• Immobilizer.
• Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel.
• Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with coil springs.

Exterior

• Body side molding.
• Body color front and rear bumpers.
• Driver and passenger power heated black door mirrors.
• External dimensions: overall length (inches): 190.9, overall width (inches): 71.8, overall height (inches): 58.9, wheelbase (inches): 108.9, front track (inches): 61.8, rear track (inches): 61.8 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 36.5
• Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights.
• Luxury trim alloy look on gearknob, alloy look on doors and alloy look on dashboard.
• Pearl paint.
• Fixed rear window with defogger.
• Tinted glass on cabin.
• Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,355
• Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe.