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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  I love my Avenger - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By smitgerty - June 15 - 2:35 pm

  Ive owned my 2008 avenger for 9 months now and I have not had a problem with her. In fact, the avenger is such a looker, Ive actually had several strangers stop and compliment the car. How fun is that?

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  From Mercedes to a Dodge - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Vengance - June 11 - 9:47 pm

  I have owned a dozen Mercedes,and still have 2. The one I drove most is a 4.5L V8 SL. I went on a new car shopping weekend, determined for another Mercedes. Some how ended up liking the looks of the Avenger. Took a test drive, actually 3, at 3 different dealers. Fell in LOVE. I dont know if others who wrote reviews bought earlier in the year, but mine was made a month before I bought it. Performance is phenominal! I found my self speeding,ALOT. Coming from a V8 I am impressed. It is a 4cylinder mind you and only 2.4L. Mine has the VVT engine, could be the difference. Interior and trunk space HUGE. Edmunds is wrong on "MY" Avenger. Electronics and kid friendliness AWESOME!Sports car/mini van

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  Trim in the interior - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By tbarlow - June 4 - 11:39 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Avenger SXT. Love it except for the chrome/silver trim around and on the gear shifter. During the day, the sun comes in and reflects off the trim and right into the my face. I find I have to place my check book or wallet next to the gear shifter to keep the sun out of my eyes while driving. I also end up driving with my hand on the shifter so the sun wont reflect up.

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  Great Vehicle - Great Mileage - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By bluemoon - May 25 - 10:35 pm

  I get 29 to 31 mpg on the highway with my RT, with a 35 and 6 speed trans. Power when you need it.

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  Wonderful Older Car To Own - 1996 Dodge Avenger
  By Arthur Johnny-john - April 25 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased this 1996 Dodge Advenger ES used from a buddy of mine this spring, he no longer wanted it because it needs a little of everything fixed or replaced due to its age. He also had a family now and it doesnt quite "fit" the familys purpose either, so I got it for $800.00 and have been driving it daily now for about 2 months now. It handles like a dream! Excellent power for having 180,000 miles on it and I plan on investing a lot of money into it to bring it back to better-than showroom... Im going to make it my dream project summer vehicle!

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  Youve got to drive it - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By fast is to slow... - April 13 - 9:50 am

  During the test drive, I was somewhat skeptical. But after 20 minutes on the road, I realized this is a really nice car. Maybe not as quick as some, but the looks are super. The vehicle handles extremely well. The mileage is good as long as you dont get heavy on the gas pedal. The interior is a little stark but functional. I must admit for the money the vehicle is road worthy and I am happy with my choice.

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  good car - 1995 Dodge Avenger
  By bkr2010 - March 20 - 9:19 am

  I have this car about a year and when we bought it the motor was shot and it did not run so we went and bought a new morto and put it in and i have only had a couple little things go wrong i had to change the brakes in the alot, I hade one tran seal brake on me bu other than change the oil and check the fluids i have dorve this car to alot of different states and she still going you would be happy if you bought the attract attetion to your self

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  Excellent buy - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By dwalk - March 8 - 2:33 pm

  When I first saw the Avenger, I must admit I wasnt too much impressed. Went to test drive one and got the car the same day. For a 4cylinder it has great take off and the ride is very smooth. If you want a Charger, but dont want the price and gas mileage, get the Avenger. The car dosent burn hardly any gas, you can ride in style for days.

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  Great Car! Fun to Drive - 2009 Dodge Avenger
  By Ancona - February 27 - 10:25 am

  This is my first car so I can be accused of not being experienced, but I will say from what I can tell. The car is great. It rides smoot and quiet. Very comfortable and has plenty of space for passangers and cargo. It could stand to have some buttons moved around like the hands free button on the left side instead of the right. Overall great car. I love it and plan taking good care of it.

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  Love it - 2008 Dodge Avenger
  By James - January 31 - 7:59 am

  We bought this avenger to travel. Using Amsoil synthetic oil we are running around 40 MPG. We love the car. Very nice sound system. Large trunk and tires larger than the competitors. Very nice design. I have been around performance cars and rebuild engines a very long time and this is a very nice car. Rated #1 in crash tests.