Overview & Reviews

Thus far, Dodge has used the name "Avenger" on two wholly different cars from different time periods. The first Avenger was a midsize, two-door coupe born in the mid-1990s. Noted mostly for its stealthy good looks, the original Dodge Avenger also featured a reasonably roomy cabin and an appealing blend of handling and comfort. It enjoyed some success both with critics and consumers, though at decade's end it faded away with little notice. After a long hiatus, the Avenger name resurfaced in 2008 when Dodge deemed it fitting for the successor to the Stratus sedan.

Unfortunately, the second-generation Avenger has not enjoyed the positive reaction of its two-door predecessor. Despite a midlife overhaul that corrected many of its initial glaring faults, the Avenger has always been one of the least competitive midsize sedans. Consumers will find that most competitors, both import and domestic, offer more space, superior interior designs and a higher level of overall refinement.

Current Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger shares much of its engineering with the previous-generation Chrysler 200 sedan. The differences between the two come down to styling, as the Avenger's more aggressive shape is aimed at a younger audience. There is a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 good for 283 hp. The four-cylinder sends its power to the front wheels through either a four- or six-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim level. The V6 gets a six-speed auto with a manual-shift mode.

The Avenger's trim lines are SE, SXT and R/T. The SE is reasonably well equipped, while moving up to the SXT will get you features like an upgraded transmission, automatic climate control, a power driver seat and a six- (rather than four-) speaker sound system with satellite radio. The sporty R/T comes with the V6 engine as standard, plus 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, remote start, heated front sport seats, leather and cloth upholstery, Bluetooth and an upgraded audio system.

The Avenger's interior boasts soft-touch materials and tight construction, but the look is a tad generic, the available in-car electronics are behind the times and there isn't as much space for passengers. As for the Avenger's engines, the base four-cylinder is barely adequate (especially with the four-speed automatic) and sounds unrefined. The V6 engine is very strong, however, and also returns commendable fuel economy. Handling is also pretty good, although again, not quite up to the class leaders.

In total, the Dodge Avenger is a solid sedan if you're prioritizing a V6 power plant and value. But in general, we think you'd be better served by most other competing models.

Used Dodge Avenger Models
The second-generation Dodge Avenger debuted for 2008 and is represented by the current model. However, the Avenger was so poorly received that it underwent a major overhaul for 2011, which included updated styling, a revamped interior with higher-quality materials, added safety features and a more powerful 3.6-liter V6. It has been essentially unchanged since then, other than a renaming of trim levels for 2012 (originally Express, Mainstreet, Heat, R/T and an additional fully loaded Lux trim).

From 2008 through '10, there were three engine options: the current four-cylinder, a 2.7-liter, 189-hp V6 and a 3.5-liter, 235-hp V6. There were also three trim levels -- SE, SXT and R/T. The base four-cylinder-only SE came with air-conditioning, a CD stereo, full power accessories and cruise control. All-wheel drive was optional in that first year on models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6. For 2009, all trim levels received more sound insulation, the 2.7-liter V6 became a fleet-only engine option later in the year and the R/T trim was newly available with the four-cylinder engine. For 2010, the SE trim level was deleted and the Express trim added.

These early model year Avenger sedans suffered from a variety of ailments. Neither the four-cylinder nor the V6 engines were particularly good in regards to performance, refinement or efficiency. The interior was also far below that of the competition, with designs and materials that were best described as rental-car quality. If that wasn't enough to drive buyers away, the Avenger was also stuck with lifeless steering, excessive body roll and underachieving brakes. We highly recommend that you look at different used family sedans.

The first Dodge Avenger was sold from 1995-2000. Employing a platform derived from the Mitsubishi Galant and similar to the one used in the contemporaneous Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Avenger had the Chrysler Sebring coupe as its twin and debuted with two powertrains. The first was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 140 hp mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic -- all borrowed from the Dodge Neon. The step-up engine was a 2.5-liter, Mitsubishi-built V6 with 155 hp, mated to a four-speed automatic. The Avenger's trim lines were base and ES.

Initially, the base model opened with the four-cylinder engine, 14-inch wheels, a radio and dual airbags. The V6-powered ES model came with an upgraded suspension, antilock all-disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, air-conditioning, a cassette deck and cruise control. Base models could add most of the ES's items, while ES models could add leather seats and a sunroof.

The Avenger's biggest changes came in 1997, when meaner styling adorned the body and new 17-inch wheels were made available to ES models. More significantly, both the base and ES now had the four-cylinder standard, with the V6 optional. For the Avenger's final year in 2000, Dodge made the V6 standard on both, and also loaded up the ES with a power driver seat, leather and keyless entry.

The Dodge Avenger was a fairly appealing coupe in its day as long as the V6 was specified. The front seats were comfortable, and unlike in most cars sporting two doors, the Avenger's rear seat actually offered some semblance of comfort for adults. The Avenger also held the advantage of actually looking like a coupe instead of a bland sedan with two fewer doors. However, the Avenger's record for reliability is notably poor. As such, we wouldn't recommend it as a used-car purchase.

