Dodge Avenger R/T

Reviewed by: Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com
Date: May 2007

Arrival Date:

The Avenger name has been resurrected, returning as a sporty four-door sedan. Earlier this spring, the all-new Avenger began trickling into dealerships.

Target audience:

The Avenger is targeted toward singles, young couples or families looking for a sporty sedan or a miniature Charger, packed with a lot of electronic gadgets – navigational system, a rear DVD entertainment system and an in-vehicle mobile personal computer.

Replaced:

This vehicle replaced the 2006 Stratus sedan.

What’s new:

The restyled Avenger is only available as a four door sedan.

Body type:

It’s a four-door vehicle.

Seating:

The Avenger is capable of seating five adults.

Popular Standard Features:

-Air condition

-Power Driver seat

-Power locks

-Power windows

-Remote Locks

-Cruise Control

-AM/FM/6-Disc CD/MP3 Player (standard on R/T model)

Safety Features/Awards:

-NHTSA ( National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):

*has not been rated at the time of review

-Air Bags side curtain, front and rear

-Daytime Running Lamps

-Tire Pressure Monitoring Display (option on test vehicle)

-ABS (included as an option on R/T model)

-Rear Window Defroster (standard on test vehicle)

-Remote Vehicle Start (standard on test vehicle)

-Remote Keyless Feature

-Electronic Stability Program Traction Control (option)

-Remote Starter (included as an option on test vehicle)

-Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls (standard on R/T model)

-All-Wheel-Drive (available on R/T model only)

Warranty:

Basic warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Powertrain warranty: 3 year or 36,000 mile (whichever comes first)

Maintenance Included: No

Towing Included: Yes

Engine/Gas Mileage:

2.4L 4-cylinder, 173 horsepower, 21 city/ 30 highway

2.7L 6-cylinder, 186 horsepower, 19 city/ 27 highway - flexible fuel option

3.5L 6-cylinder, 235 horsepower, 16 city/ 26 highway- front-wheel-drive

3.5L 6-cylinder, 235 horsepower, 15 city/ 24 highway - all-wheel-drive (featured test vehicle)

Fuel efficiency:

The Avenger offers a flexible fuel option, ethanol or regular fuel. Unfortunately, its rare consumers will drive pass a filling station, offering ethanol. Seeing that ethanol isn’t a feasible option for most consumers, the base 4-cylinder is more fuel efficient choice.

Looking forward:

Will Dodge return with a two-door version of the Avenger? As of now, there has been no confirmation from the new owners of Chrysler LLC. However, a SRT version of the Avenger may be in the pipeline, offering more horsepower under the hood.

Overall, I found a few things the engineers could consider improving. First Dodge should add lateral and lumbar support adjustments for the firm seats, providing a variety of settings. Next they should design an adjustable front center armrest, accommodating the optional rear seat entertainment system. As of now, opting for the rear seat entertainment system eliminates the sliding front center armrest, which helps to ensure the long-term comfort of both short and tall drivers. Including these minor changes, enhances the overall ownership experience of the all-new Avenger.

What’s so special:

If you always wanted a pint-sized Charger, the Avenger may be the car for you. If you can’t live without your iPhone or Blackberry, consider ordering Avenger’s MyGIG Multimedia System. This is Dodge’s first vehicle, offering the MyGIG system - an audio system, a customized screen saver, a MP3 connection for video games, a navigational system and a hard drive capable of storing over 1,000 digital musical files. This car is like having your own personal computer, rolling on wheels.

Oh yes, if you like to keep your beverage warm or cold, while navigating rush hour traffic, the heated and cool cup holder could also be a welcomed option, too. Additionally, Avenger’s standard Chill Zone, also seen as an in-glove box miniature refrigerator, offers occupants the ability to keep healthy snacks and energy drinks chilled, during those warm summer days.

How much:

The Avenger R/T reviewed by JeffCars.com listed for $21,030, before adding approximately $5,425 in options. The options on test vehicle included the Avenger’s Preferred Package – premium headliner, LED lighting for the instrument cluster with display screen, temperature and compass gauge, interior air filter, heated front seats, travel/mini computer, tire pressure monitoring display, a remote start system, a built in universal garage door opener and heated/cooled front cup holders.

Also the vehicle came with an electronic stability program, power sunroof, daytime running headlights, 18-inch chrome wheels and a rear seat video system. All of these options brought the total price of the Avenger R/T to $28,970.