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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  Good Buy - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By silvercars1999 - September 2 - 2:15 pm

  25MPG in the city with a V6! Cant ask for much more. Runs good. Interior leather is nice. Jerky transmission. Had to replace transmission sensor, but still stutters between 3rd & 4th. Sounds nice through a good muffler. Surprising trunk space. Could have made the opening a little bigger. Has a growing aftermarket. Basicly a bigger Eclipse.

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  A few problems but I am happy! - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By Adam - August 19 - 2:08 am

  Right when I bought the car I had to put an alternator on it. There are a few other things I had to buy, but what do you expect, the car had 151,000 miles on it. The road noise is very loud. To fix it I bought some better speakers to quiet down the noise. The power steering pump makes al ot of noise as well. That will be the next thing to go out. I think the rims should be recalled, the clear coat is peeling off and looking really nasty. If you like the outside of a car buy it. That is what I did, and I am glad I did!

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  Great handling - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By docdocmurdoc - August 7 - 3:50 am

  I have had this car for about 3000 miles now. I love it. The 3.5 HO V-6 is great. It has fast take off speed. I can take 90 degree corners at almost 50 mph. The leather is comfortable, the interior led lights look nice. So far I dont like my mpg, but I am still beating on the car. I average 27mpg with cruise on the free-way. It city is where I need the help. I am a little hard on it, so I am getting close to 11mpg. I will lighten up in time. So far everything is well up to my expectations. I have the RT loaded except for the navigation. Very pleased with this car.

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  A fine first car - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By jmoy - July 24 - 5:15 pm

  The Avenger was my first car out of college, and its still going at 140,000 miles (9yrs.). It corners nimbly, and possesses great sport styling. Its athletic veneer, however, belies its pedestrian engine performance Its pretty slow from 0- 60. unless youre drag racing, It boasts sufficient passing power on freeways. The tranny has given me fits: I replaced it at 95K and am starting to have problems again at 140K. I also replaced the water pump once and all the 02 sensors twice now. Overall, however, its been a fairly decent car. I think it can last another year plus.

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  Swishers review - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By swishersplitter - July 19 - 2:37 am

  This is a great car. Too bad the 6-cylinder didnt come in a stick, but the 2.0 liter DOHC 4 cylender is fun too. I heard some bad things about them, but I have loved mine and never had any major problems. You can mod the engine with Eclipse parts since Mitsubishi makes them both.

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  Reliable...but falling apart - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By David James C - July 7 - 10:52 am

  The Avenger was the pick for my ex - and I got stuck with it, while she took the new RAV 4. Smart. The Avenger is reliable, always starting, but acceleration and performance seems to decrease year after year. I put oversided fat tires on it, and it looks and handles very well . The seating is very uncomfortable and the electric fore/aft died, but the cabin still looks good. CD function died, but the premium sound system is still good. The tranny seems to be going now. Front end was replaced by the previous owner. A/C died, holds vacuum, but cannot find leak after recharging three times. The next day its dead. See a trend here? Time to sell it while it still looks good.

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  Could be great - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Dennis - June 8 - 9:46 pm

  This car certainly is an eye catcher which is why it sits in my driveway. My RT is black with chrome wheels and the spoiler. Lots of little goodies like the heat and cool cup holder, tire pressure monitor, fuel mileage monitor, remote start, autodim mirror with home link, Sirius satellite, and a few other things.

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  Looks good, but beware of repairs - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Dan - May 2 - 3:28 pm

  I have had my avenger for 2 years now and I have put over $3,000 into it (not including routine maintance. Ive had 4 new struts, 2 control arms, 3 tires, 2 rims, front brakes, hole in exhaust, and new locks. Now the sunroof is broken, radio reception is terrible, leak near drivers door, and my interior lights and some warning lights (low gas) dont work. The tires and rims are very expensive to replace and a tune-up and timing belt will run $300 and $500. The turning radius is also terrible and the V6 engine sounds strained.

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  2008 Dodge Avenger RT - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By James - April 26 - 9:46 am

  Got the brilliant black Dodge Avenger RT back in October. Got the MyGiG navigational system, along with the chrome rims. This car looks nice, very nice. I have nothing but high praise for this car. Looks and drives just awesome. And the lifetime powertrain warranty is unbeatable. I would reccomend this car to everyone. Thanks Dodge.

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  In Love again - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Mr Macho - March 28 - 9:43 pm

  Upgraded from a Dodge Caliber to an Avenger RT 08. I needed more trunk space for my golf clubs and other items that the caliber could not help me with. I love the 235 horsepower (feels like more) and the way it feels around the turns. It looks good, it feels good, it drives good. I am in love again after 40. If you want fun, try driving one. I love the satellite radio, navigational system and the blue tooth. I gives you what it promises. Some might complaint about the MPG, but they forget, it is a V6 mean machine.