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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  Piece of garbage - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By piece of garbage - June 17 - 2:12 pm

  Since I have owned this car I have had nothing but problems. My ck. Engine light comes on all the time. I have had the fuel injectors cleaned a lot, it always comes up with two codes. I have put over $2000 on repairs into this bucket. My door handle broke off also. To tune up this car, it costs $500 each time. No matter what I do the check engine light comes on. The ball joint broke off the axle, luckily I was only parking or the garage said if I was driving it at the time of the break, I and my children would have been killed. I feel Dodge should fix this car for free because obviously there should have been a recall about why the ck. Engine light is always on. The ball joint thing was a recall.

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  Hot and fun car to drive - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By INFERNO - June 14 - 9:08 am

  I just bought this car brand new excellent performance, ride, and comfort and nicely priced for a brand new car. You will not be disappointed.

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  Avenger is a great Car - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Michael - May 30 - 10:36 pm

  I bought a Dodge Avenger from online photos and I must admit, I did not go crazy when I first saw it. However, when I drove this car I really fell in love with it. It handles really well, and I have the power to pass and go when I need it no problem. I also like the extra elecrical outlets and cup holders, the fold down seats and the huge trunk on a good sized car. Not too big, not too small. Just right. The price is fabulous I dare anyone to compare this car with anything in its size on the road today.

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  Avenger SXT - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Mike M. - April 27 - 12:36 am

  I am very pleased with my new Avenger SXT, The car is equipped with the standard 2.4L engine and is very economical. I gave my Avenger the ultimate test by buying it in the Motor City and driving it 2,000 miles home. With the speed control set at 65MPH, the car attained a high mileage of 39 MPG with an overall average of 36.5 MPG I was amazed at the great highway mileage. The car was quite comfortable for the trip. I am impressed with the styling. After owning a 99 Inrepid this car made a good alternative for a high mileage car. The lifetime drive train warranty is also impressive.

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  not to bad - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By marc_usmc - April 18 - 7:51 pm

  I had to have this car as soon as I saw it. It does tend to have a lot of belt and O2 sensor problems but after 160k and lots of racing and double clutching my tranny is in perfect condition you get out of it what you put into on if you take care of It you dont have too many problems. The most expensive thing I did to it was replace a control arm. But it is very hard to find custom parts for it I had to fabricate some stuff my self. And it gets horrible gas mileage. The turbocharged es has some serious balls though

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  Consider the Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Matt - April 12 - 12:10 pm

  After 5000 miles I can definitely say that the Avenger is a car worth buying. My R/T is sufficiently fast although not especially fuel efficient. I mean, 14 mpg is really below average (mostly city driving). Still, the car is a head turner, drives well, comes with AWD and is perfectly fine for the daily commute while still being relatively affordable. Seats have been updated (lucky for those of you who buy after July 07) and are significantly more comfortable. I recommend the car to anyone who wants to original, while still getting a good car. Reports say that the SXT and SE trims are not worth your money. The R/T is more well endorsed. Good Luck

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  Dodge avenger - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Dice - April 11 - 1:08 pm

  I got my avenger when i was 18 and it is a 1000 times better than the ford I had before it. The avenger has great power for what it is and for its size. I enjoy driving the car everyday. I want to try the new avengers but I dont like the way the body looks on the new avengers though.

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  great car - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By ziggy445 - April 4 - 6:38 pm

  I bought this car new, and I do all my own maintenance. People will drive a car, not notice that it needs maintenance, and when it finally craps out, they blame the car. The only problems had were minor, and taken care of while the car was in warranty. The engine runs great, but working on it can be challenging, like removing the intake plenum to change plugs. After all the miles, there are some fluid leaks, but I will keep adding fluid until I can get the time to fix it. Overall, I cant imagine a car lasting better for the amount I drive.

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  Looks awesome, fun to drive! - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By aresauburn - April 2 - 8:09 pm

  A great car that is very fun to drive. The 6 cylinder sounds good, but I wish late 90s cars such as these made more power. However, if you treat this car well, keep it maintained routinely, it will run reliably and look awesome!

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  Transmission problems make it unsafe - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Mike Brown - March 1 - 3:40 pm

  For the first few months that I had my new Avenger, I loved it. Then came the cold weather, and with it an unrepairable transmission problem. Less than 5 miles into any drive on a freeway, the RPMs shoot from the standard 2000 to 6000. And its as though someone downshifted to first gear. It takes all the power the car has to get to the shoulder. Once restarted, the car performs fine for the rest of the trip. Leaving it with the service department wont help as they wont be able to recreate the problem. And even if they could, since the engine light doesnt come on with a transmission error, the onboard computer wont register the problem.