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:

• 

  New Avenger - 2010 Dodge Avenger
  By John Mech - December 11 - 7:28 pm

  I just got this 2010 White Gold Avenger 2 days ago, so I have not driven it too much. 100 miles so far. I like the car so far. Very quiet, solid. This is a new color for Dodge for 2010.

• 

  This Dodge Avenger has been so unreliable - 2014 Dodge Avenger
  By William - December 8 - 5:45 am

  I bought my 2014 Dodge Avenger brand new and it has been in the shop on a regular at least twice a year. It is a lemon! I would not buy one if I were you! The Alternator alone was $600.00 with parts and labor. They had to build an entire new Ignition system that was not covered under any warranty so out of pocket another $1000.00!!!! Then the fuel injection stopped firing properly so another out of pocket $700.00! And now I turn the key this morning and nothing ! Battery is good ! Looks like another electrical issue with the ignition system. Totally unreliable car! I had to buy a used Honda just to have something reliable. My little honda has 175,000 miles on it and it is way more reliable than this Dodge Avenger!

• 

  2008 dodge avenger 2.7 - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By quoc - November 29 - 8:00 pm

  got car 7/2008, drive great in first few mths. in fall 2008 car start stall 2 time in traffic light, transmission shift with high rpm and one tank of gas drives for only 300km. i brought to the dealer and they said its normal until i found out that they have a recall for "G-23 on 06/01/2007 TIPM reflash for A/T shift concern." but my dealer wont do it because my vin number is not on the recalled list so i brought to another dealer and they agreed to look at it and upload my PCM controller and they programmed a new one since then the car has been running great and one tank average 500km and shifting is very smooth in the cold weather and no more stalling.

• 

  Owners love this car. - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Nail - November 23 - 6:05 pm

  Have made several trips in this car and love it. Excellent looks quiet ride, great pick up, steering excellent, good solid car feel. If you read "professional" reviews you would believe they were in a different car.

• 

  still enjoyable - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Steve - November 20 - 4:14 pm

  I bought my Avenger new in 1997 with the 5 speed and 4 cyl. Its been amazingly reliable over the years with the only real issue with the tie rods/ball joints. It still has the original stainless steel exhaust/muffler! It still gets 32-34 miles per gallon. The 5 speed makes it fun to drive, although more horsepower and better brakes have made it even better. Even taught 2 kids how to drive stick with it (one of them learned while driving on the track at Road America) and still have the original clutch. Indy red color and best year for fron end fascia make it an eye appealing car even today.

• 

  Surprisingly Fun to Drive - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Gary in Dayton, OH - November 17 - 8:34 pm

  This is the first Chrysler product I have ever owned. I have always had four cylinder, mainly manual transmission econocars. Most of the cars were imports too. I was put off at first by the negative consumer magazine reviews of the Avenger. However, after I took it out for a long test ride, I was surprised how well it handled and accelerated. It corners really well for a car of its size and weight. I really appreciate the kick of the six cylinder as I enter highways. I no longer live in fear of getting mowed down by semi trucks in the slow lane. I bought the car primarily for its looks but have not been disappointed by its reliability, performance and fuel economy. Critics be damned!!

• 

  Problems not solved - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Marie - November 12 - 7:24 pm

  May 19,2009 I traded in a 2002 Dodge Intrepid for the 2009 Dodge Avenger. Nothing wrong with the Intrepid, now I wish I"d of kept it. The second month I had it I noticed some white areas appearing on the driver inside panel door. Called Cryslers 800 number & they said I should go to the dealer, which I have made 6 trips to them now. They say I need to wash it off each time it appears. It is Nov.12,2009 I am very disappointed & am not a happy customer. A brand new car should not be doing this. As a woman, appearance means a lot to me. They said I notice it because it is black vinyl, all cars have it. What a lame excuse. We will be replacing a Van soon, it will not be with a Chrysler product.

• 

  Works for me - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Rich - November 6 - 1:45 pm

  I purchased my Avenger this summer after driving SUVs for the past 8 years, and I couldnt be happier for the price I paid. I wasnt looking for anything too fancy, just something that would get me around with better MPG than my previous SUV. My wife drives a Stratus, so I knew what to expect from Dodge. Ive taken it on long trips and commute about 30 total miles each day.....havent had any problems so far (knock on wood). Still getting compliments on the looks, especially when its washed and shiny.

• 

  Really poor quality vehicle - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Rick - November 1 - 7:11 pm

  I bought the Avenger thinking it would be a great commuter/family car. I was wrong. The car has been in the dealer 12 time with issues, stranding me on the freeway twice in 42000 miles. Tranny shifts like crap, trunk poors water inside when opened, creaks and rattles all over, hard to clean and maintain. AC has gone out, 2 sets of front roters ready for a third. Time to pay it off and trade it in.

• 

  Dont do it! - 2013 Dodge Avenger
  By Kumacho - October 28 - 4:18 am

  I have had more than 25 cars in my life. Of those I have purchased 5 new cars. This is the worst new car I have ever owned and one of the worst overall cars I have ever owned. It overheated within 5,000 miles of ownership. An orange grime appeared in the overflow tank and when I took it to the dealership they told me they had seen it numerous times and it was casting material that had not been completely flushed from the system at the factory. The cruise control would refuse to turn on at times and the dealership could never reproduce it so it never was repaired. It just became an issue I had to “live with”. Fit and finish is mediocre at best. The plastic surrounding the radio and middle vents in the dash never matched and again, the dealership stated replacing it wouldn’t change the gaps or the poor fit. The car had a surge from the day I bought it. It also would start up and surge after a cold start, as if it were running too lean. After three new releases of programing for the engine management computer the surge was still there. It would surge at 25-35 mph and at 60ish mph. For 178 horse power this car has undesirable and inexcusable torque steer. Leave a light from a stop and the car will pull hard right. Leave the light under hard acceleration and if you don’t have ahold of the wheel you will do an un-commanded lane change in short order. The transmission never shifted smoothly. Going uphill it would hunt for a gear. Each time the transmission changes gears the torque steer pulls on the steering so going up a hill you are constantly correcting. The airbag warning light went off at 50,000 miles. Source was a terrible design by Dodge. There is a bungee cord pulling down on the wire bundle that leads to the headrest airbags. Place a 220 pound man in the driver’s seat with this bungee cord pulling on the wires and you get broken wires. Doesn’t take an engineer to figure that one out. Overall – Poor design, poor build quality, poor economy, horrible dealer support (or lack thereof) and a car that appears to be built to die in 5 years or less. *UPDATE* Chrysler has stopped production on the Dart, 200 and Avenger. These platforms were substandard compared with others in the same class. Since I created this review; I have traded the Avenger for a Nissan Altima. I traded it with the same company that has sold me my last 5 cars. The best they would offer me for trade was $5,600. Trouble from the day I purchased it, poor MPG, mediocre quality and a horrid resale value.