Dodge Avenger Midsize | Compact

DESCRIPTION

Pros:

Strong V6 engine
Good balance of handling and ride
Quiet interior
Fit and finish of interior
Multiple powertrain options
Envious resale value

Cons:

Weak 4-cylinder engine
Trunk isn't very large

Ruling: The 2011 Dodge Avenger falls to the low-end of the class that is full of competitors that are much better with regards to exterior styling, engine responsiveness with the base engine, and value.

For 2011, Dodge gave the Avenger a mild refresh, with a slightly revamped exterior, higher-quality interior materials, new suspension and a more powerful optional V6.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is available in four trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, LUX and Heat. A top-of-the-line R/T trim level debuted in April 2011 as a 2012 model, which Dodge plans to start selling in the third quarter of 2011.

Dodge offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the Express, Mainstreet and Lux trims. A 3.6-liter V6 is standard on the Heat trim and optional on the Lux. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the base Express trim, while the Mainstreet, LUX and Heat trims come standard with a six-speed automatic. The upcoming R/T model will get the same 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic as the Heat model.

Standard interior features include a four-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, auxiliary audio input jack and power windows and locks.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-1 of 1

[Aug 18, 2011]

Derek

Model Reviewed: Avenger Mainstreet

Strength:

Fit and finish of the cabin has is excellent. Cheap plastic and gaudy trim has been replaced with lots of soft touch surfaces and materials of good quality. The cabin has zero squeaks or rattles and the base car stereo sounds surprisingly good.

Ride quality is on the soft side with a and the Michelin Primacy MXV4 all-season tires grip really well.

Weakness:

Rental car stigma associated with the Avenger. Even the cabin smells like a rental car.

So-so fuel economy from a 4-cylinder engine that underperforms. Driven softly the Avenger can get 25 mpg overall with mostly highway driving and slow/steady accelerations. Unfortunately, the anemic powered 2.4L 4-cylinder engine needs a lot flogging to get up to speed. Engagement with the 6-speed automatic transmission isn't 100% smooth, either.

Trunk space is on the smallish side. The fender wells intrude upon the limited trunk space and the opening after folding the rear seats isn't very wide.

The 2011 Avenger is okay as a daily driver with its quiet and comfortable interior. Spending time inside the Avenger isn't so bad with its sound system and cushy cloth seats. Just don't have any expectations of driving a sporty car unless you choose the optional V6 engine.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry

OVERALL RATING	3	★★★★★ ★★★★★

VALUE RATING	3	★★★★★ ★★★★★