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:

• 

  Never again - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By TRAVERS - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  I have an R/t 08 fully loaded.The car has been back to the dealer 4 times for excessive thumping and rattling in rear of vehicle.So far they have replaced the rear shocks and mounts twice.Still having same problem.The gas mileage is awful (16 mpg). Since owning the vehicle it has been in for service 7 times including 3 for recalls, and 1 time it was towed in because the computer went crazy and the car would not shift into gears properly. I bought the car brand new. I have had in for about 1 year, it only has 8,000 miles on it, and I can not wait to get rid of it. I do not want to be all negative the car does have some good qualities, but not enough to want to keep the car.

• 

  Dont just buy for looks. - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Epr7339 - January 10 - 5:36 pm

  Alright so this car is not worth it. I have the 2.4 and it wont get out of its own way. The radio is not good if you like to turn it up and have some fun. Rear drum brakes no abs? Really in 2008? For my money you can get a more from other companies. Maybe the V6 loaded up is fun Im sure but if youre in the market for the SE you are not going to be happy and have to look around and not just buy this car because you think it looks cool!

• 

  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 1997 Dodge Avenger
  By Devonne - October 3 - 11:18 pm

  I have not had the best of luck with this car. I have had it for a year and a half and I have had to replace the ball joint, both axles (twice), speed censor, crank shaft, breaks, fan belt, battery (twice), lower left control arm, shocks, struts, starting coil, fuel pump, the over drive went out, and so did the cruse control. I drove it for 9 months without problems but once the speed sensor went out it has been down hill from there. My mpg have been really bad, I only got 15 mpg even after a new fuel filter, air filter, and pump.

• 

  Who knows what tomorrow will bring? - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By tigerlily - June 24 - 10:05 am

  I got this car as a gift my senior year and fell in love with it immediately. Ive replaced the O2 sensors and the water pump twice (within a 6 month period of time), and after year 1 everything electric on the interior has one-by-one stopped working the dome light only works if Im entering through the passenger door and the stereo will randomly turn on and off. Ive paid for a very pricey tune up, replacing just about everything and that seemed to help nothing, the belts still slip and theres a tap that no one can seem to figure out. Last year i developed a temperamental oil leak, comes and goes and most recently at 100K its leaking transmission fluid.

• 

  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.

• 

  Good in the snow not in the show - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Ken - January 4 - 6:46 am

  When I initially purchased this vehicle I did not care for the interior, however I kept telling myself it is for the wife! And this was her choice! interior is low grade plasics that retain dirt! sheet metal is thin! almost that of a 70s japenese import and seats are extremely uncomfortable! exterior body style is on target, resembling its older more durable sibling the "Charger",

• 

  Hot yeah....no a/c. No room car seats - 2013 Dodge Avenger
  By L W - September 24 - 6:40 pm

  A/C goes out on these so we traded it in last week. Google and see goes out on this car. Also, forget car seats this car for three babies/toddlers....dont fit in.

• 

  Finally Rid of this Lemon - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Nellie03 - November 10 - 12:21 pm

  I cant imagine owning another Dodge. The transmission went out as soon as the warranty did. Ive gone through more ball joints and wheel bearings than gallons of gas it seems! Wiper fluid pump went out at 100,000. Exhaust leaked at 75K. Power Locks went out. Nothing but trouble, but is that really a surpise coming from Dodge? If its not a Hemi, its junk...

• 

  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!

• 

  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.