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:

• 

  I want to scream - 1995 Dodge Avenger
  By fink - July 21 - 10:12 pm

  I love this car. Its exactly what I wanted, until I bought it. Ever since I got this car, Ive had nothing but problems with it. Tires, brake, fuel pump, sensors, and now theres something wrong with the transmisson. It never goes into gears and it eats gas like crazy! However, when it does work, I love it.

• 

  Avenger - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Joy - July 13 - 5:20 pm

  I bought my Avenger over a year ago and have loved it. I have 115000 miles on it. I love the front, how fast and sporty it looks. It is very comfortable and Ive only had to do minimal repairs. The door handles are a problem. Im developing a kind of shudder when the car shifts now. Im looking into the cause.

• 

  KING OF 96 - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By WDunn2807 - May 12 - 8:56 am

  This car is my baby. My real only problem is the engine went out. Something in the cam and instead of finding the problem just had it replaced. That was a hefty $1400. And there really isnt much wrong with this car. If you want proof go and drive another car that is a 96. There you go thats all you need. For a 1996 car this thing owns the road.

• 

  Has run like a champ - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Chip Wade - May 8 - 1:14 pm

  I bought the car with 11k miles. Has run great and always been reliable. Just now starting to need engine work, 6 years later. Either it goes through brake pads quickly or I do.ha I do have some nasty paint oxidation but the may be thanks to the Missouri DOT and their salt. Have broken both door handles twice. Do not take to the dealer to fix them they charge $100s when you can buy and replace yourself for $40 and a couple of beers. Overall, great car. Great for tall people like myself. I have heard and witnessed shorter people not being able to check blind spots very well. No real complaints. But time for a new car. Great car for a high school kids 1st car these days.

• 

  Thank goodness for mopar "Mo"! - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By Jewels - May 1 - 11:51 pm

  Well, I actually just got into a serious accident with this car. Poor Mo (I always name my cars) was writen off when a lady hit me after failing to stop for a stop sign. The car is in rough shape! I walked away with literally only a bruise to speak of. The car saved me! I mean I loved this car, how could you not? This is one hot lookin car! Even though it was eight years old I always had people stopping and asking me about my car, commenting on how the exhaust sounded or how the engine purred. Now begins the hunt to find another Avenger.

• 

  My 2008 Avenger R/T - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Matt - April 7 - 9:40 am

  I drive a 100 miles a day to and from work. So far I have only 1400 miles on my R/T but I love this car. The performance and looks makes driving fun again. Its comfortable and very driver friendly.

• 

  Love my Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By veepersgirl - February 26 - 11:36 am

  I never thought I would go back to a car after driving an SUV, but this car changed my mind. It is fun to drive, sporty and comfortable. The only downfall that I have found is that the fuel mileage is not so good in town.

• 

  I love it - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Justin - January 20 - 4:46 pm

  I got this in summer 05 it is such a beautiful car that looks like its worth a lot more than it really is. It needs more all-around power, you only feel the most power uphill. Otherwise it is very fun to drive, and it has great handling. It is very reliable I havent had any problems since I got it its at 97,656 miles

• 

  Best Car Ever - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Rach8121 - January 13 - 10:58 pm

  My Dad bought this car for me when I was 15. 5 years later it has treated me so well and I, well it was my first car I put it through hell. I had 90,000 miles with a new transmission (I said I was REALLY rough on it) and no real problems. Easy to do basic maintanence on. I was recently in an accident and unfortunately my baby was totaled but let me tell you, that car SAVED MY LIFE! Every inch of that car was smashed except where it matters, where I was sitting! I loved that car and am looking at getting another one.

• 

  Love It - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By David - January 13 - 8:43 pm

  Very sharp looking with a 3/4 Charger look. Rides firm, solid without being harsh. 6 speed automatic shifts quickly and smooth with no lag between gears. Mileage is same as advertised. Full of features like the upper bin that keeps soda cans cool and the hot or cold beverage holder in the console. Both ways work excellent. Interior lighting at night is awesome - almost like high end aircraft! ATC keeps temperature inside constant, no dialing up or down needed once you find your comfort zone. 3.5 engine is quiet and the exhaust has a really cool, high performance sound.