Pros

Smooth and quiet highway ride, solid performance on R/T model, above-average fuel economy, wide selection of in-cabin electronics.

Cons

Weak and noisy four-cylinder engine, limited transmission choices, underpowered brakes, low-grade interior plastics, small trunk.

What's New for 2008

The 2008 Dodge Avenger is an all-new, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan. Available with four-cylinder or V6 power, it's a replacement for the Stratus. All-wheel drive is a late-year option on the R/T model.

2008 Dodge Avenger Overview

Introduction

There are plenty of excellent all-around choices in the midsize sedan segment, but not every family car was born to be a mainstream player. One of these is the 2008 Dodge Avenger, which is easily the most aggressively styled midsize sedan on the market this year. The Dodge Avenger's leering headlights and massive haunches will undoubtedly be off-putting to some shoppers, but for those who like the idea of "Charger Junior" bodywork wrapped around a more fuel-efficient, front-wheel-drive machine, this new Dodge may have some appeal. And with its quiet ride, roomy backseat and impressive options sheet, the Avenger offers some substance to back up its tough-guy facade.

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, and 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 Dodge Avenger can be equipped with a rear-seat entertainment system or a Harman Kardon navigation/audio system with a 20GB hard drive. A full menu of airbags is standard, and most Dodge Avengers are eligible for stability control.

 

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

A midsize sedan, the 2008 Dodge Avenger is offered in base SE, midgrade SXT and sporty R/T trim levels. The base Dodge Avenger SE starts you out with 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a CD stereo with an MP3 player input jack, cruise control, full power accessories and an air-conditioned glovebox (the "Chill Zone"). The Dodge Avenger SXT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, an extra pair of stereo speakers and a lengthier options list. The high-line Dodge Avenger R/T provides 18-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, single-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The extensive options list includes leather upholstery, a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, Boston Acoustics speakers, satellite radio, heated front seats, heated/cooled front cupholders, Bluetooth connectivity (known as UConnect), keyless remote start and LED interior lighting. The most interesting add-on is a Harman Kardon-designed navigation/audio system (known as MyGIG) with real-time traffic updates (via Sirius) and a 20GB hard drive that allows owners to rip their own CDs or download MP3 files from a jump drive using a USB port. All-wheel drive and chrome wheels are optional on the R/T exclusively.

 

Powertrains and Performance

Standard on 2008 Dodge Avenger SE and Dodge avenger SXT models is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the Dodge Avenger SXT is a 2.7-liter V6 good for 189 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. With either of these engines, a four-speed automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels. Standard on the Dodge Avenger R/T only is a 3.5-liter V6 capable of 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The R/T comes with a more sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Chrysler claims a 0-60-mph time of 7.7 seconds for the front-drive R/T. Equipped with the 2.7-liter V6, an Avenger SXT takes about a second longer to perform the feat.

 

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2008 Dodge Avenger includes front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor. Antilock brakes are standard on all models, except the base Dodge Avenger SE, on which they're optional. All four-cylinder Dodge Avengers come with front disc/rear drum brakes, while Dodge Avenger SXT models with the V6 and all R/T models have four-wheel discs. Stability control is optional on all trim levels, except the SE.

Interior Design and Special Features

Although not exactly premium in feel, the Avenger's cabin is a step up from the outgoing Stratus, thanks to its simple control layout and comfortable seating. The mediocre quality of the materials is immediately apparent, but white-faced gauges, chrome trim and, in Dodge Avenger R/T models, a two-tone, leather-wrapped steering wheel, give the interior some personality. In models with the multi-featured MyGIG navigation/audio system, it only takes a few minutes to figure out how to enter an address or rip a CD onto the hard drive, thanks to the simple menus and instructions.

The rear seat is spacious enough to accommodate a pair of adults, although the seat-bottom cushion is a bit too low for comfort and the outboard head restraints are nonadjustable. Partially compensating for the Dodge's small 13.4-cubic-foot trunk is the ability to fold down both the 60/40-split rear seat and the front passenger seat.

 

Driving Impressions

Although the base four-cylinder engine delivers the best fuel economy, many buyers will be put off by its sluggish response and coarse power delivery. A better choice for most people is the 2.7-liter V6 available on the SXT: Refinement still isn't a strong point, but with this engine, the Avenger feels much stronger during highway maneuvers. Still, the Avenger R/T model is far and away the best choice for those who can swing it. The bigger V6 is still a bit light on off-the-line pull, but it's plenty satisfying once it revs up and considerably smoother than the smaller engines. Equally important, its six-speed automatic transmission provides quicker response than the four-speed unit in the other models.

The other reason to get the R/T is its upgraded suspension tuning, which provides more responsive and secure handling on back roads, along with a composed highway ride. Lower-line 2008 Dodge Avengers ride comfortably but are low on grip during cornering.