2008 DODGE AVENGER SXT
- Type: Four-door mid-size sedan
- Base Price: $24,095; as tested, $27,395
- Engine: 2.4-litre, inline-four, DOHC
- Horsepower/Torque: 173 hp/166 lb-ft
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic
- Drive: Front-wheel-drive
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 9.7 city/6.6 highway; regular gas
- Alternatives: Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura
There's no mistaking its DNA — the Avenger is clearly a Dodge.
It's the latest addition to the brand's expanding lineup, which includes the Ram, the Charger, the Magnum and the Caliber. Like its siblings, the 2008 Avenger carries Dodge's trademark menacing, macho look and is equally as recognizable on the road.
Dodge's crosshair grille tops off the Avenger's muscular look. (Petrina Gentile for The Globe and Mail)
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The Avenger competes in a crowded mid-size sedan market, but its styling and price distinguish it from the competition. At only $21,995, the base SE model is well-equipped with standard features such as dual front airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags, an engine immobilizer, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, power doors, windows, and mirrors, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Unfortunately, the base model doesn't have four-wheel disc ABS or electronic stability control.
My tester, an SXT, starts at $24,095, and adds ABS brakes, a power eight-way driver's seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Optional equipment improves the cabin, yet won't break the bank. A convenience group package comes with power heated mirrors, heated front seats and a remote start system for only $495. A sport appearance package adds fog lamps and a trunk lid spoiler for $390. As tested, my SXT rings in at $27,395.
The top-of-the-line Avenger is the R/T, which costs $28,895. It has more power than the other trims with a 3.5-litre V-6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, leather seats, heated front seats, a six-disc CD/DVD/MP3 radio, dual exhaust with chrome tips, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. All-wheel drive can be added to this model for an extra $2,000.
The Avenger's hard-hitting design succeeds at capturing your attention. Dodge's signature crosshair grille, athletic rear shoulders, a short deck lid, aggressive quarter-panel design and sculpted wheel openings give it a muscular stance. Sharp angles and tinted glass windows really mean business. Top it off with my tester's attractive marathon blue pearl colour and you have a winning combination.
Thanks to the Avenger's tall roofline, the front and rear passengers have excellent headroom. The rear seats could use a bit more padding, especially on long drives. The front bucket seats are cushy, but could benefit from more lumber support.
The seats are covered with a cloth material that Chrysler's dubbed YES Essentials. Basically, it's a stain-resistant, odour-resistant, anti-static fabric, which makes for easy cleaning after any spills or accidents — it's a mother's best friend when you're travelling with several kids in the car. The cargo area is nice and deep with 368 litres of space.
The dashboard layout is simple and straightforward. It's somewhat plastic in appearance, but it doesn't detract from the interior. Chrome accents on the shifter, door handles and climate control knobs, add an upscale feel to the cabin. As does my tester's leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls mounted behind the spokes. The white gauges with red pointers in the instrument panel are easy to read.
There are plenty of useful compartments for small and large items alike including innovative features like a beverage storage bin called Chill Zone. It'll keep up to four small water bottles chilled for several hours.
The heated and cooled front cup holders work well at keeping your cup of coffee hot or can of coke cold. Rear cup holders in the foldout armrest and bottle holders in the door panels are handy for storing extra beverages.
I do, however, miss a sunroof in my SXT tester; more natural light in the cabin would be nice. A sunroof is optional along with other equipment such as a rear-seat video entertainment system and Sirius Satellite radio.
The SXT doesn't have as much power as the top-trim R/T, but it's still sufficient for getting around town. A 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine delivers 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the engine is a four-speed automatic. There's no manual mode option. Personally, I'd prefer a six-speed automatic like the one found on the R/T.
The SXT's ride isn't overly exciting. At times, it's a bit rough — potholes and other degradations in the road resonate through the cabin. When pushed, engine noise is pronounced, too. Thick rear pillars and small windows also hamper visibility.
But what the Avenger lacks in speed and driving dynamics, it makes up for in fuel economy savings. The four-door sedan is rated 9.7 litres/100 km city and 6.6 highway. I averaged 8.1 L/100 km combined city and highway driving. And regular fuel is all that's required — another added bonus.
The Avenger is also kid friendly with a child seat anchor system, child seat upper tether anchors and rear child protection door locks. All doors also automatically lock when you start accelerating; it's an excellent safety feature I especially love when driving at night, although I know most men dread it.
The value-packed Avenger is the latest Dodge to grace Canadian streets. And like its siblings, it's impossible to ignore on the road.
Like
- Price
- Aggressive exterior styling
- Plenty of standard safety features
- Optional packages reasonably priced
Don't like
- Rear visibility impaired
- ABS not on base model
- Only a four-speed automatic transmission
