CD Article: 2008 Dodge Avenger

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:

Dodge's new front-wheel drive mid-size Avenger sedan has the same platform and powertrain options as the new Chrysler Sebring but is more aggressively styled, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams.  Starting at a very reasonable $21,995, the 2008 Avenger is offered with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine options, including a "flex-fuel" V6 that runs on E85 ethanol fuel. "The Dodge Avenger is an attractively designed and distinctive car," says Williams, but "the absence of standard anti-lock brakes on all trim levels is unfortunate," he says.
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[Demosthenes X]

I seem to be in the minority of those that like the styling.  It stands out from what we've seen recently (although I must admit, the new Camry and Accord concept are very distinct, too).  The engine choices, I think, are lacking - I've never heard of anyone having trouble with the Accord's 2.4L, and it has less power than the new Chrysler mill.  I also expect more than 190hp out of any V6...

*shrug*

That said, the SXT sounds like a well priced, decent performing midsize car, with V6 power for a lot less than its competition.  And the R/T actually sounds like a very able machine - if they offered the R/T with AWD and a six-speed manual, I could see it competing with the likes of the WRX and CSX-S.

[Seafoam]

I like the styling as well and think it looks much better than it's sister
Sebring. Chrysler can't seem to make a smooth fuel efficient 4 like Honda and Toyota so most people will probably opt for a more gas guzzling V6.It will probably compete more with the Fusion and the G6
more so than the imports.

[tpl]

"Chrysler can't seem to make a smooth fuel efficient 4 like Honda and Toyota "

Strange that... with all of M-B resources... why don't they just put the 4 from the M-B C class in the car.

[Seafoam]

"Chrysler can't seem to make a smooth fuel efficient 4 like Honda and Toyota "

Strange that... with all of M-B resources... why don't they just put the 4 from the M-B C class in the car.

It's probably the money thing instead they use a mitsubishi/hyundai
powerplant

[johngenx]

"Chrysler can't seem to make a smooth fuel efficient 4 like Honda and Toyota "

Strange that... with all of M-B resources... why don't they just put the 4 from the M-B C class in the car.

MB sells terrific four bangers, known for being as smooth a six and very economical.  But, I wonder about the cost of production.  I can't speak to the latest MB fours, but the older iron-block M111 and it's cousins were pretty pricey to build thanks to over-engineering.  Forged steel cranks, forged pistons, huge bearings, dual-row timing chains, and so on, made them expensive, even in the large quantities they were produced. Trying to make one inexpensive enough to drop into a $22K Dodge might not be feasible.  But, they do have the FWD four cylinder driveline in the B-Class, so they might have brought costs down.

[Arthur Dent]

I also expect more than 190hp out of any V6...

Its only a 2.7L though with the others have 3.0-3.5L V6s. Kind of a in between a four and a bigger six for those that want some torque but better mileage I suppose. The four banger sounds like it would be an excellent motor for a smaller car but just overworked by the weight of this car - probably better just to offer the two sixes. No manual option is a little sad but it doesn't sound like much a driver's car anyway.