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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  Pretty good car - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By fidesetratio - February 25 - 10:37 pm

  Ive had the Avenger now for about 8 months and its really nice. All the negative things that Edmunds says arent entirely true. Its pretty powerful for a 4 cylinder and being so heavy, were not drag racing it, it accelerates and merges onto the highway just fine. I havent had any problems with it not starting or cutting out, actually Ive had no mechanical problems at all with it. All around, its a solid midsize car. Great on gas, (just took it 1400 miles on highway, 32mpg average) looks good, has plenty of room and feels right at home on the highway. It is heavy, so you cant take a 90 degree turn at 40, thats just unsafe anyways. If youre commuter with a family, its a great car!

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  just bought it and i hate it - 1999 Dodge Avenger
  By marc2789 - February 21 - 11:06 pm

  the car is a decent car but has way too many problems the car does have some power to it which i like but the cars brake burn out way too quick the transmission does not shift good at all after a couple of days the car clunks on every single bump (i know what that problem is) too much ride noise cant see that good out the back window i mean come on not everyone is that tall i do like the power everything sunroof but that dont matter if after every stop sign your car dont move and also after reading all the dangers from other websites i would not recommend it at all

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  more improvement needed - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By mossygalaxy - January 16 - 11:37 pm

  i bought my dodge avenger on 12/24/08, likes the body style, drives smooth but the car stopped like twice in middle of driving without warning, still confused about that b/c i dont have the owner manual. Also i will like to know the type of gas the car uses{ie unleaded,super or premium}b/c it is not mentioned any where in my car, p/s reply on review if you can help . be bless,

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  So many problems - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By Marissa - December 23 - 12:25 am

  I purchased this car brand new and since then Ive had nothing but problems with it. Ive had 4 recalls fixed. Also, I had to get my speakers replaced because they were making noises. The exterior of the car is great. However, the car has horrible blind spots and the gear shift causes horrible glaring when the sun hits it. Also, when it gets snowy and cold outside, my car shuts off by itself when I come to a stop. It happens about once a day under these conditions. Ive taken it to the shop numerous times but they say that everything is working fine and they cant find a problem. This is the second winter Ive had the car and it still does it. It shutters and then shuts off by itself.

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  The truth... - 1998 Dodge Avenger
  By ptr1ck - December 18 - 7:48 pm

  I purchased this car 2 years ago, it has been great. I now have almost 150,000 on the ticker and its still going strong. Could use some more power but overall its really not as bad as many want to say. I am about to purchase a BMW and am sad to see this car go. I have had some issue with the sun roof popping but I dont even want to mess with that.

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  Mopar Man - 2013 Dodge Avenger
  By Robert Bane - December 11 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my 2013 Avenger as a left over in March of 2014 with only 15 miles on the odometer. My first experience as a Dodge owner was with a 1996 Intrepid that my wife thought looked pretty nice and said I should try it out. It had 45,000 miles when I purchased it and I drove it for the next twelve years and when I finally gave it up it had 325,000 miles on it. Naturally I was drawn to the Dodge brand and the Avenger was a sporty looking car and I needed something to teach my daughter how to drive in. My other kids got to drive the Intrepid. I really wanted the Charger, but opted for the smaller sized car. Still not a bad choice. I opted for the 3.6L V6 engine since that was what my Intrepid had in it and have never been disappointed. the only problem I have encountered was when the car was about three months old, the transmission seemed to lock up one time as I was rolling to a stop sign. I couldnt get it to go into gear, but after towing it to the dealer and having them check it out, they found nothing and it never happened again. I now have almost 100,000 miles, I drive it a lot, have been through two sets of tires, change my own oil every 5,000 miles religiously and keep it a clean as I can living in North East Ohio. Its a blast to drive on the twisting up and down roads even in the snow. One of my co-workers drives a Subaru and he couldnt keep up with me one night. Sometimes you get bad cars, sometimes you get good cars. I work in the Auto industry and all the parts come from the same bin no matter who buys them. If you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you. If you like a sporty car, not too big or small with lots of power, this is your ride.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!!