User Reviews:

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  Great Diamond-Star - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By johnho - August 8 - 1:49 am

  Original owner of a rare ES with 2.0L 5-speed. Had to wait six months just for the factory to build it!!! 140,000 salt-free miles and the paint looks great. Best of all I get 32MPG in mixed driving. Still love the interior cockpit layout and the clean yet aggressive exterior styling. I only wish todays Moper had something that could replace it if I wanted a new car. Other than the usual wear items,my only problem was a reoccurring hesitation issue at low RPMs starting around 90,000 milestried everything to fix it! The dealer tried to tell me I babied it too much and caused carbon build-up on the valves? Nope! Recently replaced the crank sensor and that seems to have taken care of it.

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  so far so good - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Robert - August 7 - 3:01 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 Dodge Avenger a few weeks ago. I went with this car because it looked way better than a Camry, Accord and all those other cars that look all alike. It drives good and my 2.7 V6 is pretty quick. I recommend going with the V6 model over the 4 banger. I drove both versions of the Avenger and the difference is like night and day. Interior is somewhat bland and the door panels are very hard to clean. There is one huge blind spot in this vehicle that I will have to get used to pretty quick. The 17" tires are perfect for the potholes I have to put up with where I live. This is my first Dodge and their styling right now is above and beyond everyone elses.

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  Avenger Lover - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By RMU - August 7 - 10:45 am

  I too dont understand the poor ratings from Edmunds. This car is awesome! I call it my mini-Charger! Exterior styling is great, interior styling nice with my SXT (older version as the newer 09 SXT is the earlier 09 SE-a bit confusing)! Excellent sound system, Huge interior and trunk space, a real head turner! Im 6-4" and have more space than I need without compromising space for rear passengers. Cant say enough good things about this car. oh, and 33+ mpg on the highway! Long Live Dodge!

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  I love it, but could be better - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By telamm - August 6 - 9:02 am

  I purchased this after getting rid of my clunker Mountaineer-V8. So naturally I am going to have to get used to the 4 Cyl. But I love the ride, the lack of noise, and the way the car looks. The chrome on the inside is blinding during the day, havent come up with a solution to that yet. The 4- Speed Trans is a little primitive. The car would be 3x better if it was a 5. Other than steeping down so far into a 4 cyl, I love the car. Very good decision and paid THOUSANDS less than getting a Fusion, Malibu, Accord (even civic). I paid $ll.2k after taxes!

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  A great drive, A great car - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By amanda utrera - August 5 - 1:42 pm

  What a great drive. I traded in my 2004 jeep liberty renegade for something that gets better gas mileage and I was not disappointed. I get 32+ miles on the highways and 28+ city. The 2.7V6 gives me lots of passing power and the stain repellent seats are worth their weight in gold. I tell everyone I talk to that the Japanese cars have got nothing on this!!!!!

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  Black R/T AWD - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Greg Di Maio - August 5 - 3:03 am

  Paint, fit and finish are excellent. The auto temperature system is one feature that we will always want in a car after driving this one. If the gas mileage was better it would be a five-star car. Well see how it is when it gets a few thousand miles on it.

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  LOVE my Avenger!!! No regrets! - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By JMB*08 - August 4 - 10:39 pm

  I purchased my Avenger 2 months ago after a LONG search. I was a little worried about purchasing a Dodge but... Definitely no regrets! Great price. Avg 24 MPGs, nice smooth ride with lots of power even in my 4cyl engine. I find myself speeding a lot its so smooth. Lots of room in back seat. I have 3 boys ages 13, 15, and 8 and they all fit very comfortably. Big sized trunk...Im routinely carrying 3 baseball bags, 4 folding chairs and 2 handled cooler with extra room left. Comfy front seats, LOVE the Sirus radio. And you cant miss the exterior looks! The Avenger is fierce looking...great style!

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  2009 Avenger - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By fields - August 2 - 8:35 pm

  We bought this 2009 avenger new it had 103 miles on it. It has a 2.7v-6 SXT. We love the outside, the inside and it rides and drives great. Hope I still like it when it has 103,000. :)

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  Fun Car To Drive - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By galleskater - August 1 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned the car for two years and after about 40,000 miles on the car I still love it. Went out and bought low profile Falken tires painted rims black and threw four 12 subs in the trunk. I have gone through seven cars from my two years of driving and my highly spirited driving style and this car has held up to most of the abuse... I had the engine replaced when purchased and tranny rebuilt, and with the help of 75 shot of NOS cold air intake street torque converted lowering springs catback 550cc injectors and billet fuel rail this car is FAST! Looking at a set of gears for even quicker starts. Definitely suggested buy.

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  Much better than expected - 1995 Dodge Avenger
  By Jack Flynn - August 1 - 6:47 am

  Not really a Dodge, but a lengthened Mitsubishi Eclipse. Bought as a well used temporary ride. Keep it for its good looks, reasonable trunk space and rear seating room. Also for its nimble handling. The 2.5 V6 has more power hidden in the higher rpm range and can be found by manually shifting the poorly-suited automatic transmission. Fuel mileage can be 30+ on the highway on overdrive at 65 mph. Low ground clearance and roof line make parking curbs a danger to the soft nose and egress something of a chore. But on, particularly, back roads, the car is a fine grand tourer and a 5-speed would have transformed the car and increased its sales. In the main, an enjoyable ride worth owning.